Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Lawyer

We Fight for the Rights of Truck Accident Victims in Rancho Cucamonga

At Saeedian Law Group, our Rancho Cucamonga truck accident attorney is a skilled, compassionate, and results-focused advocate for injured victims. A tractor trailer crash can cause devastating injuries. We help victims and families secure the absolute maximum financial compensation. If you or your loved one was hurt in an eighteen wheeler crash in San Bernardino County, our experienced truck accident attorney can help. Contact our truck accident attorneys at our Rancho Cucamonga office today for your free, no obligation case evaluation regarding trucking accidents.

The Steps to Take After a Large Truck Accident in Rancho Cucamonga, California

The aftermath of a semi-truck accident in Rancho Cucamonga is stressful, confusing, and overwhelming. Knowing the right steps to take can help you get justice and compensation after a crash. Here are six steps to take after a big rig wreck:

Stop Your Car and Exchange Information: You should safely pull over and exchange contact and insurance details with the truck driver. Be sure to get all relevant information.
Call the Police to Report the Crash: Semi-truck accidents should be reported to the police, such as the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department.
Seek Professional Medical Care for Any Injuries: Your health and safety is the top priority after a crash. You need to see a doctor to be eligible to bring a legal claim.
Document the Scene of the Truck Accident: Capture comprehensive photos of the accident scene. Try to get contact details for any eyewitnesses to the crash.
Notify Your Insurance Provider of the Crash: Even if the trucking company is legally liable for causing your crash, you should still notify your own insurance provider.
Consult With a Rancho Cucamonga Lawyer: Prior to providing a statement to any insurance company, be sure to consult with a Rancho Cucamonga truck crash lawyer.

Truck Accidents are More Likely to Cause Serious Injuries

In California, commercial trucks are typically around 72 feet long. They can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. The incredible size of tractor trailers puts everyone else on or near the road at risk. When trucks collide with smaller passenger vehicles, the sheer mass of the truck can cause devastating damage. Semi-trucks are nearly six times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than are smaller vehicles. Some of the most common big rig accident injuries include:

Lacerations;
Whiplash;
Sprains/strains;
Back injuries;
Broken bones;
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
Internal injuries;
Amputations (loss of limb); and
Spinal cord trauma.

Most Truck Accidents are Preventable (Most Common Causes)

There are very few semi-truck accidents in Rancho Cucamonga that are not preventable. Quite the contrary, the overwhelming majority of eighteen wheeler crashes can and should have been prevented with the proper safety precautions. Truckers and trucking companies should never put profits before public safety. Here are some of the common causes of crashes in Rancho Cucamonga:

Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours to meet tight delivery schedules. Unfortunately, this can be an inherent safety hazard. Fatigue can impair a driver’s reaction time and his or her decision-making abilities. Tired drivers may drift between lanes or fail to notice changing road conditions. Fatigued driving is dangerous driving.
Distracted Driving: To operate a large commercial truck safely, a driver should always keep his or her full focus and attention on the road. Distracted driving—especially texting and driving—is extraordinarily dangerous. It can cause fatal crashes.
Speeding: All truck drivers should follow the posted speed limit. There are no exceptions to the rule. Driving too fast for road conditions can dramatically increase the risk of a bad crash. Further, if a truck accident does happen, speeding will increase the severity.
Impaired Driving (Alcohol or Drugs): Operating a truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs judgment and reaction times. Even prescription medications can affect a driver’s abilities. Impaired driving increases the risk of an accident. In California, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a commercial driver is just 0.04..
Inadequate Trucker Training: Proper training is vital for handling large commercial vehicles safely. Inexperienced drivers may not know how to respond to hazards or control their trucks in adverse conditions. Inexperienced or undertrained truckers are far more likely to end up in a bad crash.
Poor Truck Maintenance: Regular maintenance ensures that trucks are safe to operate. Mechanical failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts can lead to loss of control. Neglecting routine inspections increases the risk of equipment failures on the road. A trucking company can be held liable for a crash caused by lack of maintenance.
Overloading or Improper Loading: Exceeding weight limits or improperly securing cargo can affect a truck’s balance and handling. Shifting loads may cause the truck to tip over or make it difficult to steer. Overloaded trucks are far more likely to end up in a bad crash.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Unfortunately, some truckers drive unreasonably aggressively. Some reckless driving behaviors—such as tailgating or frequent lane changes—can cause a catastrophic crash.

What to Know About Semi-Truck Accident Liability in California

Hurt in a semi-truck accident in Rancho Cucamonga? Your claim falls under California state law. There are two central points that you need to know about truck accident liability:

The At-Fault Party Can Be Held Legally Liable for a Trucking Accident: It is important to emphasize that a trucking company is not automatically legally responsible for a crash in California. Our state is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including for commercial truck accidents. The at-fault party may be the truck driver, the trucking company, a vehicle manufacturer, or any other driver. Establishing fault requires a thorough investigation. Our Rancho Cucamonga lawyer is prepared to proactively investigate your crash.
A Pure Comparative Negligence Standard Applies: California operates under a pure comparative negligence system. It is not uncommon for several parties to share liability for the same crash. If multiple parties are found to share fault for a trucking accident, each party is held responsible for their percentage of fault. Even if you are partially to blame for your own semi-truck accident, you can still seek compensation for your damages. However, your recovery will be reduced based on your degree of comparative negligence. For example, imagine that you suffered $60,000 in damages in a truck accident in Rancho Cucamonga. If you were found to be at fault for 20 percent of your own crash, you would bear fault for 20 percent of your damages ($12,000).

Time-Sensitive Case (Two Year Statute of Limitations)

Under California law (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1), there is a two-year statute of limitations for truck accident injury claims from large truck accidents and other motor vehicle accidents. It is a strict deadline. Only very narrow exceptions apply to the statute of limitations—such as if the victim of a truck accident was a minor. You do not want to fall behind the insurance company in the claims process without help of an experienced truck accident lawyer. Take a proactive approach: Consult with a top-rated Rancho Cucamonga eighteen wheeler accident lawyer right away after a wreck to talk about your truck accident case.

We Fight for the Maximum Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Rancho Cucamonga

In California, truck accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for the full value of their losses. Truck companies and their insurance carriers are notoriously aggressive. They want to pay out as little as possible to resolve claims against our experienced truck accident lawyers. Our Rancho Cucamonga tractor trailer accident lawyers fight hard to hold them accountable. You may be entitled to recover compensation for:

Property damage, including vehicle repairs;
Ambulance transport and other emergency care;
Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
Medication or medical equipment;
Pain and suffering and mental distress;
Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
Physical pain and emotional suffering;
Long-term physical disability;
Reduced quality of life; and
Wrongful death of a family member.

The Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Lawyer at Saeedian Law Group Fights for Results

Navigating the aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be stressful and overwhelming. At Saeedian Law Group, we fight tirelessly to hold trucking companies and their commercial insurance carriers accountable. Our case results from our California truck accident attorney demonstrates what we can do for injured victims with trucks and vehicles involved. With millions in compensation recovered for injured victims, our Rancho Cucamonga truck accident lawyers will:

Conduct a free, comprehensive review and evaluation of your case;
Investigate your truck accident in Rancho Cucamonga—gathering evidence;
Represent you in settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
Take aggressive action to help you secure the maximum financial compensation.

Rancho Cucamonga Semi-Truck Accident Claims: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How are Truck Accident Cases Different From Car Accident Cases?

While there are certainly many similarities in the claims process, it is important for injured victims truck accident cases also differ from car accident cases in a few key ways. Most notably, truck accidents carry a much higher likelihood of a crash being serious. Beyond that, there are industry-specific regulations involved. Eighteen wheelers—due to their large size and weight—are more likely to cause severe injuries. Further, the trucking industry is also governed by federal and state regulations that do not apply to most car drivers, including specific rules about hours of service and maintenance records.

Are Truck Companies Required to Carry More Insurance?

Yes. A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds on most highways in San Bernardino County. When a crash happens, the consequences can be catastrophic. For this reason, state and federal regulations require commercial trucking companies to carry additional liability coverage. Most tractor trailers must have at least $750,000 in liability insurance. Though, the coverage requirements may be even higher for certain types of trucks.

Is the Truck Driver or Truck Company Liable for the Crash?

It depends. Liability for truck accidents in California can fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, both, or even other parties—such as the manufacturer of the truck. It will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. The trucker may be liable if their negligence caused the accident. With that being said, the trucking company can also often be held liable under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior”. Every truck accident should be carefully investigated by an experienced lawyer. Negligent truckers and trucking companies must be held accountable.

Does Federal Law Cover Truck Accident Injury Claims?

Your personal injury claim falls under state law. If you were hurt in a trucking accident in Rancho Cucamonga, California’s personal injury laws will apply—including the at-fault liability standard, pure comparative fault rules, and the two year statute of limitations. With that being said, federal regulations can also have a big impact on your case. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow regarding hours of service, maintenance, training, and more

How Long Do Truck Accident Claims Typically Take?

It depends. A timeline of between a few months and more than a year are well within the normal range for a truck accident claim. The general rule is that the more severe your injuries, the longer the truck accident claims process will take. Though, other factors can impact the length of the claim process as well—such as a dispute over liability.

No Upfront Fees or Out of Pocket Costs With the Saeedian Law Group

Saeedian Law Group represents truck accident victims in Rancho Cucamonga on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, hourly bills, or any other out-of-pocket expenses for our clients. Instead, our Rancho Cucamonga truck accident lawyers only get paid when you get. No recovery? No fees. It is as simple as that. You can set up a free, comprehensive, and no obligation case review.

Get Help From a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga

At Saeedian Law Group, our Rancho Cucamonga semi-truck accident attorney is a devoted, justice-focused advocate for victims and families. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash with a tractor trailer, we are here to help protect your rights. Contact us today for your free case evaluation. We handle tractor trailer accident cases in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County, and throughout the surrounding region in Southern California.