Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Ontario, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number of the Ontario police department is 909-395-2001.

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

  You can call (909) 395-2001 or send a letter to the Ontario Police Department to obtain a copy of a police report.

• Who is liable when a truck is involved in an accident in Ontario?

  Every claim involving a truck accident in Ontario is unique and requires careful examination to find any possible sources of culpability. These may include the vehicle's owner, the transport business, the truck operator, the company that designed the road, or the trailer's proprietor. Other liable parties involve the repair facility for the vehicle, the warehouse where the truck was loaded, and the producer of faulty brakes, tires, or other components.

• What are the most common reasons for trucking accidents in Ontario?

  Truck accidents in Ontario can be caused by driver fatigue, driver inexperience, driver training, defective tires, reflective materials, and underride guards. At times, improper roads, signage, speeding, failure to yield, tailgating, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, violations of hours of service regulations, and improper maintenance contribute to the occurrence of accidents. In other cases, the trucking company may choose to ignore the driver's history, which could encourage risky behavior to ensure on-time deliveries.

• What are the most frequent injuries from truck accidents in Ontario?

  Spinal cord injuries, whiplash injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, concussions, internal bleeding, severe lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death are the common results of Ontario truck wrecks. Accidents involving big rigs can be more devastating than regular passenger vehicle accidents, as a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Hence, it is not uncommon to see these injuries after a crash.

• What damages are obtainable in Ontario truck accident claims?

  Truck accident victims in Ontario are eligible to receive both economic and non-economic damages. Non-economic damages include the agony and suffering you went through, whereas economic damages are losses in money. Medical treatment from the past and future, accommodations for people with disabilities, lost pay, property damage, mental distress, chronic pain, permanent disability, and loss of quality of life are examples of common damages.

• Are there any regulations for commercial truck drivers in Ontario?

  Ontario follows the commercial truck regulations of the state of California, which limit the number of hours a trucker can drive each day, test for drug and alcohol usage, inspect vehicles, maintain vehicle systems, and secure goods. The shipment of hazardous materials is subject to additional rules. These guidelines are continually revised to account for emerging dangers and the introduction of new protective gear.

• 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.