San Bernardino Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve found yourself injured in a truck accident, facing the road to recovery is an excruciating uphill battle. That’s why you need a truck accident lawyer serving San Bernardino who understands the ins and outs of such cases and stands ready to help with your case. Taking on a large trucking company can be challenging without experienced legal representation.

The difference between a regular collision and one involving hefty commercial vehicles isn’t just the scale of damage or injuries sustained but also how intimidating it can be to seek justice against big-name insurance companies or corporate entities.

At Vaziri Law, LLP, our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers are ready to help. Schedule your free case review today.

Why Choose Vaziri Law, LLP as Your San Bernardino Truck Accident Lawyer

Founded in 2006, our firm has built a strong record of winning outcomes both through settlement negotiations and in trial. Our case results speak for themselves. Our attorneys have helped recover over $1 billion in total compensation for injured clients.

Our team reflects the diversity of the communities we represent, with professionals from many cultural backgrounds who speak multiple languages and understand the obstacles injury victims often face. With experience on both sides of the legal system, including time spent at insurance carriers and large defense firms, we know how opposing parties evaluate and defend cases.

We also pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve. By actively integrating new technology and modern legal methods when they offer an advantage, we give our clients access to resources and approaches that more traditional practices may be slow to adopt.

Liability in San Bernardino Truck Accidents

When a truck accident happens in San Bernardino, determining who’s at fault can be a complex process. There are often multiple parties involved, each with its own share of liability. 

Truck Driver Liability

In many cases, the truck driver bears at least some responsibility for the crash. If they were driving recklessly, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violating hours-of-service regulations, they can be held liable for the resulting damages. Even if the driver wasn’t actively breaking the law, they may still be at fault if their negligence contributed to the accident. 

Failing to check blind spots, following too closely, or making improper lane changes are all examples of driver negligence.

Trucking Company Liability

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their vehicles are safe and their drivers are qualified. When they fail in these responsibilities, they can be held accountable for resulting accidents. For example, if a company knowingly hires a driver with a history of DUIs or encourages drivers to violate hours-of-service rules, they may be liable for any crashes that occur as a result.

Similarly, if they neglect to maintain their trucks or force drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, they can be held responsible for the consequences. In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver and trucking company. 

Third Party Liability

If a defective truck part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of that component could be held liable. 

If improperly loaded cargo shifts and causes the truck to overturn, the loading company may share in the responsibility. 

Other drivers on the road can also be at fault. If a passenger vehicle cuts off a truck or merges into its blind spot, causing the trucker to swerve or brake suddenly, that driver may be liable for the resulting collision.

Shared Liability

Truck accident cases are rarely cut-and-dry. Often, liability is shared among multiple parties. For instance, a truck driver may be partially at fault for speeding, but the trucking company may also bear responsibility for failing to maintain the vehicle’s brakes. 

In these situations, California’s comparative negligence laws come into play. Under this system, each party is assigned a percentage of fault, and their liability for damages is proportional to their degree of responsibility.

Damages in a San Bernardino Truck Accident Claim

The aftermath of a truck accident can be devastating, both physically and financially. Victims often face a long road to recovery, with mounting medical bills and lost wages adding to the stress of the situation. Truck accident injuries are often severe and may require extensive medical treatment. 

Victims may need emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy to recover from their injuries. All of these medical expenses can quickly add up, leaving victims with overwhelming bills. 

In a truck accident claim, victims can seek compensation for all of their accident-related medical costs, including future expenses related to their injuries. This may include costs for medication, medical equipment, home modifications, and in-home care.

Lost Wages

Serious injuries can keep victims out of work for weeks, months, or even permanently. This loss of income can be a major financial blow, especially when coupled with the added expenses of medical treatment.

Truck accident victims can seek compensation for their lost wages, including any bonuses, commissions, or benefits they would have earned had they been able to work. 

If your injuries result in a permanent disability that affects your future earning capacity, you may also be able to recover damages for this loss. 

Pain and Suffering

The physical pain and emotional trauma of a truck accident can be immense. You may suffer from chronic pain, scarring, disfigurement, and psychological distress that can greatly impact your quality of life. 

While no amount of money can truly compensate for this suffering, pain and suffering damages aim to provide some measure of relief for these intangible losses. The amount of these damages can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries and the individual circumstances of the case.

Permanent Disability

Some truck accident injuries are so severe that they result in permanent disabilities. Victims may lose the use of a limb, suffer paralysis, or experience cognitive impairments that affect every aspect of their lives. 

Disability damages can provide compensation for the ongoing costs associated with these life-altering injuries, such as home and vehicle modifications, adaptive equipment, and long-term care needs.

They also aim to compensate victims for the loss of enjoyment of life and the limitations their disabilities place on their activities and relationships.

Wrongful Death

Tragically, some truck accidents are fatal. When a victim loses their life due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, their family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. 

A San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer can help you recover damages that provide compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the loss of the victim’s income and benefits, and the intangible loss of love, guidance, and companionship. 

While no amount of money can replace a lost loved one, these damages can help ease the financial burden on grieving families.

Additional Damages

There are a variety of other damages that may be available as well, depending on the particulars of your case. You can be compensated for any property damage, permanent scarring, emotional distress, or even punitive damages if the actions or inaction of the responsible party meet the required threshold.

A knowledgeable truck accident attorney serving San Bernardino can help you identify all the damages that apply so you can recover the full value of your claim.

The Role of a Truck Accident Lawyer Serving San Bernardino

Getting your life back on track after a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with serious injuries and mounting expenses. That’s where a San Bernardino semi truck accident lawyer from Vaziri Law, LLP comes into the picture.

To build a strong case, your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident. They’ll gather evidence from the scene, interview witnesses, and review police reports and medical records. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the crash occurred and who was at fault. 

This investigation is crucial to identifying all potentially liable parties and proving negligence. Our attorneys will use this evidence to build a compelling case on your behalf.

Identifying Liable Parties

The first steps your attorney will take will revolve around identifying all liable parties in your case. They will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to identify all liable parties so you can begin the process of pursuing compensation.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out large settlements. When you’re attempting to overcome a serious truck accident, the last thing you need is the stress of fighting with insurers who are trying to minimize your claim. 

Your truck accident attorney will handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance companies on your behalf. They’ll use their experience and skill to advocate for a fair settlement that covers all of your damages, including future expenses related to your injuries.

Representing Clients in Court

While many truck accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, some may need to go to trial to achieve a just outcome. If your case goes to court, your lawyer will be by your side every step of the way. They’ll use their experience in litigation to present a persuasive case to the judge and jury. 

At Vaziri Law, LLP, we’ll argue for your right to full and fair compensation, using evidence and expert testimony to support your claim.

Steps To Take After a Truck Accident in San Bernardino

The moments after a truck accident are chaotic and overwhelming, but the steps you take in the aftermath can have a significant impact on your health and your legal case. 

Seek Medical Attention

Your health should be your top priority after a truck accident. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious consequences if left untreated. 

Seeking prompt medical care not only protects your health but also creates a record of your injuries that will be important for your legal claim. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments to document your recovery process.

Report the Accident

If you’re able, call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. When the police arrive, give them a clear, factual account of what happened.

Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the crash. Be sure to get a copy of the police report, as this will be a key piece of evidence in your case. 

If you’re too injured to report the accident yourself, ask a bystander to call for help on your behalf. 

Collect Evidence at the Scene

If you’re able to do so safely, gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the damage to the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Get contact information for any witnesses who saw the crash occur. 

Exchange insurance and contact information with the truck driver, but avoid discussing the details of the accident or accepting any blame. Let the evidence speak for itself.

Contact a San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident cases are often complex, with multiple liable parties and significant damages at stake. To protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, it’s essential to work with an experienced San Bernardino truck accident lawyer. 

Our attorneys have a track record of success in handling truck accident cases and offer free initial consultations, so you can discuss your case and learn about your legal options without any upfront costs.

Understanding Commercial Truck Regulations

Commercial trucks are subject to a complex web of federal and state regulations designed to keep our roads safe. Understanding these rules can be important in determining liability in a truck accident case. 

Hours-of-Service Limitations

To prevent fatigued driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict limits on the number of hours truck drivers can spend behind the wheel. Currently, drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving time within a 14-hour workday, after which they must take a 10-hour break. 

Drivers are also required to take regular rest breaks and are limited in the number of hours they can drive per week. Violations of these hours-of-service rules can be a major contributing factor in truck accidents.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements

Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe and roadworthy. This includes regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs of all critical systems, such as brakes, tires, and steering components. Failure to properly maintain trucks can lead to dangerous mechanical failures on the road. 

In the event of an accident caused by a maintenance issue, the trucking company may be held liable for negligence. 

Driver Requirements

Truck drivers are required to meet strict qualifications to operate a commercial vehicle. They must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), pass a background check, and undergo regular medical exams to ensure they are physically fit to drive. 

Trucking companies are responsible for verifying their drivers’ qualifications and ensuring they have the necessary training and experience to operate their vehicles safely. Hiring unqualified or poorly trained drivers can be a form of negligence.

Cargo Securement Rules

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unbalanced or even tip over. The FMCSA has established detailed rules for how cargo must be loaded and secured to prevent these dangerous situations. 

Trucking companies and cargo loaders must ensure that freight is properly distributed and restrained using approved tie-down devices and techniques. Failure to follow these rules can result in liability in the event of an accident.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Bernardino

Truck accidents in San Bernardino can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. Several factors can lead to an accident, but some are far more common than others.

Driver Fatigue

Long hours on the road can take a serious toll on truck drivers. Despite regulations limiting their driving time, many still push themselves to the brink of exhaustion. When fatigue sets in, reaction times slow, and the risk of nodding off behind the wheel skyrockets. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another major problem, and it’s not just limited to passenger vehicles. Truck drivers are often guilty of it too, whether they’re texting, fiddling with the radio, or even eating behind the wheel. 

When a trucker takes their attention off the road, even for a split second, the consequences can be catastrophic. A momentary lapse in focus can cause them to veer into another lane, rear-end a slower vehicle, or miss a blind spot check.

Speeding

Time is money in the trucking industry, and some drivers feel pressured to meet tight deadlines by pushing the speed limit. When a massive 18-wheeler is barreling down the highway at breakneck speeds, it becomes a deadly weapon. Trucks require significantly more time and distance to stop than smaller vehicles. 

When a speeding trucker needs to brake suddenly, they may not be able to avoid a collision. High-speed impacts with a fully-loaded semi truck can have devastating results. 

Improper Loading of Cargo

A truck’s cargo must be carefully loaded and secured to prevent shifts during transport. When cargo is improperly balanced or inadequately restrained, it can cause the trailer to sway or even tip over, especially during sharp turns or evasive maneuvers. 

Overloading is another concern. Trucks that exceed their weight limits become more difficult to control and put excessive strain on brakes and tires, increasing the likelihood of a mechanical failure.

Mechanical Failure

Trucks are complicated machines that require regular maintenance to operate safely. When trucking companies cut corners on upkeep or delay necessary repairs, they put everyone on the road at risk. Worn brake pads, bald tires, and faulty steering components are all issues that can contribute to a catastrophic truck accident. 

Proper maintenance is essential to keep these massive vehicles in good working order and prevent avoidable crashes.

Common Questions About Truck Accident Claims in San Bernardino

Being involved in a truck accident in San Bernardino can leave you with serious injuries, unexpected expenses, and a lot of uncertainty about what to do next. It’s normal to have questions about your legal options and how the claims process works.

How Long Do I Have To Take Legal Action?

Under California law, most personal injury cases must be filed within two years of the date of the crash. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your ability to seek compensation from the party responsible for your injuries.

However, some situations can shorten or extend this timeframe, depending on who caused the accident and other case-specific factors. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and ensure that no critical deadlines are overlooked.

What Is a Typical Settlement for a Truck Accident Case?

There is no single “standard” settlement amount for truck accident claims because each case is different. Compensation can vary widely based on factors such as the seriousness of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, time missed from work, and whether long-term or permanent harm occurred.

A truck accident attorney serving San Bernardino can review the facts of your case, assess your damages, and provide guidance about the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a San Bernardino Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer?

Many accident victims worry that hiring a lawyer will be too expensive. In reality, most personal injury attorneys handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This fee structure means you do not pay anything upfront, and legal fees are only collected if your case results in financial recovery.

If no compensation is obtained, you will not owe attorney’s fees for the work performed on your behalf. If you do recover compensation, this fee is assessed as a fixed percentage of the money you receive.

This arrangement allows injured individuals to seek legal help without taking on additional financial risk and ensures your lawyer is motivated to pursue the strongest possible outcome for your claim.

Reach Out to a Truck Accident Lawyer Serving San Bernardino Today

When you’re seeking rightful compensation after a trucking accident in San Bernardino, having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference. At Vaziri Law, LLP, we don’t see you as just another case number. Instead, we recognize the profound impact this event has had on your life and fight tirelessly for the financial compensation you deserve.

Having the right legal representation can help ensure that those responsible are held accountable while guiding you back onto smoother roads ahead.

Contact us today by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our San Bernardino truck accident lawyers.