Mr. Joseph Ryan earned his JD from the San Fernando Valley College of Law in Woodland Hills, CA. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1982. His relentless drive to pursue justice on behalf of his clients is why he has built a successful legal career, spanning over four decades. Specializing in personal injury cases and workers’ compensation, Mr. Ryan is skilled in negotiation tactics, as well as in litigation.

If you have been involved in a semi-truck accident in Orange County, it's important to take the following steps:

• Seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident, even if they seem minor.
• Call the police to report the accident and get a copy of the accident report.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
• Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles and any injuries.
• Contact an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Remember, it's important to act quickly and not delay seeking medical attention or contacting a lawyer, as there are time limits for filing a personal injury claim in California.

An experienced car accident attorney can handle your truck accident case, help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance company adjusters, and ensure that you receive fair compensation to cover your injuries and damages. An experienced Orange County truck accident attorney can also help you build a strong case and improve the odds of recovering the best possible settlement.

The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in California is generally two years from the accident date. However, time limits can vary depending on the specifics of your case. Therefore, seeking legal guidance is essential to ensure you meet all deadlines and avoid losing your right to compensation.

Economic damages are monetary losses that result from a truck accident and can be calculated based on receipts or invoices.

These can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Physical Therapy costs
• Future medical expenses and lost earning capacity in cases where the victim suffered serious injuries or if severe injuries are permanent.

Non-economic damages are losses not related to monetary expenses but rather emotional, physical, or psychological harm resulting from a truck accident.

These can include:

• Pain and suffering, which includes physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Loss of companionship, if the victim's injuries prevent them from participating in activities they once enjoyed or from being able to spend time with loved ones

Calculating non-economic damages can be more difficult than calculating economic damages, as these losses do not have a set dollar value. An attorney can help you understand the full extent of your non-economic damages and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Punitive damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant's conduct was particularly egregious and are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and deter similar conduct in the future. In truck accident cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the truck driver acted recklessly or intentionally, such as by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while fatigued, or violating traffic laws.

The amount of punitive damages awarded varies depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you determine whether you may be entitled to punitive damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common types of large truck accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions happen when a truck collides with the passenger vehicle in front of it, often caused by the truck driver failing to brake in time.
• Jackknife accidents occur when a truck's trailer swings out to the side, often due to sudden braking or steering.
• Rollover accidents occur when a truck rolls onto its side or roof, often due to excessive speed, improper loading, or sudden swerving.
• Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and becomes trapped underneath the truck's trailer.
• Lost load accidents occur when a truck's cargo falls off or spills onto the road, often due to improper loading or securement.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is crucial to understand the specific circumstances to determine who may be liable for your injuries and losses. An experienced attorney can help you build a strong case for compensation.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Truck Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and are pressured to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to fatigue and distracted driving.
• Distracted driving: Commercial truck drivers may be distracted by smartphones, and GPS devices, which can take their attention away from the road and increase the risk of an accident.
• Improper maintenance: Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to ensure their brakes, tires, and other systems are in good working order. Failure to properly maintain a semi-truck can lead to equipment failure and accidents.
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo: Overloading a large truck or improperly loading its cargo can affect the truck's balance and handling, making it more likely to cause an accident.
• External conditions: Large truck accidents can also be caused by external factors such as poor road conditions, inclement weather, or other drivers on the road.

If you have been injured in a trucking accident, an experienced attorney can help you to identify the specific cause of the accident to determine who may be liable for your injuries and losses.

More common severe injuries include:

• Broken bones: Large commercial truck accidents can cause bones to fracture or break, including arms, legs, ribs, and other bones in the body.
• Internal bleeding: Blunt force trauma from a commercial truck accident can cause internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Spinal cord injuries: A severe trucking accident can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation in different body parts.
• Traumatic brain injuries: The force of impact in a semi-truck accident can cause the brain to jolt inside the skull, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) which can have a wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms.
• Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end semi-truck accidents, where the head and neck are violently jerked forward and back, causing damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck.

Injuries sustained in a semi-truck accident may require extensive medical treatment, which can be expensive and time-consuming. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a large truck crash, not only to ensure the best possible outcome for your health, but also to document any injuries and treatments for potential legal action.