Commercial truck accidents are some of the most serious crashes on California roads. Collisions involving tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks often lead to severe personal injury and long-term consequences, as well as complex insurance and legal issues.
As California’s most compassionate injury firm, Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel (LMSCR) has been protecting injured Californians since 1976. With deep roots in Murrieta, where major freight routes bring a steady flow of commercial truck traffic through the area, we have been handling serious truck injury claims for over 50 years, providing clear guidance, personal attention, and dedicated advocacy when clients need it most.
How Do Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents?
Truck accidents differ from standard car accidents in several important ways. In addition to their size and weight differences, trucks also have different safety and insurance rules and multiple parties that complicate claims. Key differences include:
- Size and Weight: Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions far more destructive.
- Stopping Distance: Trucks require significantly more space to slow down or stop safely.
- Regulations: Truck drivers and companies must comply with strict federal and state safety rules.
- Liability: Fault may involve multiple parties beyond the truck driver.
- Injuries: Truck crashes often cause severe or life-altering injuries.
- Insurance Coverage: Truck accidents often involve high-limit commercial insurance policies.
- Evidence: Key evidence is often controlled by trucking companies early in the process.
Combined, all of these factors make truck accident claims more complex from the very beginning.
What Are Murrieta’s Most Dangerous Truck Routes?
California consistently has one of the highest numbers of serious and fatal truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 14,000 truck crashes occur each year in California, resulting in nearly 400 fatalities, nearly all occupants of passenger vehicles.
In Murrieta, truck crashes are largely concentrated along routes serving as regional connectors, where commercial truck and daily commuter traffic overlap between Riverside County, the Inland Empire, and Southern California. Some of the most hazardous areas include:
- Interstate 15 (I-15): Heavy commercial traffic, high speeds, and frequent congestion increase the risk of rear-end, jackknife, and multi-vehicle collisions, particularly during peak travel hours.
- Interstate 215 (I-215) Interchange Areas: Complex merging patterns and sudden lane changes near interchanges create dangerous conditions for passenger vehicles traveling alongside large trucks.
- Murrieta Hot Springs Road: A high-traffic arterial used by delivery trucks and construction vehicles, with multiple intersections and turning points that raise the risk of sideswipe and impact collisions.
- Winchester Road: Frequent commercial use combined with traffic signals and cross streets can lead to sudden stops, underride risks, and rear-end crashes.
- Madison and Jefferson Avenues: Industrial access points and delivery routes increase truck presence, especially during business hours.
- Clinton Keith Road Near I-15 Access Points: Congested on-ramps and off-ramps increase collision risk when trucks accelerate or decelerate alongside commuter traffic.
Murrieta’s role as a transportation corridor rather than a dedicated freight hub means trucks and passenger vehicles often share roads not designed for heavy commercial traffic. When a truck accident occurs, preserving evidence quickly is critical, as trucking companies and insurers move fast to protect their own interests.
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Many truck accidents are preventable and stem from safety violations or negligent behavior. Identifying the cause of a crash is a key step in determining who may be responsible. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue caused by violations of hours-of-service rules
- Distracted driving, including cellphone use
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding or aggressive driving in traffic
- Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
- Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance or defective components
- Inadequate training or supervision
Owing to the sheer size and force involved, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries with long recovery periods, permanent impairments, or life-changing medical needs. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ injuries, severe burns, and crush injuries. In many cases, truck accident injuries require ongoing medical care and can affect your ability to work and live independently.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident in Murrieta?
Compensation for truck accidents is typically significant as a result of the severity and long-term consequences of injuries and damage, and usually includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and disfigurement.
Truck accident claims are often defended far more aggressively. Truck company insurers may attempt to shift blame, minimize injuries, or pressure you into an early settlement that does not reflect the true impact of the crash in order to protect their own interests.
How Can a Murrieta Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Truck accident cases require detailed investigation and a deep understanding of commercial trucking laws, and experience handling these complex cases. Having skilled legal representation can help level the playing field against powerful trucking companies and protect your interests throughout the process. At LMSCR, our Murrieta truck accident lawyers can assist by:
- Conducting an independent investigation into the crash.
- Securing driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records.
- Identifying all responsible parties and interviewing witnesses.
- Managing communications with insurance companies.
- Working with experts when necessary.
- Preparing your case for settlement negotiations or trial.
We have decades of experience representing clients injured in truck crashes and understand the challenges you face. If you were hurt in a truck accident in Murrieta, having legal guidance can make a significant difference in your recovery and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Murrieta Truck Accidents
- What types of truck accidents does LMSCR handle in Murrieta? We handle a wide range of truck crashes, including head-on collisions, blind spot crashes, rollovers, jackknife crashes, rear-end collisions, underride crashes, sideswipe accidents, and T-bone collisions.
- What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Murrieta? Call 911, photograph the scene and injuries, get prompt medical care, and gather contact details from witnesses to preserve evidence.
- Who can be responsible for truck accidents? Responsible parties can include the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or truck manufacturers, depending on the circumstances.
- What if the truck driver was not from California? California law applies to accident claims for crashes occurring in-state, even if the driver or trucking company is based in another state.
- Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault? California follows a pure comparative fault system, which means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage.
- How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Murrieta? In California, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim.
Murrieta Truck Accident Lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel Help Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need an experienced team in your corner to protect your rights against corporate insurers. The compassionate Murrieta truck accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel have decades of experience and will fight for the justice you deserve. Call us at 909-889-1131 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Ontario and Victorville, California, and serve clients in the surrounding areas.
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