Truck Accident Law Firm in Costa Mesa Helping You Get the Compensation You Deserve

Truck accidents in Costa Mesa can turn your life upside down in an instant. When a massive commercial vehicle collides with your passenger car, the results are often devastating, catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disabilities that affect every aspect of your life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Costa Mesa, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Attorney Damoun A. Yazdi and The Accident Network Law Group have more than 12 years of experience helping truck accident victims throughout Orange County secure maximum compensation from insurance companies and negligent parties. Our Costa Mesa truck accident attorneys understand the unique complexities of commercial vehicle crashes and have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to take on large trucking companies and their insurers.

Call for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Why Truck Accidents in Costa Mesa Are So Devastating

Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, approximately 20 times the weight of an average sedan. This massive size difference means that when a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the occupants of the passenger car almost always suffer the most severe consequences.

Common Catastrophic Injuries in Costa Mesa Truck Accidents

Truck accident victims in Costa Mesa frequently sustain life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Head trauma that can result in permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes
• Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine that may cause partial or complete paralysis
• Multiple bone fractures – Broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, or skull requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation
• Internal organ damage – Injuries to the liver, kidneys, spleen, or lungs that may require emergency surgery
• Severe burns – Thermal or chemical burns if the truck is carrying hazardous materials or if the vehicle catches fire
• Amputations – Loss of limbs due to crushing injuries or necessary surgical amputation
• Wrongful death – Fatal injuries that take the life of a loved one

These injuries often require months or years of medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ongoing medical monitoring. The costs can easily reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa sits at a major crossroads in Orange County, with Interstate 405, State Route 55, and State Route 73 all running through or near the city. This makes Costa Mesa a high-traffic area for commercial trucks transporting goods throughout Southern California. Unfortunately, this heavy truck traffic also leads to a higher risk of serious accidents.

Driver Error and Negligence

The majority of truck accidents are caused by driver error or negligence, including:

• Distracted driving – Texting, eating, adjusting GPS systems, or other activities that take the driver’s attention off the road
• Fatigued driving – Truckers who violate federal Hours of Service regulations and drive beyond legal limits
• Speeding – Driving too fast for road conditions or exceeding posted speed limits
• Impaired driving – Operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications
• Aggressive driving – Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, road rage, or failure to yield
• Inadequate training – Truck drivers who lack proper training on handling large commercial vehicles
• Failure to check blind spots – Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides, and drivers who fail to check these areas before changing lanes or turning can cause devastating accidents

Trucking Company Negligence

In addition to driver error, trucking companies themselves may be liable for accidents when they:

• Fail to properly maintain vehicles – Neglecting brake inspections, tire replacements, or other critical maintenance
• Push drivers to violate Hours of Service regulations – Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules
• Fail to conduct proper background checks – Hiring drivers with poor driving records or inadequate qualifications
• Fail to provide adequate training – Not ensuring drivers are properly trained on safety protocols and vehicle operation
• Overload cargo – Exceeding weight limits or improperly securing cargo, which can cause loss of control

Vehicle Defects and Maintenance Issues

Sometimes truck accidents are caused by mechanical failures or defects, such as:

• Brake failures – Faulty or poorly maintained braking systems that fail to stop the truck in time
• Tire blowouts – Worn or defective tires that suddenly fail at high speeds
• Steering system failures – Malfunctions that prevent the driver from controlling the vehicle
• Defective parts – Manufacturer defects in critical components like brakes, steering, or suspension systems

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in Costa Mesa

Truck accidents can occur in many different ways, each with unique factors that affect liability and compensation. Our Costa Mesa truck accident lawyers have experience handling all types of commercial vehicle crashes, including:

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out sideways, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab like a folding jackknife. Once a truck jackknifes, it’s nearly impossible for the driver to regain control. These accidents often block multiple lanes of traffic and can cause multi-vehicle pileups on busy Costa Mesa freeways.

Jackknife accidents are typically caused by sudden braking, speeding on wet or icy roads, improper braking techniques, or equipment failures.

Rollover Accidents

Due to their high center of gravity, large trucks are prone to rolling over, especially when:

• Taking curves or highway ramps too fast
• Carrying improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
• Experiencing sudden steering corrections
• Driving in high winds

When a truck rolls over, it can crush nearby vehicles and spill cargo, including hazardous materials, across the roadway.

Rear-End Collisions

Commercial trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded truck traveling at highway speeds can take the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. When truck drivers follow too closely, become distracted, or fail to brake in time, they can rear-end the vehicles in front of them with catastrophic force.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on truck accidents are among the most deadly types of crashes. They typically occur when:

• A truck driver crosses the center line due to fatigue, distraction, or impairment
• A truck driver loses control and drifts into oncoming traffic
• A driver makes an unsafe passing maneuver

The combined speed of both vehicles in a head-on collision dramatically increases the force of impact and the severity of injuries.

Underride and Override Accidents

An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck trailer. The top of the passenger vehicle is often sheared off, causing severe head and neck injuries or fatalities.

An override accident is the opposite, when a truck rides up over the hood of a smaller vehicle, crushing the passenger compartment.

Wide Turn Accidents

Large trucks require significant space to make turns, often swinging wide into adjacent lanes. If a truck driver fails to signal, check blind spots, or properly execute a turn, they can sideswipe or crush vehicles in neighboring lanes, a common occurrence at Costa Mesa intersections like Bristol Street and Harbor Boulevard.

Cargo-Related Accidents

Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unstable. Cargo that falls off a truck onto the roadway creates dangerous obstacles for other drivers, leading to serious accidents.

Who Is Liable for Your Costa Mesa Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident is often more complex than in a typical car accident. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

The Truck Driver

If the driver was negligent through distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, or impairment, they can be held personally liable for your injuries.

The Trucking Company

Under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior,” employers can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees. Trucking companies may also be directly liable if they:

• Failed to properly train or supervise drivers
• Pressured drivers to violate safety regulations
• Negligently hired unqualified drivers
• Failed to maintain vehicles properly

The Cargo Loading Company

If a third-party company loaded the truck’s cargo and did so improperly, resulting in an accident, that company may be held liable.

The Truck or Parts Manufacturer

If a defective truck part (such as faulty brakes or tires) caused the accident, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party companies responsible for maintaining and inspecting commercial trucks may be liable if they fail to perform necessary repairs or inspections.

An experienced Costa Mesa truck accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation from every available source.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?

California law allows truck accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages for their injuries and losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate you for tangible financial losses, including:

• Medical expenses – Emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care
• Lost wages – Income you’ve lost due to time away from work during recovery
• Lost earning capacity – Reduced ability to earn income in the future due to permanent disabilities
• Property damage – Repair or replacement costs for your damaged vehicle and personal property
• Home and vehicle modifications – Costs of wheelchair ramps, modified vehicles, or other accommodations needed due to disabilities

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering – Physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries
• Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts of the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in hobbies, activities, or daily routines you once enjoyed
• Disfigurement and scarring – Permanent physical changes that affect your appearance and self-esteem
• Loss of consortium – Damage to your relationship with your spouse due to injuries

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving particularly egregious conduct, such as a truck driver operating under the influence or a trucking company knowingly violating safety regulations, California courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.

How Our Costa Mesa Truck Accident Lawyers Build Your Case

At The Accident Network Law Group, we take a comprehensive, aggressive approach to investigating and prosecuting truck accident claims. When you hire us, we immediately begin:

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

We gather and preserve critical evidence, including:

• Police reports and accident scene photos – Official documentation of the crash
• Truck driver logs and records – Hours of Service logs, training records, employment history
• Truck maintenance records – Service logs, inspection reports, repair receipts
• Black box data – Electronic logging devices (ELDs) and event data recorders that track speed, braking, and other vehicle data
• Cargo loading records – Documents showing how and when cargo was loaded
• Witness statements – Testimony from other drivers, passengers, or bystanders who saw the accident
• Surveillance footage – Video from traffic cameras, dashcams, or nearby businesses

Working with Expert Witnesses

We collaborate with specialists who can strengthen your case, including:

• Accident reconstruction experts – Professionals who analyze crash dynamics and recreate the accident
• Medical experts – Doctors who testify about the extent and long-term impact of your injuries
• Trucking industry experts – Specialists who identify violations of federal and state trucking regulations
• Economic experts – Analysts who calculate your past and future financial losses

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies representing trucking companies are notorious for using aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. They may:

• Pressure you to accept a quick, lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
• Try to blame you for the accident to reduce their liability
• Dispute the severity of your injuries or claim they’re unrelated to the accident
• Delay the claims process, hoping you’ll give up or settle for less

Attorney Damoun A. Yazdi has extensive experience negotiating with large insurance companies and won’t let them take advantage of you. We fight for every dollar you deserve and won’t settle for less than full and fair compensation.

Taking Your Case to Trial if Necessary

While many truck accident cases settle out of court, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. Our trial experience and proven track record of success give us leverage in negotiations and show insurers that we mean business.

California and Federal Regulations Governing Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are subject to extensive federal and California state regulations designed to promote safety. Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence in your truck accident case.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces regulations that govern:

• Hours of Service (HOS) limits – Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving per day and must take mandatory rest breaks
• Drug and alcohol testing – Drivers must undergo pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing
• Vehicle maintenance requirements – Trucks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance
• Driver qualifications – Minimum standards for licensing, training, and medical fitness
• Cargo securement – Rules for properly loading and securing cargo

California Vehicle Code Provisions

California law also imposes specific requirements on commercial vehicles operating in the state, including:

• Weight limits – Maximum vehicle weight on California roads (typically 80,000 pounds)
• Speed restrictions – Commercial trucks have lower speed limits on many California highways
• Lane restrictions – Trucks are prohibited from using certain lanes on multi-lane highways

Our Costa Mesa truck accident attorneys thoroughly review all applicable regulations to identify violations that contributed to your accident.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation.

However, certain circumstances can shorten or extend this deadline:

• Claims against government entities – If a government-owned truck was involved, you may have as little as six months to file a claim
• Discovery rule – If you didn’t immediately discover your injuries, the clock may start from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury
• Minor victims – Children under 18 may have until their 20th birthday to file a claim

Don’t wait to contact a truck accident lawyer. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Costa Mesa

The actions you take in the hours and days following a truck accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, always see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, whiplash, or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms right away. A medical exam creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident.

2. Call the Police

Always report the accident to law enforcement. A police report provides an official record of the accident and can serve as valuable evidence in your claim.

3. Document the Scene

If you’re physically able, take photos and videos of:

• Vehicle damage
• Tire marks and debris
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs and signals
• Your visible injuries
• The truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company name

4. Collect Information

Get contact and insurance information from the truck driver and any other drivers involved. Also, collect contact information from witnesses.

5. Don’t Admit Fault

Don’t apologize or make any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and other drivers.

6. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after the accident seeking a recorded statement. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.

7. Contact a Costa Mesa Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away

The sooner you have legal representation, the better. Your attorney can begin investigating the accident, preserving evidence, and protecting your rights from day one.

Why Choose The Accident Network Law Group for Your Costa Mesa Truck Accident Case?

When you’re facing life-altering injuries and mounting bills after a truck accident, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for you.

Proven Experience in Truck Accident Cases

Attorney Damoun A. Yazdi has more than 12 years of experience in personal injury law, with extensive expertise in handling complex truck accident cases. Attorney Yazdi began his legal career as a paralegal at a firm dedicated to personal injury cases, where he witnessed firsthand how insurance companies mistreat accident victims. This experience fueled his passion to become a lawyer and fight back against unfair insurance practices.

During law school, Attorney Yazdi graduated at the top of his class in Litigation Skills and founded the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Society. He also worked as a Law Clerk at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where he honed his trial and courtroom skills.

Personalized Attention from Attorney Yazdi

When you hire The Accident Network Law Group, you’ll work directly with Attorney Damoun Yazdi, not a junior associate or paralegal. Attorney Yazdi personally handles client consultations and is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide updates on your case.

Bilingual Legal Services (Se Habla Español)

Our bilingual team is ready to assist Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring clear communication and strong legal representation throughout the entire process.

No Fees Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no surprise bills. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime.

Serving Costa Mesa and All of Orange County

We proudly serve truck accident victims throughout Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and all of Orange County. Our main office is conveniently located in Costa Mesa at:

2900 Bristol Street, Suite A-104

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Claims in Costa Mesa

Contact a Costa Mesa Truck Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Costa Mesa, don’t face the insurance companies alone. The Accident Network Law Group is here to fight for your rights and help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call now to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with Attorney Damoun A. Yazdi. We’re available 24/7 to take your call, and we’ll come to you if you’re unable to travel due to your injuries.