Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, collisions with smaller cars frequently lead to severe injuries, property damage, and extended medical treatment. Yet, that is just the start of the problems. When a person is injured in a truck accident, pursuing compensation can involve a detailed review of federal regulations, liability insurance policies, and the actions of both the driver and the trucking company.  

The San Jacinto truck accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel (LMSCR) provide legal support to individuals who have been injured in crashes involving commercial trucks. These cases may involve a range of contributing factors, including driver fatigue. Understanding the causes and consequences of a truck accident is an important step in pursuing a legal claim and recovering losses. Through legal representation, you can gain insight into your legal options and pursue damages for medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Truck Accidents?

Common truck accident injuries include spinal cord damage, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), bone fractures, internal bleeding, and severe lacerations. Many individuals require long-term medical care, physical therapy, or surgical intervention. In addition to physical injuries, psychological trauma may impact the well-being of those involved.

Unfortunately, some injuries may not be immediately apparent after the collision. Delayed symptoms could suggest serious internal damage, making it important to seek medical attention promptly. Medical records serve as an important part of any legal claim, connecting accidents to sustained injuries.

What Damages May Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Case?

Claimants injured in truck accidents may be eligible to recover damages related to medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. In some cases, ‘non-economic’ damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress may also be awarded. If the accident involved egregious misconduct or gross negligence, ‘punitive’ damages might be pursued to deter similar behavior in the future.

The total amount of compensation depends on the facts of the case, including the severity of injuries, the long-term impact on employment, and the degree of fault attributed to each party. Documentation like medical records, wage statements, and repair invoices helps demonstrate the extent of losses.

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Jacinto?

Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons: 

• Driver fatigue, particularly when drivers exceed federal hours-of-service limits. 
• Mechanical failure, such as malfunctioning brakes or tire blowouts. 
• Poorly loaded or unbalanced cargo can increase the risk of rollovers or shifting loads. 
• Distracted or aggressive driving, speeding, or following other vehicles too closely can contribute to dangerous road conditions. 
• Weather-related hazards and insufficient maintenance also present risks.

To complicate matters further, each of those contributing factors may involve different parties. For example, the trucking company might be held accountable for failing to maintain the vehicle, while the driver could bear responsibility for reckless behavior.  

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Truck Accident?

Liability in a truck accident is not limited to the driver. Depending on the circumstances, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the truck manufacturer, or a third-party maintenance provider may be responsible. 

If the driver was operating the truck within the scope of employment, the employer may be liable for the driver’s actions. If a defective part played a role in the collision, the manufacturer or distributor of that component might also face legal responsibility.

When multiple parties are involved in a single accident, each might have different insurance carriers and defense lawyers. The process of identifying liable individuals or entities requires a careful examination of accident reports, employment records, maintenance logs, and other evidence. Our San Jacinto truck accident lawyers handle those details so you can focus on your recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the collision. This deadline applies to most claims for bodily injury. If a government entity is involved, such as in cases with municipal vehicles or public contractors, a much shorter deadline may apply.

Unfortunately, filing a claim after the deadline typically bars recovery, regardless of the merits of the case. Because certain types of evidence may become unavailable over time, and witness memories can fade, our San Jacinto truck accident lawyers recommend starting the legal process as soon as possible.

What Role Does Insurance Play in Truck Accident Cases?

Commercial trucking operations are required to carry substantial liability insurance; these policies are typically much larger than those for personal vehicles. However, commercial insurer adjusters can make accessing fair compensation difficult. In some cases, insurers dispute liability, argue that the injuries were pre-existing, or attempt to reduce the value of the claim.

Photographs, police reports, medical evaluations, and other evidence are often needed to support legal claims. That is half the battle – a structured, thorough presentation of that evidence drives negotiations and supports compensation claims.

Can a Trucking Company Be Held Responsible for Hiring Practices?

A trucking company may be liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention if it knowingly allowed an unqualified, inexperienced, or reckless driver to operate a commercial vehicle. If a driver had a history of traffic violations, substance abuse, or inadequate training, the employer could face additional liability for failing to take appropriate action. Evidence like employment records, driver logs, and internal communications may be reviewed to determine whether the company followed proper procedures during the hiring and monitoring process. If violations of federal or state safety regulations occurred, this information may also support claims of negligence.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in San Jacinto?

Following a truck accident, prioritize medical care. Even if injuries appear minor, a thorough, prompt medical evaluation may uncover hidden complications. We also recommend obtaining driver and eyewitness information and documenting the scene with photographs to support a future legal claim. Preserving evidence, such as vehicle damage and police reports, may also help build a strong case.

Report the accident to your insurer, but only provide basic information. Legal representation at an early stage is critical. Our San Jacinto legal team manages communication with insurance carriers and helps preserve important evidence. Early investigation may also identify potential legal claims that could be missed if delayed.

Contact the San Jacinto Truck Accident Lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel for Legal Support After a Crash

With guidance from the experienced San Jacinto truck accident lawyers at LMSCR, you can better understand your rights and take appropriate action after a truck accident. For a free consultation, call our Ontario or Victorville, California office at 909-889-1131 or complete our online form. We proudly serve clients in San Bernardino County, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County.