Riverside Truck Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Riverside, the path ahead may seem daunting—but you’re not alone. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we specialize in representing people who have suffered from catastrophic injuries in trucking accidents, offering world-class legal representation. With extensive experience and a dedicated team, we bring passion, expertise, and a deep commitment to justice to every case and are confident that we can serve as your best interests and help you navigate through the complexities of truck accident cases.

A Riverside truck accident lawyer from our team will help you untangle the complications of your accident, pinpoint responsibility, and fight to secure the full compensation you rightfully deserve. Let us help you turn this challenging chapter into a story of resilience and recovery. The Riverside truck accident lawyers at West Coast Trial Lawyers are not only seasoned professionals, but also award-winning experts with a successful track record in numerous truck accident cases. With over $1.6 billion in settlements for our clients, we understand the intricacies of the law and the tactics used by trucking companies to avoid liability. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Reach out to our Riverside truck accident lawyers to learn how our expertise can significantly influence the outcome of your case. From initial consultations to court representation, we are here to support you every step of the way. Call (213) 927-3700 or use the online contact form to speak to our legal staff and receive a free consultation!

The Role of a Riverside Truck Accident Lawyer

Trucking accidents can be immensely complicated because it can potentially involve multiple parties and a variety of intricate laws. Victims often face formidable opponents in trucking companies that have vast resources and legal teams ready to minimize their liability. With that in mind, a Riverside truck accident attorney can  provide the necessary support to go up against these powerful entities, ensuring that victims’ rights are protected and that they have a fair chance at compensation.

A truck accident lawyer can help by explore all potential avenues for claims, including those against the truck driver, trucking company, and even vehicle manufacturers if mechanical failures are involved. In addition, they will be able to guide their clients throughout the legal process and navigate on the processes of determining liability, filling out necessary paperwork, and securing fair compensation for their client’s injuries and losses. While this process is a time consuming and thorough approach, it ensures that all liable parties are held accountable.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Riverside

While truck accident can be a rare occurrence in many people’s lives, there are actually a myriad of preventable factors can lead to truck accidents in Riverside. One of the leading causes is driver fatigue, which is often caused by tight schedules that push truck drivers to cover long distances with limited rest. Distracted driving, including texting or using GPS devices, is another significant yet extremely common factor contributing to these accidents.

Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can result from poor truck maintenance and lead to catastrophic outcomes. Additionally, adverse weather conditions like heavy rain and fog, coupled with inadequate driver training, can create dangerous situations on the road. Overloaded trucks or improperly secured cargo further exacerbate the risk, and affect a truck’s stability and handling. However, it is also important to note that trucking accidents can even result from a combination of these factors, making it crucial to identify all contributing causes.

Types of Truck Accidents in Riverside

Being aware of the frequent types of truck accidents in Riverside provides insight into the associated risks and potential aftermath. Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s brakes lock up, causing the trailer to skid into a 90-degree angle with the cab. Rollover accidents often result from high speeds, sharp curves, steep inclines or declines, overcorrecting, or hitting an object in the road.

Underride accidents are particularly severe, because this type of accidents occurs when a passenger cars rear-ends a truck and goes beneath the trailer, resulting in catastrophic accident with a high likelihood of sustaining traumatic brain injuries and neck injuries. Rear-end collisions can happen when a truck driver locks the brakes or fails to stop quickly enough, which can potentially lead to multi-vehicle pile-ups. Blind spot accidents, also known as ‘No Zone’ collisions, occur when vehicles travel in areas that the truck driver cannot see, leading to dangerous merging incidents.

Typical Injuries from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Victims can suffer from traumatic brain injuries, which may lead to long-term cognitive impairment and physical disabilities. Spinal cord damage is another devastating outcome, potentially causing paralysis and significantly altering the victim’s quality of life.

Common injuries in truck accidents and even truck crashes involve other serious injuries such as:

• Broken bones
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash, which can cause symptoms similar to those of a concussion, including fatigue and blurred vision
• Bruised or broken ribs, which can lead to severe pain and breathing difficulties.

In addition, the psychological impact of truck accidents should not be underestimated, as victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect their daily lives and mental health.

Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases

The process of establishing liability in truck accident cases is intricate, requiring the scrutiny of multiple parties. However, a Riverside truck accident lawyer can help identify all responsible entities, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Vehicle manufacturers
• Independent contractors
• Truck owners
• Third parties

The trucking company is typically liable for most commercial truck accidents, but independent contractors, truck owners, and third parties can also share responsibility in semi truck accidents.

Federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration can also play a significant role in determining liability. These rules require commercial truck drivers and companies to adhere to stringent safety standards for commercial trucks. Breaches of these regulations, such as exceeding hours-of-service limits or failing to maintain the vehicle properly, can be used to establish fault. A lawyer’s expertise is crucial in navigating these regulations and ensuring that all liable parties are held accountable.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, it is important that they keep calm and follow a series of steps to ensure that everyone is alright and proper information has been accounted for. For instance, in case of a truck accident, here are the steps you should take:

1. Ensure everyone’s safety and dial 911 for emergency help.
2. If possible, move the vehicles involved to the side of the road to avoid additional incidents.
3. Document the accident scene with photos and notes.
4. Exchange information with the truck driver and any other drivers involved.

Once you have completed the following steps, it’s essential to take the following series of steps after a truck accident:

1. Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible and inform them that you are acquiring legal assistance.
2. Seek medical treatment immediately, even if your injuries seem minor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
3. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer promptly to help gather crucial evidence and manage insurance negotiations, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Potential Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Victims of truck accidents may qualify for diverse forms of compensation. Economic damages cover financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and transportation costs related to the accident. Non-economic damages aim to compensate for physical or emotional suffering, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish.

In rare cases, victims may also receive punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you understand the types of compensation you are entitled to and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

Proving Negligence in Truck Accident Claims

To prove negligence in truck accident claims, one must show that the party at fault failed in their duty of care, consequently causing substantial damages. Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony plays a crucial role in establishing fault. Violations of hours-of-service rules, driving while fatigued, and failing to brake in time are common examples of truck driver negligence.

Victims must show that the truck driver’s breach of duty directly caused their injuries. This often requires a thorough investigation and the expertise of a truck accident lawyer to gather and present the necessary evidence. By proving negligence, victims can hold the responsible parties accountable and secure fair compensation for their losses.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim in Riverside

The deadline for filing a truck accident claim in Riverside is two years from the accident date. If the defendant is a government entity, a claim must be filed within six months. The statute of limitations can be paused if the defendant is out of state or if the victim is a minor, in which case the time limit is extended until they turn 18.

Failing to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations means you will be unable to recover compensation for your losses. It’s crucial to act promptly and seek legal assistance to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.

Why Choose Our Riverside Truck Accident Lawyers?

Opting for West Coast Trial Lawyers connects you with renowned legal experts who tirelessly advocate for your rights. Our firm has the resources to take on large trucking companies and their lawyers, and we have won seven and eight-figure verdicts for truck accident clients. Our team is committed to helping you rebuild your life rather than pushing for low settlements.

With over 20 lawyers and 100 staff working in California offices, we provide personalized attention and robust legal representation. Our lawyers have attended prestigious law schools like Harvard and have decades of trial experience, ensuring you receive the best possible legal support.

Injured in a Riverside Truck Accident? Call for a Free Consultation Today

Truck accidents are complex and often involve severe injuries and significant financial losses. Navigating the legal landscape requires the expertise of experienced Riverside truck accident lawyers. From understanding the common causes and types of accidents to determining liability and proving negligence, having the right legal support is crucial. West Coast Trial Lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.

Contact us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or use this online contact form to speak to our legal staff for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights and fair compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, prioritize safety, call 911, document the scene, seek medical treatment, and contact a lawyer for legal assistance.

What Types of Compensation Can I Claim After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, you can claim economic damages, non-economic damages, and depending on the severity of the situation, punitive damages to compensate for your losses.

How Can a Riverside Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A Riverside truck accident lawyer can help by navigating legal processes, file necessary and important paperwork, determine liability, negotiate on your behalf and securing fair compensation, and legally watch out for your best interest.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Riverside?

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a truck accident claim in Riverside, with certain exceptions for minors and government entities.