San Bernardino Truck Accident Lawyer

Seek Justice for 18 Wheeler Accidents in San Bernardino, CA

Of all the traffic accidents in which a person can be involved, truck accidents are some of the most devastating. Commercial trucks can weigh as much as 40 tons when loaded to capacity as determined by federal trucking regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides rules for truck drivers, their employers, and their vehicles, which means that an accident caused by violating these standards should be covered by insurance.

Explore This Page

• Leading Causes of Truck Accidents
• Maximizing Your Truck Accident Compensation
• The Importance of Legal Representation

Call (888) 963-9999 today to schedule a free consultation with our truck accident attorney in San Bernardino.

Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in San Bernardino

Truck accidents have many causes. A large number result from driver negligence, such as distracted or tired driving. Drunk truck drivers cause a number of injuries and deaths every year, as well. Other causes include improper maintenance of the vehicle, defective products, and poor road or weather conditions. Truck accidents include head-on collisions, T-bone collisions, rear-end accidents, sideswipes, and jackknife accidents. These can all result in catastrophic injury or wrongful death, so do not wait to retain a San Bernardino personal injury lawyer if you have been involved in a truck accident. Having a skilled attorney on your side will help you obtain evidence and documentation of liability, as well as the extent of your damages, so that you can maximize your personal injury compensation.

Typical Injuries from Truck Accidents & How We Can Help

When a person is injured in a car accident, they may suffer from a myriad of injuries, such as:

• Whiplash
• Seat belt injuries
• Broken bones
• Cuts
• Bruises

More serious truck wrecks can result in catastrophic injuries, such as brain and spinal injuries or severe burn injuries. If you have been injured in a truck accident, our firm has the experience to help. Let our San Bernardino truck accident lawyers provide the legal counsel and courtroom representation you need after your accident.

Understanding Federal & State Trucking Regulations

Trucking in California is governed by a combination of state laws and federal regulations, particularly those set by the FMCSA. These detailed rules encompass driver working hours, vehicle maintenance standards, licensing requirements, and drug and alcohol testing. Understanding these guidelines is critical not only for preventing accidents but also when building a legal strategy after a collision. Compliance is key, and violations can significantly impact liability and insurance claims.

In San Bernardino, strict observance of these regulations is crucial given the city's role as a major transit hub. Non-compliance can lead to unjust scenarios, including negligent maintenance and extended driver shifts beyond allowable limits, both contributory factors in accidents. Vetchtein Law is committed to dissecting these regulations to identify any breaches that may fortify a client's position during legal proceedings. By elucidating these complexities, we work towards securing the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Understanding Your Compensation After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents often result in devastating consequences, leading to many damages for victims. Damages that could be recovered may include:

• Medical Expenses: Victims of truck accidents may face exorbitant medical bills for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost Wages and Income: Serious injuries from a truck accident can lead to an inability to work, resulting in lost wages and income.
• Property Damage: The impact of a truck collision can cause vast damage to vehicles and other property.
• Pain and Suffering: Truck accidents can inflict immense physical and emotional pain on victims.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In tragic cases where a truck accident results in the loss of a loved one, we can pursue wrongful death damages on behalf of surviving family members. These damages may include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related costs.
• Punitive Damages: For gross negligence or willful wrongdoing, punitive damages could be awarded to deter similar behavior in the future. We can explore the possibility of seeking punitive damages to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.

California Truck Accident Claims: Know Your Time Limits

Understanding the time limitations for filing a truck accident claim is crucial for victims seeking compensation. In the state of California, the statute of limitations helps set a deadline for initiating legal action. Failure to file within this time frame could result in the forfeiture of the right to pursue a claim. For truck accidents in California, the statute of limitations typically allows victims two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, it’s essential to be aware that certain factors can influence the deadline:

• Discovery of Injuries
• Government Entities
• Minors

At Vetchtein Law, we can conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and file claims promptly to protect the rights of truck accident victims.

Get a Free Consultation with a San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorney

When hiring a personal injury lawyer, you need a representative with the aggression and determination to face the trucking companies and insurance companies head-on. Some of these companies are worth millions or billions of dollars and will use their extensive resources to fight liability and a payout. At Vetchtein Law, a Professional Law Corporation, they have what it takes to represent you in trial and recover maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages.

Call (888) 963-9999 now to schedule a free case evaluation! The sooner you contact our San Bernardino truck accident attorney, the better your chances will be of obtaining a fair payout.

FAQ: Common Questions About Truck Accidents

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

In the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, safety and health are the primary concerns. First, ensure your safety and the safety of others by moving to a secure location if possible. After contacting emergency services, it's critical to gather as much information as possible from the scene. This includes taking photos of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses and note down license plate numbers and the trucking company's details, including their insurance information. Promptly seeking medical attention is also vital, even if injuries appear minor, as some serious conditions do not manifest immediately.

How Can a San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorney Assist Me?

A truck accident attorney in San Bernardino, such as those at Vetchtein Law, provides crucial guidance through the challenging aftermath of a collision. From the initial consultation, they offer a comprehensive assessment of your situation, advising on the optimal legal path forward. They gather evidence, contact witnesses, and work directly with insurance companies to negotiate fair settlements. Their understanding of laws specific to trucking accidents, combined with a detailed approach to identifying liability, ensures a structured and informed pursuit of compensation. Their assistance can ease the burden of navigating legal complications, enabling you to focus on recovery.

What Compensation Can I Receive for a Truck Accident?

The compensation from a truck accident can cover a range of damages. Beyond immediate medical expenses, victims may recover costs for future medical treatments, rehabilitation, and ongoing care needs. Compensation for lost wages due to incapacity, as well as adjustments for reduced earning capacity, is common. Victims may also pursue damages for pain and suffering, a measure of the physical and emotional toll of the accident. In tragic instances resulting in death, wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of companionship, may be claimed by surviving family members. At Vetchtein Law, we aim to capture the totality of these impacts in our claim representations.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Severe?

Truck accidents are particularly severe due to their sheer size and mass compared to regular vehicles. Such trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, creating immense force in a collision. This size difference results in greater damage and often leads to serious injuries or fatalities. Furthermore, large trucks have longer stopping distances and are more prone to rolling over. Accidents involving these massive vehicles can also cause hazardous material spills if they carry toxic or flammable cargo. These factors combine to make 18 wheeler accidents among the most catastrophic on the roads.

How Can I Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident?

Proving negligence in a truck accident involves demonstrating that the truck driver or company failed to meet a duty of care, directly causing the collision. This proof often requires comprehensive analysis including examining driver logs for hours of service violations, evaluating maintenance records, and assessing adherence to safety standards. Witness statements and testimonies can further establish the sequence and cause of events. Legal representation from Vetchtein Law aids in collecting, analyzing, and presenting this evidence effectively, which is crucial in substantiating your claim and pursuing compensation for damages incurred.