Immediately following your accident, be sure to file a police report and seek medical care. Preserve all your evidence (dashcam footage, photos of injuries and damage, and CCTV footage). Do not speak with insurance adjusters before seeking legal advice. What you say can be used against you.
A Newport Beach truck accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase can help if you have been injured in an auto accident involving a commercial truck, semi-truck, or 18-wheeler.
These huge vehicles are a common sight on the roads in and around Newport Beach. But they can also pose a serious danger to other drivers. While a car accident can be catastrophic, a truck crash is more likely to result in major damage and severe injuries because of its sheer size, weight, and force.
Serving Victims of Truck Accidents in Newport Beach
Bisnar Chase has been representing truck accident victims throughout Orange County for more than 47 years, and our personal injury lawyers may be able to help you, too.
- Over $1B recovered
- 99% success rate
- Serving California for 47 years
- Seasoned trial lawyers
- Free consultation
- If we don’t win, you don’t pay
Important Information to Know About a Truck Accident Claim
- How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California? You have two years to file.
- What makes trucking accidents different from car accidents in Newport Beach? Commercial truck accident litigation is more complex.
- Can I sue if the truck driver was an independent contractor? Yes, insurance covers independents, too.
- How much is my Newport Beach truck accident case worth? Every claim’s value is based on your injuries, loss, and property damage.
- How long will my case take? That will depend on how serious the accident was and the extent of your injuries and medical care. Some simpler cases resolve within a few months, while larger injury claims may take up to a year to settle.
Before talking to the other side’s insurance agents, you should contact Bisnar Chase for a free consultation with an experienced Newport commercial truck accident attorney. We will do everything possible to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call (949) 203-3814 for immediate help from top-rated trucking accident attorneys in Newport Beach
Newport Beach Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers
What Evidence is Important for My Truck Accident Case?
Taking on cases like an 18-wheeler truck accident can be complex for any attorney. The amount of evidence is much higher than in a car accident because you are dealing with the driver, FMCSA rules, and the trucking company. Negligence by the company or driver is typically at play in these accidents.
Primary Elements
- What happened?
- Who is at fault?
- How badly were you injured?
Essential Evidence
- Black box event data
- Driver logs and hours in service records
- Police accident report
- Photos and video from the crash scene
- Witness statements
- Truck inspection and maintenance records
- Driver’s record and qualifications
- Dispatch logs
- GPS data
- Cargo loading documents
- Phone usage records
- Expert testimony
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Medical records and doctor bills
- Proof of lost wages and income
- Receipts for expenses related to the crash
It’s critical to immediately request preservation of all evidence related to the driver and trucking company, as black boxes are often erased or overwritten.
Common Trucking Accident Causes in Newport Beach
Many of the most common causes of commercial truck accidents in Newport Beach involve some form of negligence on the truck driver’s part or dangerous road conditions.
The top crash causes include:
Speeding
A truck driving too fast – especially when carrying a heavy load in a tractor-trailer truck – is a recipe for disaster and can lead to a serious crash.
Distracted Driving
If a driver is texting, eating, or doing something else which takes their attention from the road, it can be extremely dangerous for everyone around them.
Fatigue
While there are laws in place to stop truckers from spending too many consecutive hours on the road, tiredness can still be a huge problem and cause a loss of concentration.
Inexperienced Driver Negligence
Driving a commercial truck is not the same as driving a car. An inexperienced driver may be more likely to make a mistake as they are less used to the truck-driving challenges.
Load Issues
If a truck is hauling a heavy load, its trailer must be properly attached. A mistake in loading and securing the cargo, or a malfunction with the trailer, could cause a major accident.
Road Conditions
A poorly-maintained or marked road could cause a truck accident. This can lead to driver confusion or erratic driving, which can result in a dangerous driving situation.
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated injury law firm that offers expert help and superior representation. If you have been injured in a crash, you need the best truck accident lawyers near you on your side. Contact us for a free consultation today. Call 949-203-3814.
Truck Accident Statistics
- Preliminary 2025 data (as of early 2026) show continued improvement, with large trucks involved in 10,489 crashes so far and injury counts trending lower.
- In 2023, large trucks were involved in 13,160 crashes (fatal and non-fatal combined) across California, resulting in 392 fatalities—the second-highest total of any state.
- In 2024, large trucks were involved in 12,499 crashes, resulting in 5,179 injuries.
- Nationally, large-truck crashes killed 5,472 people in 2023 (an 8% decrease from 2022), with California accounting for a disproportionate share due to high freight volume.
- Commercial truck crashes commonly occur on I-405 (freight corridor with merging/sideswipe risks), SR-73, Pacific Coast Highway (delivery and multi-vehicle incidents), and MacArthur Boulevard (arterial with business/truck traffic). These align with Orange County’s high truck involvement on major freeways.
- The latest statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) show that 494 people died or suffered injuries in motor vehicle crashes in Newport Beach in 2023. As of March 2026, these are the latest stats released.
- Alcohol-involved injuries and deaths were 71 people.
- 149 accidents were speed-related, and there were over 470 DUI arrests.
Large trucks accounted for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, while making up only 4% of registered vehicles. (Source: IIHS).
About one in 10 of all auto accident deaths on highways happen in truck crashes.
Statistic citations:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – “Large Trucks: 2020 Data. Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 286”
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – “Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2020. FMCSA-RRA-22-015”
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – “Fatality Facts 2020: Large Trucks”
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – “Work Zone Fatal Crashes and Fatalities: 2020 Data”
Who Is Liable for a Newport Beach Truck Accident?
In truck crash personal injury cases, liability can depend on several factors. It will often rest on the cause of the crash itself. Identifying the careless or negligent party and how their actions caused the accident is important. In shared-fault cases, comparative negligence may apply.
But another factor that can affect liability is the truck’s condition. If it is a commercial truck, it may not be as simple as just blaming the driver.
These are some of the possible liable parties in Newport Beach truck crash cases:
- The truck driver.
- The owner of the truck.
- The trucking company that the driver works for.
- Those responsible for loading the cargo onto the truck.
- The truck manufacturer or those responsible for its maintenance are also liable.
An experienced truck accident lawyer in Newport Beach will be able to assess your case and help identify the parties who should be named in an injury claim. We will determine punitive, non-economic, and economic damages for injuries caused by the defendent(s).
What to Do After a Newport Beach Truck Crash
Your first steps after an accident should be to ensure your own safety, as well as the safety of anyone else involved in the crash. Next, speaking to an experienced truck accident lawyer is so important.
- Move away from your vehicle to safety if possible.
- Get medical attention.
- Call the police.
- Document the scene, secure witness statements, and organize your evidence.
- Contact an expert truck accident attorney in Newport Beach.
After you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important that you arrange and organize all evidence to help you form a picture of what happened.
Make sure you take pictures of the scene and the vehicles involved following the crash, as long as you can do so safely. Speak to anyone who saw the incident and get their statements or contact details.
You can also request the police report for the incident – which may indicate the cause of the accident – as well as your own medical bills and reports showing the extent of your injuries.
The most important step you can take once you are out of danger and away from the scene is to contact the Newport Beach truck accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase. Make sure you have experts on your side who will maximize your compensation and take care of the tricky legal process while you focus on your recovery.
Free Consultation
Call (949) 203-3814 for a free consultation! We are available 24/7 to help, providing the legal support and guidance that you need.
Address: 1301 Dove St. STE 120, Newport Beach, 92660
Award-Winning Lawyers for Commercial Truck Crash Victims
As commercial truck accident lawyers and advocates with a track record of success, we are committed to helping you win your case and get the compensation you deserve for your serious injuries.
Thorough Accident Investigations
We will conduct a comprehensive investigation of the accident, meticulously gathering evidence to establish fault and liability. This includes analyzing all available data sources, examining police reports, interviewing witnesses, and, if necessary, consulting accident reconstruction experts to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident.
We will work closely with medical experts to fully understand the extent and impact of your injuries. This process includes obtaining medical records, reviewing medical bills, and consulting medical professionals to assess the long-term prognosis and the financial and emotional costs associated with your injuries.
This information will be crucial in accurately valuing your claim and seeking the maximum compensation you deserve.
Federal Motor Carrier Regulations
We review all relevant FMCR regulations, policies, and safety measures for commercial trucks to identify potential violations or lapses that may have contributed to the accident. If we discover any regulatory violations, we will leverage this information to bolster your case and pursue the appropriate legal remedies.
If it’s necessary to present your case in court, we’ll use compelling arguments, expert witnesses, and state-of-the-art technology to effectively communicate the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
With our legal expertise and commitment to justice, you can trust Bisnar Chase to represent your interests and vigorously pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our top-rated Newport Beach truck accident lawyer, and let’s start building a winning case for you.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
If you are hit by a truck as a pedestrian or a driver of another vehicle, you will likely suffer serious injuries. Trucks are large and extremely heavy. They are difficult to stop quickly, and any collision with a truck will likely be forceful.
Common truck crash injuries include:
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Whiplash
- Serious back injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries—possibly resulting in paralysis
- Death
- Long-term PTSD
- Amputations
- Burn injuries
Types of Commercial Truck Accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Jackknife trailer swings
- Underride and override accidents
- Accidents caused by debris
- Blind spot accidents
- Wide-turn driver error
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone side impact accidents
- Head-on crashes
- Tire blowouts
Compensation for a Newport Beach Truck Accident
If you have been injured in a truck collision, there is a good chance that you will be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering, and any lasting or life-altering effects.
There is no guaranteed level of compensation, though. This will always depend on the circumstances of a crash and how badly you have been impacted by it.
A huge range of factors can help decide what level of compensation a victim might receive after being injured in a truck crash. They include:
- Property damage
- The types of injuries suffered
- Pain and suffering
- Anxiety and mental anguish caused
- Medical bills and expenses
- Lost wages
- A loss of livelihood (if the injuries are bad enough to stop the victim from working)
- Ongoing care and rehab costs
- Specialist equipment (in the case of disabilities)
- Compensation for loss of life
High-quality legal representation from a Newport Beach personal injury attorney specializing in truck accident cases can go a long way toward maximizing the compensation the victim gets.
Beat the Insurance Companies with a Truck Accident Lawyer
Many of the trucks on the road are being driven by large commercial companies. These large trucking companies often have big legal teams and insurance firms behind them.
When dealing with the aftermath of a truck crash, it is important to remember that the opposition insurance agents are not working toward your best interests. They must settle the case as quickly as possible for the least money possible.
Don’t let a large trucking company take advantage of you if it is at fault for a crash. Always talk to a truck accident lawyer before entering discussions with the insurance company. It is also a good idea to have your attorney present through negotiations.ul
What to Look for in the Best Newport Beach Truck Accident Lawyers
Not all attorneys are equal. At Bisnar Chase, we pride ourselves on providing superior representation. We firmly believe we have the best lawyers for the job when it comes to truck accident cases in and around Newport Beach.
Here are some of the factors you should look for in a high-quality firm and lawyer:
- A law firm with a well-established history of success.
- A firm that has handled – and won – cases similar to yours.
- The firm has trained trial lawyers who are prepared to defend you in court.
- The firm guarantees a ‘No Win, No Fee’ and advances all costs.
- This firm is known for its flexibility and responsiveness to your needs.
Most Dangerous Areas of Newport Beach
- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/SR-1): Frequently cited as one of the most accident-prone routes in Newport Beach due to high-speed merging vehicles, narrow lanes, tourist congestion, and issues with turning/crossing traffic. Rear-end, T-bone, and sideswipe collisions are common here. Multiple fatal and serious incidents have occurred along PCH stretches, including near Riverside Avenue and other coastal intersections.
- MacArthur Boulevard: A primary street with heavy commuter and business traffic, often experiencing lane-weaving, speeding, and merging issues. Frequent crashes, particularly in business-heavy sections, are associated with this area.
- Newport Boulevard: High-traffic surface street connecting to the coastal and inland areas, with heavy congestion and pedestrian/bicycle traffic.
- 405 and 73 Freeways: Accidents are common on the 405 and 73 in Newport Beach due to the sheer volume of commuters going to and from Irvine and Newport.
Types of Commercial Trucks
Commercial trucks, also known as CMVs (commercial motor vehicles), are classified in the US by the Federal Highway Administration and other agencies based on their gross vehicle weight rating. Trucks fall under several main classes of light duty, medium duty, and heavy duty.
Light-Duty Trucks
- Small pickups
- Cargo vans
- Utility vehicles
- Ambulances
- Small box trucks
- City delivery trucks
Medium-Duty Trucks
- Large walk-in vans
- Delivery trucks
- Utility trucks
- Medium box trucks
- Rack trucks
- Beverage delivery vehicles
- Large straight trucks (moving trucks)
- School buses
Heavy-Duty Trucks
- Big rigs
- 18-wheelers
- Long-haul freight
- Dump trucks
- Garbage trucks
- City busses
- Small semis
- Tractor trailers
- Heavy haulers
- Flatbed trucks
- Tanker trucks
Top-Rated Newport Beach Truck Accident Lawyer
At Bisnar Chase, we have represented victims of Orange County truck accidents for decades with winning results. If you have sustained injuries in a collision with a truck, we can help. We have been in business for more than 47 years, helping countless victims. The lawyers at Bisnar Chase have a 99% success rate, winning more than $1B for our clients.
We believe in securing justice for our clients and offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ guarantee. This means that our services are open to everyone and will not cost a dime unless we win the case.
Call (949) 203-3814 for immediate help and to speak with a Newport Beach truck accident attorney at Bisnar Chase. You can also send us an email or use our website live chat 24/7. We are here to help and look forward to hearing from you.
Brian Chase
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
