You may have noticed more large trucks in the Riverside area in recent years. Riverside County is booming with commercial activity, and with this comes the observable increase in 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other big rigs on our roads. Unfortunately, when a large truck inevitably gets in a collision, it spells serious injuries, astronomical costs, and potential death to the victim.
Californians who were hurt in a large-truck accident will find that claiming their rightful compensation is extremely difficult. If you hope to be properly compensated, you need a competent lawyer with experience in truck accidents.
Reach out to Gavel Law Firm for reliable help. Our lead attorney Bryan A. Mason is thoroughly experienced in truck accidents like yours, and ready to fight for your full compensation. We are trusted by individuals and families in the Inland Empire. Consult with us for free. Call (951) 289-0202 today.
Why It’s Crucial to Have an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents are more complex than ‘regular’ car collisions, making it difficult for an injured claimant to pursue compensation without a lawyer. Here’s why a truck accident attorney is vital:
- Catastrophic injuries in truck accidents. A crash with an 80,000-pound big rig can lead to life-altering injuries due to the sheer size and weight of the truck, as well as its cargo. The massive medical bills and disability costs often call for a large personal injury claim.
- Liability of trucking companies. It can be challenging to identify who is responsible for a truck wreck, and how to hold them accountable. Most of the large trucks we see on the road are commercial vehicles, which means you could be facing trucking companies and their insurers as you seek compensation. You can expect these well-resourced companies to vigorously defend themselves from liability.
- Truck accident investigation. This isn’t as straightforward as pointing fingers at a driver. Many truck injury cases require a deeper dive into trucking mechanisms, driver logs, trucking company history, vehicle maintenance records, and truck safety laws.
- Unique rules for large trucks. The trucking industry is subject to federal and state regulations for safety. For instance, there are special rules for truckers’ hours of duty, vehicle inspection and maintenance, and cargo loading. You’ll want a truck accident attorney who is knowledgeable in these laws, as they can help determine negligence and bolster your case.
Attorney Bryan A. Mason of Gavel Law Firm is intimately familiar with how truck accident claims work. He previously worked in the insurance industry and gained first-hand knowledge of the pitfalls of a truck crash injury claim. Today, as a personal injury attorney, he fully commits to helping injured individuals and bereaved families, using his unique experience to their advantage.
It’s best to reach out to Gavel Law Firm as soon as possible, before you even speak with an insurance representative. Many truck accident victims make innocent mistakes in their words or actions, which insurers will use to undermine their claims. You can protect yourself by getting the legal guidance and representation of Gavel Law Firm.
Riverside Truck Accidents: Are Truck Dangers Rising?
The latest data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) show that in 2019, Riverside County had 33 fatal truck crashes and 519 injurious truck crashes. These numbers had been rising for years. In 2015, for example, there were only 12 fatal truck accidents and 403 injurious ones in the area.
This jump in dangerous truck accidents coincides with noticeable trucking issues in Riverside County.
In 2016, the Desert Sun reported a large increase in big rigs on Interstate 10 in Riverside County – from 1.9 million large trucks in 2013 to 2.6 million in 2015. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers also noted violations by truckers, such as exceeding the speed limit and making unsafe turns.
Trucking violations persist even in recent times. In 2022, The Press-Enterprise highlighted the issue of large trucks taking prohibited shortcuts through Riverside neighborhoods, particularly on Van Buren Boulevard. Meanwhile, residents have also complained for years about large trucks parking where they’re not allowed to, adding to traffic in residential areas.
Who Will Pay for My Riverside Truck Accident Injuries?
Since California is a fault-based state in terms of vehicle accidents, the party who caused the crash will be liable to pay for your injuries. Typically, it would be a driver who behaved negligently on the road, but in many truck accidents, various parties may be found liable. Examples are:
- A truck driver who was distracted, impaired, or reckless behind the wheel
- A freight company that hired unqualified truck operators or forced truckers to drive while fatigued
- A trucking company that failed to comply with inspection and maintenance requirements
- A manufacturer that produced defective truck parts such as faulty brakes or wheels that are prone to blow out
- A truck mechanic who did not properly service the big rig
- A shipping company that failed to meet cargo loading and securing standards.
It is possible that more than one party is responsible for a single truck crash. However, when you’re up against wealthy companies and their high-powered legal teams, holding them accountable can be an uphill climb. Speak with us at Gavel Law Firm, as we have in-depth experience facing such parties. We can explore all potential liabilities and all your avenues for compensation.
Riverside Truck Accident FAQs
How much can I receive in a truck accident claim in Riverside, CA?
Successful truck accident claims have resulted in a wide variety of settlements and verdicts. Some are worth thousands of dollars, others reach millions. To know what your specific case is worth, discuss it with a truck crash lawyer.
At Gavel Law Firm, we leave no stone unturned in maximizing our clients’ compensation. We look into their economic losses such as medical bills and rehabilitation costs, as well as their non-economic losses like pain and suffering and emotional distress. We take into account the various aspects of their life affected by the accident, and we fight to get those compensated.
What causes truck accidents in Riverside, California?
The common causes of truck accidents in California include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Speeding/Driving too fast
- Inexperienced trucker
- Malfunctioning vehicle
- Poor truck maintenance
- Improper cargo loading.
What types of Riverside truck accidents qualify for a claim?
Any type of truck accident may qualify for a claim if it was caused by a negligent party and resulted in losses for the victim. The common types of truck accidents in California include:
- Rear-end collision – can happen either when a trucker fails to see a car in front, or when a car behind the truck overspeeds and hits the truck’s rear
- Sideswipe accident – often occurs when a car moves into a truck’s blind spot, preventing the trucker from seeing them
- Rollover crash – commonly caused by improperly loaded cargo that shifts the truck’s weight, or by an unsafe maneuver at a turn or curve
- Jackknife accident – occurs when the truck’s trailer slides in a different direction from its tractor, folding into a V shape like a jackknife
- Underride accident – a horrific type of crash where a car or any other vehicle goes into the underside of a large truck and gets crushed.
Can I sue Amazon, FedEx, or Walmart if I get injured by their delivery truck?
California allows you to sue a company if you can establish that their negligence led to your truck accident. Additionally, a company that employs a negligent truck driver could be held vicariously liable – that is, they’re indirectly responsible for their employee’s actions.
The challenge with Amazon, FedEx, Walmart, and some other shippers is that they claim to use “independent contractor” truckers instead of employing them directly. This allows these corporations to distance themselves from responsibility. If you’ve been injured by a delivery truck, it’s best to speak to a lawyer right away to determine your legal options.
Can I make a claim if my loved one died in a Riverside truck crash?
Yes, you may make a wrongful death claim if your family member was killed in a Riverside truck accident. A wrongful death case may compensate you for funeral and burial costs, medical bills related to the accident, loss of companionship, and loss of benefits from your loved one.
We understand that no amount of money can replace the life lost, but compensation can relieve the financial strain brought on by the accident. With this, you can focus on healing and potentially access resources to get back on track. Talk to us at Gavel Law Firm, as we handle wrongful death cases with competence and compassion.
Contact a Riverside Truck Accident Attorney from Gavel Law Firm
When you need proper compensation for your truck accident, turn to Gavel Law Firm. With our advantageous experience, tenacious legal work, and sincere care for each client, we can help you recover what you’re entitled to, even in a complex truck accident claim.
Your consultation with us is free. We also won’t charge you any lawyer fees until we win for you. Schedule your free consultation. Call Gavel Law Firm at (951) 289-0202 today.
