Delivery vans, semi-trailers, and other commercial vehicles join traffic on the I-5 and I-405 daily, and the streets of Irvine are no exception as well. Unfortunately, commercial vehicle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and other drivers and their passengers may be left dealing with injuries and a mountain of expenses. A commercial vehicle accident lawyer from BD&J can help you file a personal injury claim to hold those responsible accountable in front of the law. Read on to learn more about common commercial vehicle accidents, why they occur, and how a commercial vehicle accident attorney can help!
What Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
A commercial vehicle encompasses any vehicle that delivers cargo for a profit or business. When a commercial vehicle accident occurs, a commercial vehicle will collide with another vehicle, including motorcycles and bikes, or pedestrians. Commercial vehicles are often heavier and bulkier than standard cars, which can mean greater damage to other cars, and more serious injuries for unsuspecting drivers.
Some of the most common commercial vehicle accidents BD&J commercial vehicle accident attorneys in Irvine have represented include:
- Jackknife accidents – This type of accident occurs when the trailer of a commercial truck swings outward from the cab, forming a 90-degree angle resembling the appearance of a folding jackknife.
- Rear-end collisions – Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle collides with the other from behind.
- Underride accidents – This type of accident happens when a car slides underneath the body or trailer of a truck. This accident is frequent due to the drastic size difference between smaller cars and hefty trucks.
- Wide-turn accidents – A wide-turn accident occurs when a large commercial truck angles out to the left to complete a right turn, hitting the vehicle to its left. Similarly, this accident can also encompass when a car tries to squeeze into the right lane next to a truck angling out to make a right turn, essentially causing the car to be crushed.
Injured in a commercial vehicle accident? Complete our form to connect with a BD&J attorney today!
How Do Irvine Commercial Vehicle Accidents Happen?
More than 22,000 companies operate in Irvine, and the city has garnered a reputation for being an expansive commercial hub. With this much business movement, commercial vehicle collisions are bound to happen. Some of the most frequent factors that result in Irvine commercial vehicle accidents include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, including checking a gps, eating, fiddling with the radio, etc., can be a common cause of commercial vehicle accidents. Commercial drivers in delivery vans are also making frequent and sudden stops, which can interrupt the flow of traffic behind them.
Speeding
Most commercial drivers have strict delivery quotas to meet, and these unreasonable expectations can cause them to speed excessively. These vehicles often have a longer response time when it comes to braking and completing turns, so sudden speeding with the need to brake or turn can result in commercial vehicle crashes. Speeding combined with spilled cargo from a commercial vehicle accident is another unfortunate combination that results in commercial vehicle collisions.
Fatigue
Truckers, delivery drivers, and other commercial drivers are on the road for long hours, rarely having time for breaks. This can cause fatigue, drowsiness, and commercial vehicle accidents. There are rules set in place to prevent this, such as a 30-minute break after 8 hours on the road for property-carrying drivers, but these rules aren’t always followed.
Defective Commercial Vehicle Parts
Like with any car, a commercial truck, van, or bus can suffer from defective parts or flaws in their design. Faulty brakes, a defective engine, and even a mechanical failure can often play a role in a commercial vehicle accident.
Road Conditions
Lack of proper road signage, potholes, and even a flawed design in the way a road runs can be the culprit for a sudden commercial vehicle collision.
Are Injuries from Commercial Vehicle Accidents Really That Serious?
There was a recorded 273 truck crashes in Orange County from January to September 2025, which left more than 360 people injured. Injuries from commercial vehicle accidents can be particularly serious due to the size and width of these vehicles. Typical injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries can result from trauma to the brain, which can cause mental or physical impairment, severe headaches, confusion, disorientation, and in serious cases, can lead to brain death.
- Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries can lead to loss of movement, serious back pain, and permanent paralysis.
- Burns – Burns from a commercial vehicle accident can lead to nerve damage, infection, and disfigurement. Some commercial vehicles are tasked with transporting toxic substances, which can lead to burns if spilled onto other drivers or passengers.
- Organ damage – Organ damage from trauma in a commercial vehicle collision can lead to organ failure, disability, and can even result in death.
- Broken bones – Broken bones can cause intense pain, deformity, and if left untreated, can end in nerve damage or the development of arthritis.
Who Could Be Liable for My Commercial Vehicle Accident in Irvine?
Potential liable parties for a commercial vehicle accident can include:
- The driver – The driver of the commercial vehicle is often the most liable for causing an accident. They have a duty of care for other motorists on the road and driving dangerously or negligently can breach this duty of care and lead to serious accidents.
- The employer of the commercial driver – Through vicarious liability, an employer is typically liable for the employee’s acts within the scope of their duties. This includes harmful driving, failing to make safe driving maneuvers, failure on the employer’s part to provide safety training or adequate break times, and more.
- The manufacturer of the commercial vehicle parts – If an accident occurred due to a faulty design within the vehicle, manufacturing error, or a defective part, the manufacturing company would be held liable.
- Local municipality – Lack of road signage, imperfect road design, or excessive potholes can lead liability to rest on the local municipality for a commercial vehicle accident.
Hold liable commercial vehicle companies accountable by contacting us now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
After a commercial vehicle accident, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
Can I Still File After the Statute of Limitations Has Passed?
No. If you attempt to file after the statute of limitations has passed, your claim will most likely be dismissed, and you will be unable to recover compensation.
What if the Other Driver Gets Aggressive After the Accident?
If the other commercial driver gets aggressive in an effort to deny fault after an accident, remain calm and in your vehicle, then call the police to get an officer to the scene immediately to deescalate the situation.
Can I Obtain Compensation for My Injuries if I am Partially at Fault for the Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Definitely. California is a comparative negligence state, which means that the injured driver in a commercial vehicle accident could still recover compensation if they were deemed partially at fault for the accident. The compensation amount would simply be reduced by the percentage of fault the injured plaintiff is found to be at.
How Can I Prove the Liability of Another Party After My Accident?
You can prove liability through the use of evidence like photos and videos (including dashcam footage), medical documentation of injuries, and witness accounts from other drivers or pedestrians who witnessed the crash.
Do I Have to Pay Hourly Fees to Work with BD&J?
Not at all. We work on a contingency fee structure, which means that injured drivers in commercial vehicle accidents don’t have to worry about any upfront legal fees to work with our compassionate Irvine attorneys.
What Are Contingency Fees?
A contingency fee structure ensures that all case costs are advanced to clients. Payment for our attorneys is deducted from the final compensation amount after a case is settled. This means no fees until we win*.
How To Report a Commercial Vehicle Accident
After a commercial vehicle accident in Irvine, you may be left overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety, adrenaline, and discomfort. Reporting the commercial vehicle accident is the proper step to take for you and other people involved. Do this by:
- Making sure everyone is safe. – Move your car out of the way if possible and ensure your passengers and other drivers involved are ok.
- Contacting the police immediately. – Do not hesitate to immediately contact the emergency dispatch to get police and medical attention to the scene as needed. Attending to the injured (including yourself) should always be a first priority. A police officer on the scene can help generate an accident report for evidence purposes.
- Following up with a commercial vehicle accident attorney. – You’ve dealt with reporting the accident as you should, now let an Irvine commercial vehicle accident lawyer handle the rest. Call BD&J to schedule your free consultation.
Compassionate Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Irvine Who Fight for Injured Drivers and Pedestrians
BD&J has been serving injured drivers in commercial vehicle accidents for more than 20 years. With more than $2 billion* recovered in compensation, we aim to fight for the rights of injured Irvine residents and their families. Contact us now to schedule your free initial consultation!
