San Bernardino 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers
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Our San Bernardino 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Aim To Guide You Throughout The Legal Process
After a truck accident, it can be beneficial to have knowledgeable legal support. At Arash Law, we provide personalized attention and legal guidance to individuals navigating the complexities of personal injury claims. Call our San Bernardino 18-wheeler accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. We can help you pursue justice and compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.
Arash Law is an established personal injury law firm in California. With a dedicated legal team of over 100 professionals, we are committed to delivering quality legal services. We work diligently to pursue compensation for our clients.
We prioritize clear communication with clients, addressing inquiries and keeping them informed throughout their case. Our approach focuses on understanding each client’s unique situation and working toward a resolution that aligns with their needs. We also aim to provide legal support to aid in their recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a big rig accident, you don’t have to manage the legal consequences alone. With resources and a commitment to client representation, our San Bernardino 18-wheeler accident lawyers are prepared to advocate for your rights. We can handle the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on getting better and moving forward.
What Can San Bernardino 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Do?
Getting involved in an 18-wheeler accident can be overwhelming, especially when trucking companies and their lawyers work to protect their financial interests. This makes it difficult for victims to pursue compensation for their damages. So, if you are still wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my truck collision case?” the answer depends on your needs. However, a lawyer can advocate for your rights throughout the process of seeking financial recovery for your losses.
Our 18-wheeler accident lawyers in San Bernardino understand the complexities of the trucking industry and insurance policies. We can manage communications with insurers and opposing attorneys and are prepared to challenge offers that undervalue your claim.
We will work to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build your case. From dealing with insurance companies to navigating the intricate legal process, we are here to help protect your legal interests.
Our San Bernardino 18-wheeler accident attorneys understand the complexities of truck collision cases and are prepared to help you navigate the legal process. We’ll address your questions, explain the potential strengths and weaknesses of your claim, and provide updates on your case’s progress.
If you’re in need of legal assistance for your truck accident case, our San Bernardino injury law firm can provide support and guidance throughout the process.
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 Choose Our 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys For Your Case
Our San Bernardino lawyers offer legal services to injured victims of 18-wheeler accidents. Here’s what our team offers:
- Comprehensive Knowledge — Our accident attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of personal injury law, including truck accident cases.
- Accountability — Each client is assigned a case manager. We handle the legal aspects of your case, communicate transparently, and work to keep you informed throughout the process.
- Experience in Truck Accident Cases — With decades of combined experience, our legal team has handled numerous truck accident cases. We work to pursue compensation for our clients.
- Convenient Meeting Location — We can arrange to meet you at any convenient location in California, whether at your home, office, hospital, or at our office.
Furthermore, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything for the services of our attorneys unless we obtain compensation for you. Please note that you may still be responsible for some case-related costs regardless of the outcome, which will be explained to you in detail before you agree to representation.
Common Causes Of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks can have severe and catastrophic consequences due to the sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles. When 18-wheelers collide with smaller passenger cars, it can result in devastating injuries, extensive property damage, and even loss of life. Our car accident lawyers have helped numerous victims pursue compensation after they’ve sustained catastrophic injuries in these crashes. Understanding what caused these collisions can help determine who may be held liable. Below are some of the most common factors leading to 18-wheeler accidents:- Fatigued driving
- Impaired driving
- Aggressive driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Lack of training and experience
- Distracted driving
- Overloading and other cargo issues
- Mechanical failures
- Violating traffic laws
- Poor road conditions
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover incidents
- Rear-end or underride collisions
- Wide-turn collisions
- Blind spot crashes
- Underride accidents
Truck Accident?
Proving Negligence In An 18-Wheeler Accident
Under California personal injury law, you must show that the driver was at fault in an 18-wheeler crash in order to pursue compensation. To do so, you need to establish the following four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — You need to show that the truck driver owes a duty of care to other road users. They must follow traffic laws and strict federal regulations set by the FMCSA to keep everyone safe on the road.
- Breach of Duty — You must establish that someone failed to meet the standard of care required. For example, a truck driver who speeds, drives under the influence, or skips required vehicle inspections breaches this legal duty.
- Causation — You must link the breach of duty to your accident. This means showing that the truck driver or the company’s actions directly caused the crash. For instance, if the driver wasn’t distracted by their phone, they wouldn’t have hit your car.
- Damages — You need to show that the accident caused actual harm. This includes injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses. Without proof of harm, negligence is not established.
Our experienced San Bernardino 18-wheeler accident lawyers can assist in establishing the four elements of negligence and building your case. If the findings show shared fault, the “pure comparative negligence” rule will apply. We can help in assessing liability and pursuing fair compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Potentially Liable Parties In 18-Wheeler Accident Cases
Several parties may share liability in an 18-wheeler accident. To seek compensation, you must be able to determine who is at fault. Here are some of the parties that could potentially be held accountable:
- The Truck Driver — Truck drivers can be liable if their negligence directly caused the accident. This includes reckless behavior such as texting while driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or violating federal hours-of-service regulations.
- The Trucking Company — Trucking companies may face liability for their negligence, such as hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train employees properly, or neglecting regular vehicle maintenance and inspections.
- Loading Companies — If a cargo is improperly secured or overloaded, it can cause tipping or jackknifing, endangering everyone on the road. In such cases, the loading companies can be held accountable.
- Truck or Part Manufacturers — Manufacturers may be responsible if a defective truck part, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the accident.
- Maintenance Providers — Mechanics may share liability if they perform faulty repairs or neglect critical maintenance tasks. If they fail to fix worn brakes or tires, it may lead to preventable accidents.
- Local Government Agencies — Government entities can be held liable if poor road design, potholes, or inadequate signage contributed to the accident.
- Other Drivers — Another motorist’s reckless or negligent actions (sudden lane changes or failing to yield) could also be a contributing factor in the crash.
Our San Bernardino accident attorneys can help you gather evidence to determine the cause and identify potentially responsible parties for the accident.
Important Evidence To Prove Your 18-Wheeler Accident Case
To build a strong truck accident case, you need to gather several types of evidence. Our traffic accident lawyers can help you gather them if you’re unsure where to start or face challenges accessing critical information.
Here are the most vital types of evidence our traffic accident attorneys can use to support your claim:
- Witness Statements — Testimonies from witnesses can provide firsthand observations of the accident, including the obvious driver’s behavior and other visible mechanical issues.
- Truck Cameras — Truck camera footage can reveal whether the driver was distracted or engaging in reckless behavior at the time of the collision.
- Trucking Company Records — Company negligence can be found by looking at records about hiring, training, and supervising drivers. For instance, if a trucking company failed to conduct background checks or required drug and alcohol tests, it could demonstrate liability.
- Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) — Also known as “black boxes,” these devices can help reconstruct the accident and identify negligent behavior as they record vital data such as speed, braking, and other actions leading up to the crash.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) — ELDs track a driver’s hours of service to check if they comply with federal regulations. We can examine these records to uncover violations of hours-of-service rules, which often contribute to fatigue-related accidents.
Our 18-wheeler accident lawyers in San Bernardino can help you gather and analyze evidence. Whether pursuing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit, this evidence can back up your claim.
Types Of Damages For An 18-Wheeler Accident
If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you may be able to seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Here are the types of damages you may be able to pursue:
- Compensatory Damages — These damages are monetary awards to compensate you for the actual harm you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. They help cover both your financial losses and the pain you’ve endured. These damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy
- Mental health assistance
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive Damages — These are rarely awarded and are meant to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or grossly negligent behavior. For example, if the driver acted with extreme negligence, the court may award punitive damages as a way to deter others from similar actions.
The amount of damages you can pursue depends on the severity of your injuries. Serious harms, such as paralysis, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputation, or severe burns, may result in significant compensation due to long-term care and life-altering effects. On the other hand, less severe injuries, like bruises or small cuts, may lead to lower compensation amounts.
Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers can connect you with doctors to treat and document your injuries after an 18-wheeler accident. We also assist in identifying and estimating your damages for your claim.
What To Do After An 18-Wheeler Accident
After an 18-wheeler accident, you need to stay calm. This way, you can take some steps to protect your health and your rights. We recommend following these steps:
- Prioritize Your Safety — Check yourself for injuries. If possible, move to a safe spot on the side of the road.
- Call 911 for Help — Emergency responders will treat your injuries and take you to the hospital if needed. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, you should still notify law enforcement, as they’ll create an accident report.
- Document the Scene — If you’re able, take photos or videos of the vehicles, damages, injuries, and any road conditions. Get the truck driver’s contact and insurance details, as well as the name of the trucking company. You may also get their employer’s details. If any witnesses are around, ask for their contact information and if they’d be willing to provide a statement.
- Seek Further Medical Attention — Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor after the accident. Some injuries can take longer before they manifest. Therefore, obtaining medical records linking your injuries to the collision is critical for your case. Follow the doctor’s treatment plan to demonstrate your commitment to recovery.
- Notify Your Insurer — Let your insurance company know about the accident, but don’t give a recorded statement before speaking to a lawyer.
- Consult an Attorney — Our San Bernardino 18-wheeler accident lawyers can help gather evidence, protect your rights, and handle communications with insurance companies. If needed, we are prepared to represent you in court.
Settlement in a heavily disputed Truck v. Truck case. Our client was blamed by the insurance company from day one and was always told that they would never take responsibility for the collision that injured our client’s lower back. After years of litigation, Benny and the team were able to secure the full policy limits for our client months before trial.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Deadline To File An 18-Wheeler Accident Claim
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. However, some situations can change this timeline:
- Out of State — If the person at fault leaves California before you file, the statute of limitations can be tolled or paused. The statutory clock will begin to run again once they return.
- Minors — If the injured person is a minor, the deadline may be tolled. Once the victim turns 18, the statute of limitations starts to run again.
- Government Agency — If you’re filing a claim against a city or state government, you must submit an administrative claim within six months. The government has 45 days to respond. If your claim is denied, you have six months from the rejection notice to file a lawsuit. If there’s no response within 45 days, you typically have up to two years from the accident date to file your case.
It’s imperative to file your case on time. If you miss the deadline, the court may dismiss your case, and you could lose your chance for compensation.
Large Truck Accident Statistics
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports a sharp rise in large truck crashes from 2020 to 2021. Large trucks involved in fatal accidents increased by 18%, from 4,821 to 5,700. The involvement rate of large trucks in fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled also grew by 8%, from 1.62 to 1.74. In addition, injury collisions increased by 11%, jumping from 105,000 to 117,000.
In 2021 alone, there were about 494,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks. Out of these, 5,149 (1%) were fatal crashes, and 110,000 (22%) involved injuries. Single-vehicle accidents, which include incidents with pedestrians, bicyclists, or nonmotorized vehicles, accounted for 21% of fatal crashes and 14% of injury incidents. Most fatal truck collisions (62%) involved two vehicles.
Truck accidents can cause severe injuries and financial strains. If you or a loved one was injured due to a large truck crash, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Let our 18-wheeler accident attorneys in San Bernardino help you pursue compensation. To schedule a free initial consultation with our lawyers, fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If The Truck Company Denies Responsibility For The Accident?
It’s possible for trucking companies to attempt to avoid blame in order to protect themselves. However, their denial doesn’t mean you can’t pursue compensation. Truck accidents often stem from multiple contributing factors, such as defective parts, improper maintenance, or driver error. In some cases, other parties, like a manufacturer or mechanic, might share liability.
Our San Bernardino 18-wheeler accident lawyers can investigate the case, gather evidence, and identify potentially responsible parties. We can help you protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve My 18 Wheeler Accident Case?
The time required to resolve an 18-wheeler collision case varies. Some cases are resolved within a few months, while others can take years. Factors like the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the trucking company to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial can all affect the timeline.
Our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys in San Bernardino can manage the details and advocate for your rights. While every case is different, having legal support can be beneficial in seeking compensation.
Can You Sue An Out-of-State Trucking Company For An Accident In San Bernardino?
You can sue an out-of-state trucking company if it caused an accident in San Bernardino. California courts have the authority, or personal jurisdiction, to handle cases involving companies that operate within the state, even if their headquarters are in a different state.
However, going after an out-of-state company can add legal complexities, like determining the proper jurisdiction. Our 18-wheeler accident lawyers in San Bernardino can guide you through this process. We can file a claim on your behalf and help protect your rights.
Can I Still Pursue Compensation If The Truck Driver Died In The Accident?
If the truck driver died, you may still pursue compensation through their estate or the trucking company’s insurance. Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys in San Bernardino can help you navigate the legal process and identify legal options for pursuing compensation under the law.
Contact Our 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers In San Bernardino
Our personal injury law firm employs a client-focused approach that prioritizes your interests. Our San Bernardino 18-wheeler accident lawyers can help you pursue an amount that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. We bring years of experience to your case, advocating for your rights every step of the way.
Call (888) 488-1391 to speak with our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys. We offer a free case review to help you understand your legal options.
Arash Law assists injured victims from Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, Rialto, Upland, Redlands, Highland, and Yucaipa. We also handle Uber accidents, slip and fall cases, pedestrian incidents, motorcycle crashes, hit-and-run collisions, and bicycle claims.
