San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Experienced Legal Representation From Our San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorneys
When a massive truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the impact is often catastrophic. It’s not uncommon for victims to suffer serious injuries, and their medical bills can pile up quickly. If you or a loved one is injured in such a collision, you can consult our experienced San Bernardino truck accident attorneys. We’ve helped injured clients across California pursue compensation for their truck accident claims. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Located in Southern California, San Bernardino spans 81 square miles and boasts mild winters and hot, dry summers. The city is home to over 222,000 residents and ranks as the 10th-largest city in the Golden State by population. It is also the county seat of San Bernardino County.
Several colleges and universities are located here, including California University of Science and Medicine, San Bernardino Valley College, American Sports University, and The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Residents and visitors enjoy many parks in San Bernardino, such as Glen Helen Regional Park and Blair Park.
Stater Bros., the County of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino City Unified School District, Kohl’s, and the California Department of Transportation are some of the city’s employers. San Bernardino County is experiencing an uptick in its population, as it increased by more than 425,000 residents between 2010 and 2019. Now, more than 2.19 million residents call San Bernardino County home. This population growth, combined with a recent sharp increase in major warehouses, has resulted in more trucks traveling on the county’s roads, thoroughfares, and highways. Unfortunately, this has likely increased the risk of big rig accidents.
If you are injured in one of these collisions, contact an experienced truck accident attorney. Truck crashes and the subsequent legal matters they bring tend to be more complex than accidents involving only passenger vehicles. A San Bernardino personal injury attorney who focuses on truck accident claims can help review your case and tell you whether you’re eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why Consult Our San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorneys?
Our truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims pursue a settlement for their injuries. Here’s why you can reach out to us:
- Our team has represented many truck accident cases.
- We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to get to know you and your needs. Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers will listen to your story, answer your questions, and tailor our guidance to your situation.
- We believe in clear and honest communication. Whenever you have questions or concerns, our team will be available to keep you updated on the status of your case.
- We aim to make our services accessible to injured victims. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. Clients don’t pay our truck accident attorneys unless they’re able to collect compensation. During your free first consultation, we can discuss the other case-related costs that may still apply outside this agreement.
What Are Commercial Trucks?
The American economy relies on commercial trucks to transport goods nationwide, including those we order online. However, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a crash with one of these large commercial trucks sadly resulted in the death of a non-occupant of the large truck 83 percent of the time in 2021.
Since California drivers frequently share the road with these essential yet potentially hazardous vehicles, it’s crucial to understand the risks they pose. Our truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving various types of commercial trucks.
Delivery Trucks
These boxy, medium-sized vehicles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They deliver goods and packages directly to businesses and homes, often making frequent stops and turns. This creates blind spots for other drivers passing or following closely, so extra caution is required.
Garbage Trucks
Easily identifiable by their large bins and mechanized arms, garbage trucks collect and transport waste for disposal. Their frequent stops and low speeds could frustrate impatient drivers, potentially resulting in risky maneuvers.
Cement Mixer Trucks
The rotating drum on these trucks mixes concrete in transit so it arrives ready to pour at construction sites. However, the drum’s weight can be unevenly distributed, affecting the truck’s handling and stability, especially during turns.
Cement mixer truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to specific federal regulations regarding maintenance, driver qualifications, and loading. For instance, these drivers have a 30-minute break exemption and a 14-hour driving window under the 100 air-mile logging exemption.
If you’re injured in a cement mixer truck accident, we can help you learn whether the other party violated these regulations. Our truck accident attorneys in San Bernardino could use that information to strengthen your case against the driver or their employer.
Flatbed Trucks
These vehicles have a flat platform instead of an enclosed body, making them ideal for transporting oversized, indivisible cargo like machinery or building materials. When these become dislodged, they pose a serious hazard to nearby vehicles.
Dump Trucks
Equipped with a hydraulically operated bed that raises and tilts, these trucks haul loose materials like dirt, gravel, or sand for construction projects or landscaping. The high beds of dump trucks might significantly obstruct visibility for drivers behind them.
Tow Trucks
These vehicles use winches and lifting mechanisms to move disabled or improperly parked vehicles. While essential for roadside assistance, tow trucks can create hazards when stopping suddenly or blocking lanes during the towing process.
Utility Trucks
These vehicles carry crew members and equipment for maintenance tasks like power line repairs or cable installation. Boom trucks, bucket trucks, and vacuum trucks often have extended equipment. These can swing out unexpectedly, potentially hitting nearby vehicles or pedestrians.
Depending on the situation, several parties could be liable for a utility truck accident. Our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys can identify all potentially responsible parties, including the utility company itself, the equipment manufacturer if a malfunction caused the crash, or a subcontractor hired for specific tasks. We’ll explore all possible avenues of compensation.
Fuel Trucks
Easily identified by their large, cylindrical tanks, fuel trucks, also known as tanker trucks, transport flammable liquids like gasoline, diesel, and other fuels to gas stations and industrial facilities. Spills from these trucks can create slippery road conditions, potentially resulting in dangerous multi-vehicle pileups.
Logging Trucks
These powerful vehicles haul massive tree trunks with trailers specifically designed for long-distance transport to sawmills or processing plants. The long logs they carry can swing out during turns or sudden stops, potentially hitting other vehicles.
Refrigerated Trucks
Also known as “reefers,” these heavily insulated trucks have refrigeration units that maintain a precise temperature environment. They transport perishable goods like food and medicine over long distances. However, their bulky size and powerful refrigeration units can affect handling and stopping distances.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with any of these commercial vehicles, our San Bernardino truck accident lawyers can help. We may obtain and analyze maintenance logs, pre-trip inspection reports, and loading manifests. Our attorneys can use our findings to build a case that connects the at-fault party’s negligence to the cause of the accident.
Why Are Trucks So Dangerous?
Size is a major factor when it comes to large commercial trucks. When fully loaded, big rigs can weigh at least 25 times as much as the average passenger car. Accounting for their substantial mass, the speeds they travel, lengthy braking times, and blind spots, any loss of control could be fatal. A crash involving a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle can cause severe injuries, significant property damage, and, sometimes, the loss of life.
Additionally, a truck’s high center of gravity makes it more prone to rollovers during sharp turns or sudden swerves. These rollovers can be severe, causing the truck to potentially crush nearby vehicles or scatter cargo, creating a hazardous situation.
Trucks can also cause other serious accidents, such as:
Blind Spot Truck Accidents
The immense size of trucks creates large blind spots on all sides, particularly around the sides and rear of the trailer. These areas make it difficult for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles, especially those driving too close or lingering in their blind zones.
If truck drivers don’t use their mirrors and signals before changing lanes, they might miss a car in their blind spot and cause a side-swipe collision. Sometimes, truck drivers merge onto highways or exit ramps without fully checking their blind spots and hit a car already occupying the lane. They could also cause an accident if they misjudge a turn, especially at intersections, and collide with vehicles alongside them. Other road users may also cause accidents if they stay in a truck’s blind spot for too long.
If you are injured in this type of accident, call our personal injury law firm at (888) 488-1391. We can help assess whether the truck driver or another motorist followed proper safety protocols, such as checking mirrors and blind spots before maneuvering.
Our San Bernardino truck accident lawyers can also investigate a driver’s training records and experience. We can evaluate whether any lapses in judgment or inadequate training contributed to the accident.
Run Off-Road (ROR) Truck Accidents
ROR accidents occur when a truck veers off the roadway and crashes onto the shoulder, median, or beyond. Trucks traveling too fast, especially for road conditions, are more likely to lose control and leave the road, particularly on curves or during sudden maneuvers. Malfunctioning brakes, tire blowouts, or steering problems can also lead to a loss of control and an ROR accident.
Our truck accident attorneys can help identify the cause of the ROR incident. We’ll investigate factors such as driver behavior, road conditions, and maintenance records. Our team may use the information gathered to build a case against the negligent parties responsible for the accident.
Due to these inherent dangers, collisions involving these vehicles could cause severe losses. Our truck accident lawyers in San Bernardino understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these accidents can have on victims and their families. We are here to provide dedicated legal representation so clients can focus on healing.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
According to the FMCSA’s 2017 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics, there were 415,000 accidents involving large trucks in just 2015. Of those, 3,600 involved at least one fatality, and 83,000 resulted in various injuries. These figures significantly rose in 2021. Of the 494,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks, 5,149 were fatal, and 110,000 caused injuries.
Dangerous or negligent commercial drivers should be reported to local law enforcement and at FMCSA.gov. The FMCSA also publishes a list of the most common causes of San Bernardino County truck accidents. This list includes:
Intoxicated Driving
A DUI charge occurs when someone operates a commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, prescription medication, or over-the-counter medication. California drivers are considered over the legal limit if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher and they are at least 21 years old.
The BAC limit of 0.01 percent applies to drivers under 21. This same 0.01% BAC limit applies to anyone on DUI probation, regardless of age. Drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are subject to a lower BAC limit of 0.04%, even if they are not operating a commercial vehicle.
If an intoxicated truck driver injures you, our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys can help you build a well-supported case. We’ll investigate the trucker’s or other at-fault driver’s driving records to check for past DUI citations or violations. Our team might also examine a truck company’s policies on drug and alcohol testing, driver supervision, and fatigue management. With these key pieces of evidence, we’ll work to help you demonstrate a pattern of negligence and pursue compensation.
Speeding
Every driver is responsible for obeying the speed limit in the area they are driving in. They must also adjust their speed according to current weather, traffic, road conditions, or the amount and type of cargo they are hauling. However, drivers who exceed the speed limit, tailgate other vehicles, or drive recklessly are more likely to create extreme danger for themselves and everyone else on the road.
Sometimes, large trucks are involved in rear-end collisions with passenger vehicles because the driver is traveling at an unsafe speed or following too closely. Without enough time or space, the truck driver cannot stop in time to avoid a crash. These types of collisions could cause catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.
Our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys can analyze police reports, track down witnesses, and check traffic cameras and dashcam footage. If necessary, we can also bring in an accident reconstruction professional to evaluate skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage to estimate the vehicles’ speeds.
Distracted Driving
All drivers, especially those operating commercial trucks, should prioritize keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the steering wheel. This focus is crucial for maintaining safe travel.
Distracted driving is a major cause of vehicle injury accidents around the country. Distracted driving includes texting, talking on a car or mobile phone (or using some other telecommunication device, such as a radio), reading, using a laptop, watching a movie on a mobile device, looking for something in the cab, or otherwise taking eyes off the road. Even passengers and pets can cause distractions.
Dangerous Lane Changes
Drivers should only change lanes when it’s safe to do so. Drivers on unfamiliar roads might make last-minute and highly dangerous lane changes that result in an accident. Before making a lane change or turn, they should use their turn signals and check their rear-view and side-view mirrors several times.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving is a significant problem in the U.S., causing about 40 percent of all truck-involved accidents. Private motorists, as well as commercial drivers who work long hours, should pull over and rest at appropriate locations whenever they feel tired. Otherwise, they may be more likely to cause a truck accident.
Our truck accident attorneys in San Bernardino can help you study whether the collision was due to the fatigue of a truck driver or another motorist. We may check driver logs documenting their driving hours, rest periods, and duty limits to identify fatigue-related violations or patterns. We could use this information to demonstrate that a trucking company, a trucker, or another driver acted negligently and caused your injuries.
Unsafe Turns
Due to their size, large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, require slow and wide turns. However, these maneuvers should only be attempted when oncoming traffic is clear. Truck drivers must confirm that surrounding vehicles are far enough away to avoid collisions, especially those that could result in the trailer crushing smaller vehicles.
Traffic control devices like stop signs, traffic lights, and railroad signals are essential for safe truck operation. Truck drivers must exercise care and caution while driving in and around intersections. They must watch for other vehicles and also for more vulnerable pedestrians and bicyclists.
Keeping A Close Proximity Behind Other Vehicles
Impatient drivers on congested freeways could pose a significant risk to other motorists. However, the potential danger goes beyond the initial impact.
The size and weight of large trucks increase the risk of underride collisions, which occur when a car becomes lodged beneath the trailer or truck bed during an accident. While rear underride guards can prevent these incidents, they are not foolproof. Furthermore, there is currently no legal requirement for trucks to have side or front underride guards.
Other Causes Of Truck Accidents
The FMCSA conducted a Large Truck Crash Causation Study, which gathered crash data from 2001 to 2003. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, here are some of the other causes of truck accidents, per the study:
- Difficulties with the Vehicle’s Brakes — Approximately 41,000, or 29.4 percent, of trucks had accidents due to brake issues. Faulty brakes remain a huge issue on the roads, prompting the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to initiate a Brake Safety Week. It’s an annual program aiming to reduce the number of crashes related to brakes.
- Drivers Going Too Fast — About 32,000, or 23 percent, of trucks involved in crashes resulted from drivers going too fast for conditions. In a 2021 report by the NHTSA, large truck drivers represented 7% of speeding drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes.
- Drivers Not Familiar with the Roadway — Around 30,000 accidents, or 21.6 percent of crashes, were related to drivers who were new to the roadway. If a trucker is driving on an unknown route, they might be caught off guard by hazardous conditions, such as sharp bends. Some accidents also occur because of getting distracted by smartphones and GPS for directions.
- Roadway Problems — About 29,000, or 20.5 percent, of truck accidents were caused by road hazards. These issues are still common, especially on poorly maintained roads. Truck drivers may encounter uneven surfaces and road debris that can damage tires.
Our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys have helped injured victims in all types of truck accidents. If you have a case, we can perform an independent investigation into your accident to determine who may be liable.
Regulations For Trucking Companies
Here are some of the key regulations governing truck drivers and truck companies:
Hours Of Service
The FMSCA sets hours of service (HOS) regulations for truck drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. Some of the key rules include:
- Driving Hours Cap — Drivers can drive 11 hours after ten consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour Rule — Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 hours off duty.
- 30-Minute Break — Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving.
- 70-Hour Limit — Drivers cannot drive after accumulating 70 hours on duty within eight consecutive days.
- 34-Hour Restart — Drivers can reset their weekly driving hours by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty.
California adheres to federal HOS regulations but also imposes additional restrictions. For example, the state enforces mandatory meal and rest breaks for intrastate drivers operating within California.
When the cause of the accident is a driver violating HOS regulations, you can have an experienced San Bernardino injury lawyer review your case. Our truck accident attorneys can gather and analyze logbooks, electronic data from truck recorders, GPS information, and even cellphone records that may help prove that the driver acted negligently by exceeding the allowed hours.
Licensing
Truck drivers must acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The CDL application process involves written and skills tests that assess a driver’s ability to perform vehicle inspections, handle basic controls, and navigate road situations. Additionally, trucking companies are responsible for verifying their drivers’ qualifications and maintaining accurate credentials records.
Size And Weight Limits
Federal regulations establish weight limits for different axle configurations. For instance, a single axle, essentially two tires close together, has a weight limit of 20,000 pounds. This limit applies to the total weight carried by both tires combined.
Trucks with more axles often have them spaced further apart in groups. Federal regulations use the “bridge formula” to determine the legal weight limit for these configurations.
California also has restrictions on specific roads and bridges that require extra protection due to age, design, or ongoing maintenance. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their loads comply with all these regulations. Unfortunately, our truck accident attorneys in San Bernardino encounter many injury cases caused by overloaded trucks.
Safety
Safety regulations encompass everything from vehicle inspections and maintenance to safe driving practices. The FMCSA regularly inspects trucks and trucking companies, and California has an enforcement arm to maintain compliance.
Ways Truck Drivers Can Prevent Accidents
Taking certain steps may help drivers prevent accidents and create safer roads for everyone:
- Prioritize Rest — Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Truck drivers should adhere to regulations on driving hours and take breaks to avoid fatigue. A well-rested driver has better reaction times and clearer judgment.
- Maintain Regular Maintenance — Regular inspections and proper upkeep of the truck are crucial. Keeping an eye on tire pressure, brakes, and other vital components can prevent breakdowns that lead to accidents.
- Mind Distance — Trucks take much longer to stop than cars. Maintaining a safe following distance gives both truck and car drivers ample time to react to sudden stops or slowdowns ahead.
- Practice Defensive Driving — It’s typically a good idea to assume that other drivers might make mistakes. Truck drivers must stay alert, avoid distractions like phones, and anticipate potential hazards. Using turn signals clearly and checking blind spots before changing lanes are also defensive driving essentials.
- Adjust to Weather and Road Conditions — Driving too fast when road conditions involve rain, fog, or sharp curves can be a recipe for disaster. Failing to adjust to such hazards could be considered negligence, even if the weather is beyond the driver’s control.
What Is The Truck Accident Injury Claim Process?
Filing a claim after a truck accident can be a complicated process. Working with experienced San Bernardino truck accident lawyers early on can help you handle your case.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical claim process:
Investigating The Truck Accident
Truck accidents typically involve a police investigation. Our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys may support these efforts by bringing in accident reconstruction professionals. Their job is to examine the crash site meticulously, analyze driver logs, and extract vital data from the truck.
Our lawyers can also actively seek out any witnesses and obtain their account of the incident. Additionally, we might send legal notices (known as spoliation letters) to the trucking company to preserve evidence.
Filing Your Insurance Claim(s)
Once the investigation is complete, we’ll be ready to file valid claims. This process may involve submitting them to multiple insurance companies, depending on the parties involved and the specific coverages available. Each claim outlines a request for compensation for a victim’s injuries and other losses. It should also detail the evidence demonstrating the trucking company’s or driver’s negligence and liability for the accident.
Negotiating A Settlement
Our San Bernardino truck accident lawyers will evaluate any settlement offers presented by the at-fault party or their insurer. We’ll use our knowledge and experience to counter offers if necessary and present a substantiated case to pursue an amount that more closely aligns with the value of a victim’s damages.
Initiating A Lawsuit
If negotiations don’t result in a settlement, our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys are prepared to take cases to court. We’ll file a lawsuit against all parties potentially responsible for a client’s injuries.
However, even after filing, we’ll still pursue an out-of-court settlement. If a resolution cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. In this scenario, a judge or jury will decide on liability and how much compensation a client may be awarded.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
Who Is Held Liable For Truck Accidents?
Each truck accident case is unique and should be carefully assessed to determine all possible liable parties. However, this may be easier said than done. For example, there are often intricate layers of ownership within trucking companies that may limit liability in the event of an accident. As such, responsible parties in a big rig accident might include:
- The truck’s owner.
- The truck’s driver.
- The trailer’s owner.
- The trucking company.
- The warehouse or the workers who loaded the truck.
- The shop that is responsible for truck maintenance.
- Manufacturers of defective brakes, tires, or other truck parts.
- The road design company or municipality.
For some truck drivers, it may not be the first time they have violated safety rules. They might have a record that the trucking company is aware of, but might have ignored.
A San Bernardino truck accident attorney who understands state and federal trucking regulations can help review your case and potentially represent your interests.
Proving The Liability Of Trucking Companies And Other Parties
Sometimes, a company might pressure its truckers to make on-time deliveries, which may encourage dangerous driving behaviors. In these cases, the trucking company may be legally responsible or liable for truck collisions in San Bernardino. They could thus be held accountable for the recklessness of their drivers and any other forms of negligence, including:
- Deferred fleet maintenance
- Poorly maintained trucks
- Lost loads
- Inadequate driver training
Trucking companies are legally required to maintain detailed records regarding their:
- Hiring and training practices.
- Fleet and equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Drivers’ driving times.
Our truck accident attorneys can use these records to establish negligence and prove liability.
However, there are some cases in which the truck driver or trucking company isn’t responsible for the crash. For example, the accident may be the result of an improperly maintained road. Road hazards like potholes and debris can all potentially cause an accident. In such cases, the county and highway authority may be held responsible instead of the trucking company.
The manufacturers of the cargo, the truck, or truck parts may also be liable for a crash. Suppose the products the truck was carrying caused it to catch fire or explode, ultimately causing an accident. In that case, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
By enlisting the assistance of a San Bernardino truck accident attorney in handling a complex personal injury case, injured victims with valid claims could pursue accountability from the potentially responsible parties, even if there’s more than one at fault.
Pursuing Damages In A Truck Accident Claim
Truck wrecks are more likely to have severe consequences for other road users. If a truck hits a pedestrian or bicyclist, there’s a high chance of a fatality. A potential lawsuit could mean pursuing compensation for the victim’s physical injuries or the death of a beloved family member.
A skilled San Bernardino truck accident attorney can help victims seek damages such as past, present, and future medical expenses arising from their injuries. They might also pursue compensation for the pain and suffering the accident caused.
However, pursuing these damages involves dealing with the trucking company’s insurance adjusters. An experienced San Bernardino truck accident attorney can negotiate with them on your behalf and help pursue a settlement that considers the extent of the damages you incurred after a crash.
Is Hiring Truck Accident Attorneys Really Necessary To Pursue A Claim?
The short answer is that the complexities of truck accident cases can often benefit from the support of an experienced injury attorney.
Suppose you sustain a serious injury or someone you love dies due to the wrongful actions of a commercial truck driver or another party. In that case, you may have the legal right to seek compensation for your losses.
A San Bernardino truck accident attorney’s knowledge and understanding of personal injury law, as well as the trucking industry, its rules and regulations, and the agencies involved, can be helpful for seeking damages. They can identify liable parties, such as the truck driver, the company that owns the truck, or the truck’s manufacturer.
Our firm also takes steps to collect and preserve the evidence and information required to build a case. We could assist you in identifying all of your compensable damages. Our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys are also experienced in negotiations and can help you seek compensation both in and out of court.
Statute Of Limitations For California Truck Accident Claims
California has a strict time limit for filing a lawsuit after a truck accident. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
For most personal injury claims, the clock starts ticking on the date of the accident. You generally have two years to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or anyone else liable for your injuries.
However, there are exceptions to this two-year rule. For example, if the accident resulted in a wrongful death, the two years to sue start from the date the victim dies, not the accident date.
If you miss the deadline to file a lawsuit, the court may throw out your case, leaving you unable to seek compensation for your losses. Our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys can help guide you through the claims process. If you have a case, we can assist with filing it within the applicable deadline.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
Here are some examples of steps you can take after a truck accident:
- Check yourself and everyone involved for injuries. If anyone’s seriously injured, call 911.
- If you can, move your vehicle to a safe location on the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
- Call the police. Report the accident to the law enforcement authorities, even if it’s minor. A police report can come in handy if you need to file an insurance claim.
- Exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. Take note of their contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license details. Also, information must be gathered from any witnesses present at the truck accident scene.
- Document the scene. Take photos and videos of the accident, including close-ups of the damage to the vehicles, relevant road markings or signs, and any visible injuries.
- Don’t admit fault. Resist the urge to talk about who caused the accident with anyone involved, including the truck driver or witnesses. Even if you think you might be responsible, hold off on apologies or admissions.
- Notify your insurance company. Provide them with all the details you can remember, including the date, time, and location of the accident.
- Seek medical attention. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries might not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation can identify any hidden issues and create a record of your injuries.
- At this point, you might be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” If you were badly hurt or the truck accident involved significant damage, San Bernardino lawyers can help identify and explain your legal options. An experienced truck accident attorney can guide you through the compensation process and advocate for your interests.
San Bernardino Truck Accident Statistics
San Bernardino County roads witnessed over 11,000 total motor vehicle accidents in 2013. Many of these accidents involved semi-trucks. As a result of these accidents, 11,735 victims were injured, and 236 (approximately 2 percent of all accident victims) lost their lives. In 2023, San Bernardino recorded 126 vehicular collisions that resulted in fatalities and serious injuries. According to the Transportation Injury Mapping System, 149 people died or were seriously injured in these collisions.
There’s no doubt that commercial trucks have an integral role in the American economy as they transport goods across the state and country. However, these trucks can create significant dangers to other drivers on the road simply because of their loads. Even though the majority of truck accidents happen in outlying rural areas, residents and visitors to city centers in San Bernardino County remain at risk.
Suppose you or a family member suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident with a large truck. In that case, you could be entitled to pursue compensation. In this case, you can consider discussing your accident with a San Bernardino truck accident attorney at Arash Law.
With the help of a good truck accident attorney, you may be able to seek damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation with one of our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need To Follow Up With My Insurance Service Provider Even If I Am Not The Party At Fault?
Yes. Even if you believe you weren’t at fault, you should contact your insurance company immediately. Most auto insurance policies require you to report any incident where coverage might apply, regardless of fault. Neglecting to report the accident could affect your coverage. San Bernardino truck accident attorneys can handle this process on your behalf.
Beyond your contractual obligations, there are significant benefits to reporting a traffic accident. Your insurance could provide immediate financial assistance, such as covering medical bills within policy limits, while your claim against the at-fault party is in progress. This immediate payout may help address any financial difficulty you might experience during the claims process.
Should A Truck Crash Victim Seek Medical Attention Even For Minor Injuries?
Absolutely. The force of a collision can cause injuries that don’t present immediate symptoms. Some examples are internal bleeding, organ damage, and brain trauma. Early detection and treatment can help improve your well-being and prevent complications.
Furthermore, getting a medical evaluation could support a potential injury claim. It provides clear evidence that our truck accident lawyers can use when arguing your case. Proper documentation could prevent the connection between the accident and your injuries from being disputed.
Do All Truck Accidents End Up In A Litigious Process?
Most truck accident claims reach settlements outside of court. However, a trial may be necessary in certain situations. For example, litigation may be the next step if a resolution proves impossible due to disagreements over fault or settlement offers. In these cases, San Bernardino truck accident attorneys can prepare you for trial and represent you in court.
Can A Decedent’s Relatives Pursue A Wrongful Death Claim After A San Bernardino Truck Accident?
Yes, a victim’s surviving relatives may be eligible to do so. There are two primary avenues for pursuing compensation: wrongful death lawsuits and survival actions. Families may choose to pursue both simultaneously.
A wrongful death lawsuit focuses on the losses suffered by surviving family members. These damages include the loss of companionship, guidance, and financial support that the deceased provided while living.
On the other hand, a survival action seeks compensation for losses incurred by the injured individual during the period between the accident and their passing. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering endured by the deceased.
In California, spouses or domestic partners, biological and adopted children, stepchildren, and other financially dependent relatives of the deceased are eligible to file a claim. If you’re unsure whether you qualify to file a wrongful death claim after a truck accident, consult San Bernardino lawyers. They can review the specifics of your situation and discuss your legal options.
How Much Does A Lawyer Charge For A Truck Accident Claim?
There is no definite answer to this question, as it will depend on the specifics of your case. When it comes to truck accident claims, for instance, lawyers are likely to charge more because they usually involve multiple at-fault parties. This detail is one factor that may complicate the overall claims process. However, you likely won’t have to pay for legal representation up front.
Our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless compensation for the case is obtained. Still, certain case-related expenses may apply outside of this agreement. This payment structure aims to make our services more accessible to injured truck accident victims.
What If I Am Partially At Fault?
Even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you might still be eligible to pursue compensation. California follows a legal principle called “pure comparative negligence.” Under this system, your compensation depends on the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved, which can potentially include you. For example, even if the court finds you 40% at fault for the accident, you can still pursue 60% of the damages from the other party.
Consult Our San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorneys
If you’re looking for an experienced San Bernardino truck accident attorney, consider consulting one from Arash Law. We work to combine our experience with our client-focused approach when offering assistance to injured truck accident victims.
You can contact our San Bernardino truck accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391. Our truck accident law firm represents personal injury clients in San Bernardino. We extend our services to Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Victorville, Hesperia, Anaheim, Barstow, Baker, Lancaster, Pomona, Chino, Beaumont, Banning, San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and other areas in California.
