Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Riverside, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Riverside Police Department is (951) 354-2007.

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

  Reports for accidents can be requested in person at one of the Riverside Police Department stations or by mail for $12.00. Requests must contain pertinent information that identifies an involved party, such as the police report number, the date of the accident, a copy of a driver’s license, the date of birth, and authorization to an insurance company.

• Why are truck accidents common in Riverside?

  Riverside is a popular tourist destination and the birthplace of California's vibrant citrus industry. Every year, thousands of tons of goods must be transported into, out of, and through Riverside, raising the risk of truck accidents in the city. According to data from the California Highway Patrol, Riverside is one of the five counties in the state with the most recorded truck crashes.

• What are the usual types of Riverside truck accidents?

  Jackknife and rollover accidents are the most common types of truck-related incidents in Riverside. Jackknifing can happen due to abrupt braking or improper loading, and it can be nearly impossible for the truck driver to regain control. Meanwhile, rollover crashes occur when one of the truck's wheels comes off the ground, causing the truck to overturn. According to data, approximately 25,000 to 30,000 trucks travel along the busiest parts of Interstate 10 in Riverside County on an average day.

• How do you prove that a commercial trucking company is responsible for your Riverside accident?

  To establish that a trucking company is liable for your accident in Riverside, you must demonstrate that it is the employer of the driver who caused the crash and that it was liable for that driver's actions. Another approach would be to prove that the company violated the law by encouraging its drivers to breach hours-of-service rules, not carrying out truck maintenance, and overloading vehicles. Hire a truck accident lawyer to help you prove liability by gathering crucial evidence like video footage, police reports, and witness statements.

• How would a Riverside truck accident lawyer investigate your case?

  Riverside truck accident attorneys send spoliation letters to the trucking company in addition to interviewing witnesses, reading police reports, and reviewing any available photo or video footage. This letter informs the company that the accident is being probed by a third party and that all evidence concerning the incident must be preserved, including the truck's black box records and the driver's logs, which reveal details about the driver's hours of service and rest patterns. Accident reconstructionists are also hired to investigate the scene of the accident.

• Should you post on social media about your truck accident in Riverside?

  Do not post anything about your Riverside truck accident on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter because attorneys, insurance providers, and their investigators will do anything to get their hands on any information that could harm your case. Sharing anything at all about your accident, health, or even your mood online should be avoided.

• 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.