A truck accident can change your life in a heartbeat. One moment you’re on your usual commute or road trip through Anaheim, and the next, your world is turned upside down by a massive collision with a commercial truck. These aren’t your average fender-benders. When an 80,000-pound vehicle hits a standard passenger car, the results can be catastrophic—for your health, your finances, and your peace of mind. We’ve worked with countless victims of truck accidents who are left overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Unlike a typical car crash, truck accident claims are far more complex. There are multiple parties involved, serious injuries to address, and insurance companies ready to minimize your claim before you even get a chance to speak. That’s why having an experienced truck accident lawyer in Anaheim isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. We’re here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and fight for the fair settlement you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Anaheim
Truck accidents in Anaheim happen for a variety of reasons, and many of them stem from negligence—whether it’s the truck driver, the company, or even the people responsible for loading the cargo. One of the most common causes we see is driver fatigue. Truckers often work long hours under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, and despite strict federal regulations, some drivers and companies push beyond legal limits. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers involved in crashes were considered fatigued at the time of the accident. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and decision-making just like alcohol or drugs, and behind the wheel of a fully loaded truck, that danger increases significantly.
Distracted or impaired driving is another major concern. Whether it’s texting behind the wheel or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impaired judgment while operating a big rig is a recipe for disaster. The NHTSA reports that distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in the U.S. in 2021, and many of those fatal crashes involved large trucks. In California, driving under the influence remains a leading cause of serious roadway injuries and deaths, especially in urban areas like Anaheim, which see high volumes of traffic daily.
We’ve also seen serious truck accidents caused by speeding, reckless driving, and failure to yield, particularly on Anaheim’s busy highways like I-5 and SR-91. Larger trucks take longer to stop, and speeding only reduces the driver’s ability to react safely to changing road conditions or traffic patterns.
Poor vehicle maintenance is another common factor. Trucks require frequent inspection and service to stay safe on the road. FMCSA regulations require pre-trip and post-trip inspections, but not every company follows these protocols strictly. If brakes fail, tires blow out, or lights malfunction due to inadequate maintenance, the trucking company may be held responsible. According to FMCSA data, brake problems were a contributing factor in 29% of large truck crashes studied in its Large Truck Crash Causation Study.
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo is also a hidden danger. When cargo shifts unexpectedly or the load isn’t balanced, it can cause a truck to tip, jackknife, or become uncontrollable. In many of these cases, a third-party loading company—not the truck driver—is responsible.
Lastly, hazardous road conditions and poor weather, such as heavy rain or high winds, can amplify the risks. Anaheim, like much of Southern California, is not immune to flash flooding or sudden weather changes. Combine that with construction zones or worn infrastructure, and even a minor hazard can turn deadly when a large truck is involved.
Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Here’s where things get tricky—determining liability in a truck accident isn’t always straightforward. In fact, multiple parties could be responsible. The most obvious one is the truck driver, especially if they were speeding, distracted, fatigued, or impaired at the time of the crash.
But the driver isn’t always the only one at fault. The trucking company might be liable if they failed to properly train the driver, pressured them to break safety regulations, or neglected vehicle maintenance. Then there are parts manufacturers—if a defective brake, tire, or steering system contributed to the crash, they could be held accountable too.
Sometimes, third-party contractors responsible for loading the cargo are at fault, especially if the truck is overloaded or improperly balanced. Even government entities could share liability if poor road maintenance or faulty signage played a role. That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney who knows how to dig deep, investigate thoroughly, and connect the dots.
Injuries and Damages in Truck Accidents
The injuries caused by truck accidents are often life-altering. We’ve helped clients recover from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and more. These aren’t injuries you walk away from with a few bandages—they often require long-term medical care, surgeries, and physical therapy.
Aside from the physical toll, there’s also the emotional trauma. Many victims experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression after the crash. Add in the financial strain from lost wages, mounting medical bills, and the potential loss of future earning ability, and the true cost of a truck accident becomes clear. And let’s not forget the property damage—cars are often totaled in truck crashes, leaving you without transportation.
All of this is why fair compensation is critical. You shouldn’t be left holding the bill for someone else’s negligence.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been in a truck accident, the moments afterward can feel like a blur. But there are some important steps you can take to protect yourself—and your future claim. First and foremost, get medical attention immediately. Even if you think you’re okay, let a medical professional confirm that. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
Next, report the accident to law enforcement and make sure a police report is filed. This document will be an essential part of your case. While you’re at the scene, if you’re able, take photos of everything—the vehicles, the road conditions, your injuries, and anything else that might be relevant. Talk to witnesses and gather their contact info.
One of the most important things you can do? Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer present. They’re trained to twist your words and get you to accept less than you deserve. Instead, contact a trusted truck accident lawyer—we’ll take it from there.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You?
We know how to handle truck accident cases from top to bottom. We start by conducting a thorough investigation—gathering evidence like black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and surveillance footage. We dig into the details others might miss to determine exactly who’s at fault.
From there, we deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. We negotiate aggressively to make sure you get every dollar you deserve. If they won’t play fair, we’re ready to take your case to court and fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Our goal is to maximize your compensation—not just for your medical bills, but also for lost income, emotional suffering, future care, and every other impact the accident has had on your life. This isn’t just a legal process—it’s your recovery, and we take that seriously.
Why Choose The Law Office of Pablo G Pinasco?
You’ve been through enough already—you deserve a legal team that truly has your back. At The Law Office of Pablo G Pinasco, we’re proud to be that team for truck accident victims in Anaheim and beyond. We bring years of experience, a proven track record, and a genuine commitment to helping you rebuild your life.
We know how to go up against powerful trucking companies and win. But just as importantly, we treat every client like a person—not a case number. You’ll get personalized attention, clear communication, and compassionate advocacy from day one.
And here’s the best part: you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. No upfront fees. No hidden costs. Just honest, skilled legal representation. We also offer a free consultation, so there’s zero risk in finding out how we can help.
Conclusion
Time is of the essence after an auto accident. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget important details, and insurance companies often act quickly to minimize your claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action. At The Law Office of Pablo G Pinasco, we provide trusted legal services for a wide range of accident cases, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and pedestrian accidents. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Moreno Valley, let us help you get the compensation and support you deserve. As your dedicated Moreno Valley Auto Accident Attorney, we’re here to guide you through every step of your recovery—both legal and personal.