Ontario Truck Accident Lawyers
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Trusted Ontario Truck Accident Lawyers Turning Injured Victims Into Victors
Ontario is a major hub for industry and transportation in Southern California and the West Coast. With more commercial trucks and heavy machinery than in other cities, traffic incidents involving these vehicles are unfortunately common. Our team of Ontario truck accident lawyers is ready to help if you or a loved one is injured after a truck collision. We will look into your case and work to get you compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation to discuss your options.
We recognize the importance of an early investigation to gather essential evidence for substantiating your case and securing the optimal financial recovery for your injuries. Whether it’s the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or maintenance and manufacturing company that led to your injuries, our Ontario truck accident attorneys are dedicated to holding the responsible party accountable for the resulting damages.
At Arash Law, we extend our expertise to provide representation to families dealing with the loss of loved ones in truck accidents. We will help them pursue wrongful death claims against insurance companies or large corporations. Our legal team in Ontario adopts an aggressive approach to obtain the best possible settlement, offering clients compassion, understanding, and clear advice.
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Why Is Arash Law The Best Truck Accident Law Firm Near You?
Arash Law has experienced and trustworthy truck accident lawyers who will guide you throughout the process.
Here’s why we stand out from the other law firms in Ontario:
No Upfront Fees!
Our lawyers know an unexpected incident is already causing you financial stress. We don’t want to add to that burden and take away your chance to get justice. That’s why Arash Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we resolve your claim. Instead of paying us out of your pocket, our fees come from your compensation. This agreement also gives us more incentive to win your case.
Expert Negotiation And Litigation Skills
We are known to get maximum results, and we do that through our negotiation skills, which we have refined over our years of experience handling personal injury cases. Our skilled litigation attorneys are also prepared to take your case to court if necessary. We will ensure your voice is heard in court.
Connection With Reliable Experts
Our accident law firm has connections with the best medical experts, accident reconstruction experts, and other reliable professionals who can assist in winning your case. They can also provide testimony that will further strengthen your case.
Protection Against Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may relentlessly try to minimize your payout. They might use tactics to avoid paying the full and fair amount you deserve or even deny your claim. These companies will try to act friendly and get information they can use against you. Other times, they would be aggressive and try to intimidate you into taking the blame.
With us by your side, you’ll have peace of mind because we handle all correspondence. Knowing that someone capable is working on your case allows you to focus more on healing and recovery.
What Are The Benefits Of Hiring Our Ontario Truck Accident Lawyers?
Ontario truck accident lawyers at Arash Law aim to maximize your compensation and prevent other people from experiencing similar accidents, such as car, bike, and motorcycle accidents, in the future.
There are several benefits to working with our Ontario truck accident lawyers, including:
- Providing compassionate legal counsel that extends beyond the practice of law
It is important to seek an attorney to help you navigate the claims process after a crash. Our truck accident attorneys have handled legal claims from start to finish. We aim to deliver the results you deserve from the beginning to the end of your case, letting you focus more on your health. - Improving the chances of winning your claim
A study by the Insurance Research Council discovered that people who retain an attorney to represent their interests receive a settlement three times greater than those who proceed without one. If you’re ever in a situation where you need to negotiate a settlement, it’s worth considering hiring one of our lawyers to help you get the best possible outcome. - Handling all the day-to-day legal work
If you decide to file a lawsuit, you can rely on our attorneys to handle all the paperwork and ensure it is submitted correctly before the statute of limitations expires. Additionally, we can handle the investigation, discovery, settlement negotiations, and representation of your claim. - Providing facts and evidence that support your claim
While investigating your case, our lawyers will ensure no stone is left unturned. In this way, we can build a strong, viable, trial-ready claim. In most cases, this will encourage the at-fault party to settle. If they try to shortchange you, we will seek total compensation.
Most Common Reasons Why Truck Accidents Happen
Several factors can increase the risk of truck accidents. Human error is a major contributor to many of these incidents. Negligence means that the driver or another party failed to act reasonably, resulting in bodily harm or death.
Some of the most common causes our Ontario truck accident lawyers have seen include:
- Drowsy Driving—Due to long hours on the road and tight schedules, truck driver fatigue is a common problem. Fatigue impairs senses and clouds judgment, increasing the risk of drifting from lanes or colliding with other vehicles.
- Driving Under The Influence—In California, commercial drivers must never exceed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04%. This is because alcohol greatly impairs driving ability. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs may also have side effects that put drivers in danger.
- Distracted Driving—Distractions, such as texting, checking emails, or watching videos, are prevalent issues not just in the trucking industry but also for passenger drivers. Any distraction can cause an accident.
- Inexperience—Driving a large truck requires special training and experience. If a company hires an incompetent truck driver, the crash risk increases.
- Disobeying Traffic Rules—Traffic rules are implemented to make roads safer for everyone. Violating these regulations isn’t just illegal and contributes to serious accidents.
- Speeding—Overspeeding or driving too fast leads to collisions. With high speeds, truckers have less time to respond to road hazards. Unfortunately, many go beyond the speed limit due to tight deadlines.
- Improper Cargo Loading—This issue can lead to an imbalanced truck, which is more prone to rollover accidents.
- Defective Parts & Poor Maintenance—These can cause tire blowouts, brake failure, or other malfunctions that make the vehicle difficult to control.
Types Of Truck Accidents
It is possible to determine fault and cause based on the type of truck accident you were in. Here are some of the truck accidents that happen in Ontario:
- Rollover Accidents—A truck can roll over when it is off balance. A tire blowing out or cargo shifting during a sharp turn are just some possible causes. Rollover accidents happen if the driver slams the brakes or jerks the wheel.
- Jackknife Accidents—This incident happens when the trailer swings out at an angle, forming a “jackknife” shape. Equipment malfunction, such as suspension or brake failure, is the primary cause. Many jackknife accidents also lead to rollovers and extensive damage.
- Lane-Change Accidents—Large trucks have big blind spots known as “no zones.” Drivers can’t see anyone or anything in these areas, so accidents can happen when they change lanes recklessly. Truckers must switch lanes carefully and communicate with other motorists through signal lights.
- Underride And Override Accidents—An underride accident occurs when a passenger car gets stuck under the trailer. Meanwhile, an override incident occurs when the truck is on top of the passenger car. Both typically happen in rear-end collisions.
- Cargo Accidents—Truck loads can fall off during transit, causing accidents and injuries. Sadly, these incidents could have been easily prevented with proper and secure cargo loading. To avoid these tragic events, cargo loaders, and drivers must obey federal cargo securement laws.
Our truck accident lawyers in Ontario will carefully and thoroughly investigate your case to determine the cause. We will use our connections with credible experts to piece together the timeline of events and explain how the accident happened. Additionally, we will gather and analyze evidence to establish liability. Call us at (888) 488-1391 today.
List Of Common Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents
As a result of a truck accident, you are more likely to suffer more severe injuries than in a car accident. Some of the most common injuries you might experience are:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of an impact can cause serious injuries to the spinal cord when it is compacted, stretched, or torn. Following a spinal cord injury, some victims may experience loss of senses and movement below the injury site. In extreme cases, the victim may suffer complete paralysis. - Head Injuries
In a truck accident, occupants can hit their heads against the steering wheel, windows, or dashboard. It is possible to suffer mild, moderate, or severe brain damage as a result of traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can result in pain and other symptoms that may affect a person’s quality of life for years. - Abdominal Trauma
An abdominal injury can range from minor to severe trauma, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These conditions resulting from truck accidents require immediate medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. - Fractures
Victims often suffer from fractures due to the force of a truck accident. Broken bones commonly occur in the legs, arms, or chests of victims.
When facing injuries resulting from truck accidents, hiring one of our Ontario truck accident lawyers becomes essential. With a commitment to securing the compensation you rightfully deserve, our team’s experience becomes a valuable asset in navigating the legal process and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
What Compensation Can I Get After A Truck Accident In Ontario?
You must seek legal assistance as soon as possible if you or someone you care about has been injured by a truck driver because of their carelessness or negligence. Arash Law has experienced personal injury lawyers who investigate all aspects of your case and help you obtain compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Property damage
For tips on driving safely around commercial trucks, check out the FMCSA’s driver safety guide. If you need our Ontario truck accident attorneys, contact us at (888) 488-1391.
Who’s Liable When A Truck Is Involved In An Accident?
If someone’s carelessness causes harm to another person, they are legally responsible for the victim’s losses. This means the victim can sue the negligent person to recover damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
According to our truck accident lawyers, negligent parties may include the following:
Truck Driver
There are numerous ways in which a truck driver can cause a crash, including drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other types of reckless driving.
Trucking Company
The trucking company is liable for the negligence of any of its employees, including truck drivers, loaders, and others.
Third Parties
The owner(s) of a trailer, independent cargo loaders, mechanics, managers, or brokers may be held liable if they fail to do their tasks with care. For example, a cargo loader failing to balance a truck’s cargo properly, an internal mechanic failing to maintain the truck, and a manager overloading a truck could be held responsible for a resulting accident.
Truck Parts Manufacturer
Truck accidents caused by tire blowouts, brake failures, or other technical malfunctions due to defective parts may be considered the fault of the parts manufacturer.
Other Motorists
It is possible that a driver of a motor vehicle, a motorcyclist, or others may have acted irresponsibly or negligently, contributing to the accident.
Whoever is to blame for the accident resulting in your injuries, we will ensure to hold them accountable. Our Ontario truck accident lawyers will investigate meticulously to identify liability and prove it.
How To Prove Negligence In Truck Accident Claims
According to California law, victims who sustain personal injuries caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness may be entitled to compensation. However, the path to receiving compensation is not always simple. Most of the time, at-fault parties will try to shift the blame to you to avoid paying or minimize your payout.
You must hire our Ontario lawyers specializing in truck accidents to ensure the negligent party pays for your injuries and losses. We will prove your claim and prevent costly mistakes that could lower your compensation.
In order to prove negligence, we need to establish these elements:
- The defendant owed you a legal duty to act reasonably and avoid causing you or other people harm. For example, they must drive carefully or ensure they are qualified to operate a massive commercial vehicle.
- The defendant breached their duty of care by failing to exercise the same level of care that a reasonable person would have in the same situation. For example, the truck driver was drunk but still chose to drive, whereas a reasonable person would not drive instead.
- The defendant’s negligence directly caused the accident that led to your injuries. You can file a personal injury claim even if your damages are minor, life-altering, or anything in between.
Evidence For Proving Fault And Liability
To secure compensation, you must first prove liability. Our Ontario truck accident lawyers will help you establish fault by gathering evidence that corroborates your claim. We can use the following as proof:
- Police Report—This document provides vital information about an accident, including citations issued and details about witnesses. If it’s difficult for you to obtain a copy, contact us. We can expedite the process of acquiring this piece of evidence.
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data—Trucks are usually equipped with ELDs to record data, such as the vehicle’s speed, whether brakes were applied hard, and the miles covered. This information can confirm if the trucker violated regulations.
- Driver Records—We can obtain trucker records, including their driving history and training. Our lawyers can also request company documents indicating past violations.
- Witness Statements—Testimonies from eyewitnesses can tell us how the accident occurred.
- Maintenance and Inspection Records—Trucking companies must keep track of fleet maintenance and inspections. We’ll review when the vehicles were last checked and whether the parts were repaired or replaced.
- Accident Reconstruction—Our personal injury law firm has connections with credible experts who can analyze evidence, including vehicle damage and skid marks, to recreate the accident. This will help us identify the cause.
What Is The Cost Of Hiring Our Truck Accident Attorneys?
You deserve compensation if you are injured in a truck collision or if it results in the death of your loved one. Our Ontario truck accident lawyers, who are also experienced in handling wrongful death claims, have extensive experience with truck accident cases. We understand the challenges caused by injuries and fatalities resulting from these accidents.
Our truck accident lawyers in Ontario works on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if the claim is successful. It allows you to get the best representation to ensure you’re paid for all your damages, injuries, medical expenses, time off work, pain, and trauma while trying to regain your life. This is very important because defendants, like transportation and insurance companies, can afford a team of lawyers. You need the capable team at our truck accident law firm on your side to go against them.
What Is The Time Limit For Filing A Lawsuit After A Truck Accident?
Truck accident victims in Ontario must be aware of California’s time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. First, inform your personal insurance provider and the trucking company’s insurance within a day or two, especially if strict reporting deadlines apply. Neglecting this step could result in unnecessary delays or denials of your claim.
In the event that a personal injury lawsuit becomes necessary against the at-fault party or trucking company, there is a limited timeframe to act. The personal injury statute of limitations in California, which states how long after an accident you can sue in Ontario, spans two years from the date of the injury. Consequently, victims have a two-year window to initiate a lawsuit against the negligent party.
If you do not file a claim within the allotted time, you may lose eligibility to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. Reaching out to our truck accident lawyers as soon as possible helps you avoid missing any deadlines.
Important Steps To Take After An Ontario Truck Accident
After a severe truck accident, navigating the immediate aftermath can be daunting. Taking the right steps following a collision with a commercial truck is pivotal to safeguarding your chances of receiving fair compensation. Our seasoned Ontario personal injury lawyers have crafted this guide to help you understand what to do after experiencing injuries in such an accident.
- Get medical help – After a truck accident, seek medical attention to identify any hidden injuries. Accurate diagnoses and early treatment are essential to prevent conditions from worsening. Additionally, this helps establish a crucial link between your injuries and the accident.
- Call 911 – Dial the emergency hotline for assistance from the police and first responders at the accident scene. Provide the police with your account of the moments leading up to the collision, and ensure you obtain a copy of the police report. Although typically inadmissible in court, these reports hold essential information that is useful for the investigation of your accident.
- Collect evidence at the accident scene – This step is vital for establishing what occurred. Collecting evidence on-site can provide important information and prevent potential falsification or alteration. Capture photos of vehicle damage, tire skid marks, license plates, and other pertinent details.
- Exchange information with the other involved parties—After an accident, exchanging insurance and contact details with the other driver is mandatory. Request the truck driver’s name, insurance details, address, trucking carrier’s name, and truck number.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information – If there were witnesses to your truck collision, request that they remain and provide statements to the police. Gather their names and contact information for your attorney to follow up on. Witness testimony serves as valuable and unbiased evidence in a truck accident claim, offering firsthand accounts of the incident.
- File an insurance claim – Seeking assistance from an experienced Ontario truck accident attorney is advisable when filing an insurance claim. The guidance of an attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. If the insurance company doesn’t provide a fair settlement, you and your attorney can assess whether to continue negotiations, accept the offer, or pursue legal action.
- Talk to our Ontario truck accident lawyers – After a truck accident, speaking to a lawyer is important for victims to understand the legal process. At Arash Law, we know you’re going through a difficult time and want to make things easy for you. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and address any questions you may have. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391.
Verdict for a client who was sideswiped by a commercial truck– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How To Avoid A Truck Accident
There are several things all drivers can do to prevent accidents on the road. Here are key steps our Ontario lawyers recommend to avoid truck accidents and ensure a safer commute for all:
- Be mindful of a truck’s blind spots. Large trucks have significantly broader blind spots on all sides than passenger vehicles. The rule of thumb is that if you can’t see the driver in the side mirror, chances are they can’t see you either.Additionally, truck drivers have bigger visibility issues on the passenger side, so be extra cautious when driving on this side. Do not stay in these “no zones” for a long time. Truck drivers should always be careful when making a turn or changing lanes. Double-check all sides and signal properly.
- Know when to pass a truck. For example, if a big rig is making a turn, avoid speeding past it, as the driver might not see you. Meanwhile, truck drivers should avoid wide or sharp turns to prevent collisions and losing control of the vehicle.
- Avoid switching lanes if there is not enough space. This maneuver can be hazardous since trucks can’t slow down or stop quickly. Truckers must also always check if their vehicle has enough space if they change lanes. They must take into account the distance between their vehicles and the other cars, both in front and at the back, to avoid collisions.
Steps Involved In A Claim Process For Truck Accidents
Here are the usual steps our Ontario lawyers for truck accidents follow in a claim:
- Investigation—Our lawyers will gather all available evidence and analyze it. We will also follow up with witnesses to build a strong case for you.
- Claim Filing—Our truck accident lawyers will file a claim against the responsible parties once we have enough evidence.
- Negotiation—During the negotiation phase, we will constantly be in contact with insurers to negotiate the best settlement. We always fight for maximum compensation, so it may take a while. It usually depends on the at-fault side’s willingness to settle.
- Settlement or Trial—Most cases we handle are settled out of court. However, we are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Truck Accident Statistics In California
In 2019, California held second place on the list of states with the highest fatal truck accident rates, as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that 83% of fatal accident victims include passengers, motorcyclists, big rig drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), nearly 6,000 deaths and 155,000 injuries resulted from large truck accidents on American roads in 2021. The NSC defines large trucks as commercial and noncommercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds.
If a loved one dies in a truck accident, seek assistance from the best truck accident attorneys Ontario relies on. We’re available to discuss your case 24/7. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Truck accident settlements are unique to each case, so it’s difficult to say how much they are. The range is usually between tens of thousands of dollars and millions. Compensation usually depends on medical expenses incurred, long-term care costs for catastrophic injuries, future care, and lost wages. Additionally, our truck accident lawyers will have to look at various evidence, insurance policies, and resources to determine a fair compensation amount.
What Is An Average Truck Accident Settlement In Ontario?
It’s hard to say what the average settlement for truck accidents is, given that various factors can change how much a case is worth. However, the settlement can be around $70,000 to $75,000 for more moderate cases. Nevertheless, these numbers can still decrease or increase significantly based on certain variables, such as the severity of the case and who is at fault.
Am I Responsible For Paying For My Own Medical Bills Following A Truck Accident?
California is an at-fault state, which means that the party responsible for the accident should pay for the victim’s damages. However, this is usually a long process. The at-fault party rarely accepts liability and pays immediately. So, how can you pay for your current medical bills?
Unfortunately, you have to pay for them initially. If you have private health insurance, you can use it to pay medical bills. If you don’t have health insurance, Medi-Cal can help you get treatment. As a last resort, healthcare providers and insurance companies may agree to provide care on a lien. This agreement allows you to delay payment until you receive compensation.
Our Ontario truck accident lawyers can help you find ways to get the medical treatment you need. We will also ensure all liable parties compensate you for these damages.
What Are The Truck Restrictions In California?
One of the most critical truck restrictions in California and the rest of the United States is weight limits. According to the law, large vehicles cannot exceed 80,000 pounds. For trucks with single axles (single wheels), the limit is 20,000 pounds.
These restrictions are implemented to promote industry safety and preserve the road structure’s integrity. Heavy trucks require longer stopping distances and are more challenging to control. Additionally, they damage roads over time, especially overpasses and bridges. Such issues could lead to more devastating accidents.
Our truck accident attorneys will check if overloading contributed to your accident. If so, we can pursue damages from trucking and cargo-loading companies.
What Other Restrictions Apply To Trucks?
Aside from weight limits, state and federal laws keep truckers and other motorists safe. These include the following regulations:
- Hours Of Service—FMCSA mandates that property-carrying drivers take breaks for rest and meals throughout the day. Truckers must take a 30-minute break after driving for eight consecutive hours. Additionally, they are not allowed to be on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours. Before they can start another work day, they must have ten consecutive hours of rest.
- Load Securement—Besides ensuring the load meets federal standards, trucking and shipping companies must ensure that the cargo is secure. Improper loading can cause road accidents, such as jackknifing or rolling over. The weight must be distributed properly and evenly. Cargo must also be kept in place to avoid shifting.
Our lawyers, who handle truck accident cases, will also check whether these mandated laws were breached.
How Long Does It Take To Investigate A Truck Accident Claim?
Depending on its severity, investigating a truck accident claim can take weeks to months. When resolving such cases, the average duration is 1.5 years. However, the time may be shorter or longer, depending on several factors, such as your treatment time, the complexity of the case, and how willing the other party is to settle.
Trust in the reliable truck accident lawyers Ontario turns to for justice. We’ll resolve your case as soon as we can. We will aggressively fight for your rights and ensure a favorable outcome.
Call The Expert Truck Accident Lawyers Ontario Respects The Most
At Arash Law, we provide compassionate legal representation to individuals who have suffered truck accidents, car accidents, wrongful death, and other personal injuries. We will listen sympathetically to your needs, offer advice, and vigorously represent your interests.
Our knowledgeable Ontario truck accident lawyers, spearheaded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will handle your claim with the utmost care and attention. If you or a loved one has been injured in a recent trucking incident, you may have legal grounds to file a claim. To speak with our skilled Ontario truck accident attorneys, call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation.
We also extend our service to neighboring communities, including Montclair, Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, Pomona, and Chino Hills, as well as major cities throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, San Jose, Bakersfield, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
