Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Pomona

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Pomona, California?

  The non-emergency contact number of the Pomona Police Department is (909) 622-1241.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Pomona, California?

  You can get a copy of the accident report virtually through BuyCrash or personally at the Pomona Police Department, 505 South Garey Avenue, Pomona, California 91766. If the traffic collision involved a juvenile or resulted in arrest or fatality, you need to contact the Records Bureau at (909) 620-2155. To check the status of a traffic collision report, call (909) 620-2161.

• What damages can be awarded after a truck accident in Pomona?

  Individuals who have been injured in a truck accident in Pomona may file a personal injury case to pursue compensation against the negligent truck driver or company. They can be awarded damages, such as reimbursement for current and past medical bills and lost wages while recovering. They can also obtain compensation for lost earning capacity and future benefits, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses.

• What are the safety rules that are frequently violated by truck drivers in Pomona?

  In Pomona, some of the most common safety rules violated by commercial truck drivers include the restrictions on the weight and size of their load, the approved routes, and the drive time limit. A personal injury case can be strengthened if there are pieces of evidence to prove that the truck was overloaded or the driver took an illegal route or exceeded the drive time limit (14 hours per day, and no more than 11 of those hours can be consecutive).

• What makes truck collisions different from other accidents in Pomona?

  The size and weight of the vehicle makes truck collisions different from other accidents in Pomona. A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while standard vehicles normally weigh two to three thousand pounds. Accidents involving trucks often leads to severe damages to other vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 71% of the people who died in truck accidents in 2021 were the occupants of other vehicles. Catastrophic injuries resulting from truck accidents also mean longer recovery and prolonged off-work times.

• When should you file for a truck accident claim in Pomona?

  In Pomona, you have two years from the date of the crash to file for a truck accident claim. If you had a collision with a government-contracted or government-employed truck, you should file an initial administrative claim against the driver within six months. In addition, the statute of limitations may be extended if you were a minor or physically or mentally incapacitated at the time of the collision.

• Who can be held liable for a truck accident in Pomona?

  Accountable parties can be determined based on the role they performed that contributed to a truck accident in Pomona. These include the trucking agency and the truck driver or owner, as well as the party responsible for maintaining the road where the accident happened. Additionally, the company that manufactured, designed, maintained, repaired, or loaded the truck can be held responsible for the accident.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.