Orange County’s Critical Truck and Big Rig Accident Lawyer

[Updated 01/29/2025]

Derek Pakiz and Robert Reeves at the Reeves Law Group are premier Orange County Truck/Commercial Vehicle Accidents Attorneys that have helped many victims of catastrophic crashes.

Truck and big rig collisions can be physically excruciating and emotionally devastating for victims.

Thankfully attorney Derek is regarded as a foremost authority in these cases, drawing on extensive experience as the only one among over 250,000 California attorneys to certified in both Civil Trial and Truck Accident law.

The Reeves Law Group stands out for its concentrated efforts on large vehicle injury claims. Their notable achievements include winning a substantial $8.75 million in one significant truck accident lawsuit.

Using advanced crash reconstruction technology and meticulous investigative methods, they offer a dynamic approach that consistently yields strong outcomes. Their track record covers a wide scope of catastrophic tractor-trailer accidents and smaller commercial vehicle crashes alike.

For more than three decades, their blend of compassion and strategic planning has guided them to success. They excel in complex insurance negotiations, helping injured clients pursue full and fair compensation.

If you or a loved one has suffered a severe truck-related collision—even if it involved a car—contact this top-tier injury law firm in Orange County.

Featured in Newsweek’s Top 10 Trial Lawyers, The Reeves Law Group has proudly served Southern California for over 30 years and may be able to secure significant damages for your losses.

Call (714) 550-6000
For a Free Consultation

Our Track record: We have recovered over $250,000,000 for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced and professional Orange County-based personal injury attorney that specializes in trucking accidents involving  big rigs and other heavy-duty commercial/industrial and government vehicles.

For the convenience of our clients, The Reeves Law Group has offices throughout Southern California ready to deal with your commercial trucking-related claims.

Why Hire The Reeves Law Group?

The Reeves Law Group is a strong candidate if you are looking to hire an accident attorney that specializes in semi truck or 18 wheelers, because they are well-known and respected through a long record of success, fighting large truck insurance companies such as Travelers, Progressive, biBerk, DB Schenker, Geico Commercial Sentry as well as well-financed trucking companies.

For over 30 years, they have been helping victims of catastrophic injuries and families dealing with the wrongful death of a loved one. We have recovered over $250 Million dollars in financial compensation for our clients.

Can you afford our services? Yes! Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no legal or lawyer fees until you win your case.

Derek Pakiz, our firm’s lead attorney at The Reeves Law Group, was featured as Newsweek’s Top 10 Trial Lawyers in the Country. He is also recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States.

Link to driving directions to our OC offices

“The Reeves Law Group is a cut above the rest. After being involved in a serious truck accident, I suffered life-altering injuries that left me unable to work. Attorney Derek Pakiz and paralegal Caroline were relentless in their pursuit of justice on my behalf. They ultimately secured a significant settlement that provided me with the financial security I needed to adapt to my new reality. I am forever grateful for their dedication and expertise. Yours truly”

Amber K via Google

Review Rating: 5 / 5

Call (714) 550-6000
For a Free Consultation

Do I Need an Attorney For a Big Rig Accident I was Involved in?

Most likely yes, hiring an attorney is needed if you’ve been seriously hurt by an 18-wheeler or another commercial truck and want to pursue a serious claim against the corporations involved (who will want to pay out as little as possible to you).

A lawyer can significantly boost your odds of fair compensation, better medical results, and a smoother rehabilitation than going at it alone with the trucking company’s insurance on the phone, or even fighting it out in court with a non-specialized law firm.

In short, a severe collision with a big rig or heavy cargo truck can cause serious injuries, emotional distress, and major financial setbacks. You shouldn’t have to handle this alone.

The Reeves Law Group is here to fight for victims of devastating trucking incidents. Our experienced attorneys have been known to tackle difficult accidents involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and delivery fleets like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon where fault wasn’t always clear-cut. We investigate driver negligence, maintenance (such as big rig brakes and tires, suspension and driver aid failures etc), product defects and many other factors to build a strong claim for you.

Truck crashes often involve multiple responsible parties, such as the driver, manufacturer of various truck and trailer components, and even the cargo owner. And road maintenance or other factors can play a significant part. Our skilled team leverages local insight and thorough investigations to identify who’s at fault and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

We understand how overwhelming a catastrophic injury can be. Trust our compassionate yet determined lawyers to guide you toward justice and healing. Contact The Reeves Law Group today for dedicated representation, and let us help you secure the support and relief you’re entitled to.

How Can The Reeves Law Group Help Victims who were Hurt?

The Reeves Law Group has extensive experience handling collisions involving big rigs and tractor trailers. We also have the specialized resources needed to tackle powerful trucking companies. We never compromise your rights or accept an unfair settlement. Start with a free consultation here to assess your case.

Large commercial vehicles, like 18-wheelers, can cause devastating injuries and property damage. If you’ve been hurt in a truck wreck, you may be entitled to economic, non-economic, and punitive damages, especially if the trucking company or driver acted negligently.

Sometimes, federal laws like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are also involved.

Trucking companies often try to dodge full accountability. They might hire private investigators or use complex insurance tactics to minimize payouts. Yet filing a claim against these parties is often the best chance for proper compensation.

A compassionate and knowledgeable plaintiff’s lawyer can stand up to trucking companies and their insurers on your behalf. This includes gathering critical evidence, such as black box data, to show the extent of negligence. Reach out to The Reeves Law Group. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Much Compensation is Available to Victims

No universal average applies to truck and 18-wheeler accident settlements in California. Our firm has seen awards ranging anywhere from $25,000 to $30 million.

Collisions that cause devastating, life-threatening harm to motorists in cars or motorcycles (or even pedestrians) caused by a truck often bring the highest compensation, while less severe incidents yield smaller amounts. In the most tragic cases, a fatal crash can evolve into a wrongful death claim with even greater damages.

Minimum Commercial Truck (18-Wheeler) Insurance in California

Thankfully California requires commercial trucking companies, including those operating 18-wheelers, to carry specific minimum liability insurance which means there is significant coverage available to victims from the insurance alone.

For most intrastate carriers (those operating strictly within California), the baseline coverage often starts at $750,000; however, this amount can increase depending on the type of freight being transported. For instance, higher-risk cargo (like hazardous materials) may push the requirement above $1 million or more.

Carriers that operate across state lines must also comply with FMCSA Insurance Requirements, which set the minimum coverage at $750,000 for general freight and up to $5 million for certain hazardous materials. This federal guideline supersedes state minimums if the truck is engaged in interstate commerce. Additional details can be found at the California Department of Insurance, which outlines further insurance obligations for commercial vehicles.

Why Is There No Standard Payout?

Every case is unique. A range of factors influences compensation, such as the extent of injuries, insurance policy limits, driver negligence, and whether the trucking company violated federal regulations. Even details like the driver’s sleep patterns or black box data can tip the scales.

Consulting a specialized law firm is wise if you want to pursue both economic and non-economic damages—especially when you’re facing catastrophic medical bills, missed work, or irreversible injuries.

What Damages Can I Recover?

Most victims can pursue both economic and non-economic damages, which may include:

• Medical Bills: Expenses already paid plus anticipated future treatments
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
• Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort and mental anguish
• Loss of Wages: Earnings lost while you heal or attend medical appointments
• Impairment of Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn a living due to lasting injuries
• Lifestyle Changes: Compensation for lost enjoyment of day-to-day life
• Life-Care Needs: Ongoing care costs, such as home health aides
• Punitive Damages: Potentially awarded if the trucking company’s actions were reckless or intentional

When Does Wrongful Death Apply?

If a truck accident tragically leads to a fatality, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death claim. This typically covers funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

why are Accidents Involving Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles so Dangerous to Passenger Vehicles and Other Motorists?

Tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and industrial trucks carry a dangerous mix of massive weight and high velocity.

They can easily involve multiple smaller vehicles if they lose control, which often causes more catastrophic damage than most typical roadway accidents. Fully loaded big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, intensifying the impact they unleash.

Anyone who has endured a collision with any sized truck understands it’s unlike an ordinary fender bender. These immense vehicles cannot brake or swerve swiftly, partly because their air brake systems require longer stopping distances, especially on wet roads.

On top of that, their towering height and bulky frames make them far more difficult to maneuver than passenger cars.

What are Common Causes of Crashes Involving Big Rigs in Our Part of the State?

Tragically, crashes with large commercial trucks can happen for numerous reasons in our part of the state, in Orange County. Below are some frequent contributors to big rig accidents we’ve seen, including a few lesser-known but critical details:

1. Driver Exhaustion
   Spending endless hours on the road without proper rest can seriously impact a trucker’s concentration and reflexes. Despite federal regulations on hours-of-service, some drivers still push beyond safe limits, especially when hauling cargo along Orange County’s I-5 or 405 freeways which seem straight and easy to drive, until they’re not.
2. Excessive Speed
   Drivers under intense deadlines often go too fast, jeopardizing everyone’s safety. Speed is particularly perilous on local highways such as the 91, where sudden lane merges and construction zones require quick, precise reactions.
3. Distracted Operations
   Texting, checking a GPS, or even sipping coffee can divert a driver’s focus. The larger the vehicle, the higher the risk when attention shifts from the road for even a moment.
4. Impaired Driving
   Whether caused by alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications, impaired driving remains a leading source of preventable crashes. In Orange County, DUI checkpoints frequently catch commercial drivers operating under the influence.
5. Neglected Maintenance
   Brake failures, worn tires, and malfunctioning steering systems can all lead to devastating outcomes. California law mandates routine inspections, yet some companies cut corners to save time or money.
6. Substandard Training
   Handling a vehicle the size of a semi-truck requires extensive skill. Inexperienced drivers may misjudge the clearance needed for turns or merges, contributing to accidents on local roads around cities like Santa Ana or Irvine.
7. Unsecured Cargo
   If freight shifts during transit, the truck’s balance can become dangerously compromised. Special care is needed when transporting liquids or unstable materials, which can slosh and throw a truck off-center.
8. Abrupt or Risky Lane Changes
   Massive blind spots make switching lanes a challenge for big rigs. A sudden swerve on the 55 can quickly result in a serious collision if the driver hasn’t checked all mirrors and signals properly.
9. Tailgating
   Large trucks require more time and distance to stop safely. Failure to maintain adequate following space often results in rear-end collisions, especially during rush hour on the crowded 405.
10. Dangerous Weather
    Although Orange County’s climate is generally mild, occasional heavy rain or coastal fog can turn roads slick, making it harder for large trucks to maneuver or stop.
11. Aggressive Driving
    Cutting off smaller vehicles or rushing through red lights endangers everyone. Some truckers and passenger car drivers alike become impatient with traffic, leading to reckless behavior.
12. Equipment Defects
    Even a single faulty part, like a defective brake pad or underperforming steering column, may trigger a catastrophic event. These flaws sometimes stem from manufacturers, not just negligent upkeep.

What are Common Injuries?

Truck and tractor trailer vs passenger vehicle accidents injuries we see the most unfortunately include:

• Lacerations and abrasions
• Crush and de-gloving injuries
• Bone fractures including compound fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Internal Injuries
• Burns
• Wrongful death

Even relatively low-speed impacts may hide serious complications, such as intracranial bleeding or microscopic spinal fractures.

If you were hit by a commercial tractor-trailer, you and your passengers might be dealing with unseen injuries that can worsen without prompt medical care. Brain trauma and spinal cord damage sometimes remain undiagnosed until dangerous symptoms appear.

Common Vehicles Involved include

Orange County roads see a diverse range of commercial trucks, from light-duty pickups and service vans (Class 1–2) to heavy-duty tractor-trailers (Class 7–8).

Medium-duty box trucks and stakebeds (Class 3–6) handle local deliveries for FedEx, UPS, and Amazon, while heavier rigs dominate highways like I-5 and I-405. Major parcel carriers include UPS, FedEx (Ground/Express/Freight), and USPS, all with fleets of step vans and tractor-trailers.

Less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) operators such as Old Dominion Freight Line, XPO Logistics, YRC Freight, JB Hunt, Knight/Swift, and Schneider National run Class 7–8 rigs for regional and interstate shipping.

Rental and moving companies—U-Haul, Penske Truck Rental, Budget Truck Rental, and Ryder—offer Class 3–7 trucks for residential or commercial use.

Construction fleets like Robertson’s Ready Mix and Vulcan Materials deploy dump trucks, cement mixers, and flatbeds, while beverage distributors such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo rely on side-bay trucks (Class 6–7).

Foodservice companies—Sysco, US Foods—use refrigerated box trucks for grocery delivery. Local towing outfits maintain flatbed wreckers and heavy-duty recovery vehicles. Meanwhile, specialized couriers include OnTrac, Golden State Express, and C.R. England, all operate in Socal as well.

Who Is at Fault? Are the Truck Driver or The Trucking Companies Liable?

Figuring out who is liable in a trucking collision can be complicated and cost-intensive. Was it negligence or a deliberate act, or a combination of both from different parties?

One might assume the only responsible party is the truck driver. Yet, multiple defendants can share liability. This is why a thorough investigation and immediate legal analysis are key steps in safeguarding your claim.

Depending on the facts of your case, any of the following parties may be held accountable for your pain and suffering:

• Drivers or Other Vehicle Owners Involved: Fault isn’t always clear, and multiple cars can contribute to a serious commercial truck crash.
• Manufacturers and Sellers of Defective Parts: Tires that fail due to improper retreading or engine parts that aren’t torqued correctly can cause devastating blowouts.
• Truck Driver’s Employer: The trucking company might not have enforced federal hours-of-service rules, leading to driver fatigue.
• Repair or Maintenance Providers: Poor-quality repairs, including overlooked brake problems, can set the stage for an accident on Orange County freeways.
• Government Agencies Maintaining Roadways: Issues such as poorly lit ramps or neglected sinkholes can directly contribute to serious collisions with large trucks.

Some crashes even trace back to warehouse operations where forklift drivers improperly secure cargo. Over time, a load can shift, leading to tragic rollovers. These obscure but critical factors are exactly why prompt investigation matters.

Contact our compassionate legal team for a free consultation. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

What Do I Do After A Major Accident?

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Regardless of what happened or who was at fault, sometimes people insist they feel “fine” at the scene. Yet even minor discomfort might signal a hidden injury. Some people feel they played a part in the accident or did something dumb, and downplay their injuries just because it wasn’t their fault.

Regardless of all of this, at the very least, see a medical professional promptly for a thorough check-up. This helps protect both your health AND any future legal claims.

Protect All Crash Evidence

Trucking companies often dispatch specialized teams—sometimes with lawyers and accident reconstruction experts—to the scene without delay. They try to capture vital measurements, skid marks, and photographs before cleanup begins.

If you can safely do so, take your own pictures! Or ask a witness to do it for you, they can text or email them to you later, which many are glad to do.

Ask the police to document the scene, too, especially if they don’t plan to. Subtle details from these images—like a bent guardrail or unusual debris—can help show how that 18-wheeler or semi-truck impacted your vehicle.

Preserve the Vehicle Itself

Keep your car in its post-accident state if serious harm occurred. Damaged parts, black box data, and other physical signs of the crash can be crucial evidence for lawyers and investigators.

Do this before the insurance company decides to scrap it or salvage key components. Modern cars have sensors and data (and even Cameras, like Teslas) which may or may not provide evidence to your benefit.

Consult an Attorney with Trucking Experience.

Trucking firms often retain high-power legal teams focused on reducing their liability. If you or someone you love has been injured through a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence, it’s vital to have your own dedicated personal injury counsel that is equally high-power and well-funded.

These attorneys often coordinate with medical specialists, accident reconstructionists, and insurance carriers to fight for your interests.

In cases of catastrophic harm or fatality, a skilled PI lawyer may seek to pursue wrongful death or other serious claims. They know how to handle complex issues like driver log reviews, onboard recording data, and compliance with federal regulations.

Your safety, health, and legal rights matter—don’t hesitate to seek help, contact the Reeves Law Group’s Orange County truck injury lawyers today

Orange County Big Rig and Trucking Statistics Relating to Accidents

Orange County’s extensive freeway network, including I-5, I-405, SR-55, SR-57, and SR-91, sees heavy truck traffic due to its proximity to major ports.

In 2023, the county recorded over 12,500 fatal and injurious car accidents (source). While specific truck crash data is limited, statewide figures show nearly 400 fatal truck accidents and 12,000+ non-fatal crashes.

Typical Causes of Truck Accidents

• Driver Fatigue: Non-compliance with FMCSA regulations leads to drowsy driving.
• Infrastructure Issues: Aging roads, construction, and bottlenecks increase risks.
• Traffic Congestion: High-density traffic and frequent lane changes elevate accident potential.
• Weather Conditions: While mild, occasional adverse weather can impact road safety.

Safety & Prevention Efforts

• CHP Enforcement: Strict traffic law enforcement for commercial vehicles.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Road maintenance and expansion projects.
• Public Awareness: Education on safe driving near trucks.

For detailed statistics, refer to CHP SWITRS and FMCSA reports (source).

What to look for when choosing a Law Firm For Your Case?

• Experience in Trucking Cases: Look for an attorney who regularly handles trucking accident claims, investigates commercial driver logs, and examines black box data from commercial vehicles.
• Knowledge of Regulations: Your lawyer should understand federal and state trucking regulations, including hours-of-service rules, vehicle inspection requirements, and carrier compliance obligations.
• Strong Investigative Skills: An adept attorney can gather critical evidence, subpoena maintenance records, interview witnesses, and consult accident reconstruction specialists to establish liability.
• Expert Negotiation Abilities: A skilled lawyer will negotiate with insurance adjusters and corporate legal teams, aiming to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Litigation Readiness: If settlement discussions stall, your counsel must be prepared to file lawsuits, draft motions, and advocate vigorously at trial.
• Access to Resources: Check whether the law firm employs expert witnesses, medical professionals, and financial analysts to accurately calculate damages and strengthen your case.
• Proven Track Record: Ask about past verdicts, settlements, and testimonials from clients in similar trucking accident claims.
• Transparent Communication: Your attorney should keep you informed about court deadlines, discovery requests, and any critical developments that demand your input.
• Personalized Attention: Seek a lawyer who understands the trauma and financial strain caused by a trucking collision and tailors legal strategies to your unique circumstances.
• Contingency Fee Arrangements: Consider an attorney who offers representation without upfront costs, ensuring your legal advocate only gets paid if you win.

Contact our Law firm that Handles Critical Trucking-related Accident Claims

Derek Pakiz and the Reeves Law Group has extensive experience and expertise in all types of trucking and other serious roadway accidents and we have obtained substantial compensation for individuals that have been injured across Southern California.

If you are a victim of a major trucking accident and would like to find out how much your case may be worth, contact us to speak with us today!

[Written by Derek Pakiz. Page Updated 01/29/2025]