Truck accidents on California’s highways can lead to devastating consequences, especially in areas like Temecula, where freight traffic regularly intersects with local drivers. The size and weight of commercial trucks significantly increase the potential for serious harm when collisions occur; those impacted often face medical challenges, financial strain, and legal questions that require experienced representation.

The Temecula truck accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel understand the legal issues involved in collisions with large commercial vehicles. We have handled a wide range of trucking accident cases throughout the High Desert region, managing liability determinations, insurance negotiations, and litigation. Trucking companies are often backed by aggressive legal teams and insurers, and our team knows how to evaluate evidence and build persuasive cases.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?

Multiple parties may bear legal responsibility in a truck accident:

• The driver may be held accountable if their conduct contributed to the incident through speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. 
• The employer may also be liable. Trucking companies are expected to properly train drivers, maintain their fleets, and comply with federal regulations regarding rest breaks, load limits, and safety procedures.
• The company that loaded the cargo could be held responsible, especially if the load was improperly secured or exceeded legal weight limits. 
• Maintenance contractors or manufacturers may also face scrutiny if mechanical failure or defective parts played a role in the accident. 

Our Temecula truck accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties, assess their degrees of responsibility, and pursue every avenue of potential compensation for our clients.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Truck Accidents?

Due to the weight disparity between large trucks and passenger vehicles, injuries resulting from truck collisions are frequently severe; head trauma, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and multiple fractures are common. Some individuals experience long-term disability, which may impact their ability to work and maintain their previous quality of life.

In addition to physical injuries, emotional trauma often accompanies these events. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress may arise, particularly when the incident involved fatalities or lasting physical impairment. These consequences are often included in damage assessments when seeking legal compensation.

How Is Fault Proven in a Truck Accident Case?

Our Temecula truck accident lawyers complete meticulous evidence reviews to establish fault in these cases. Physical evidence from the accident scene, photographs, skid marks, and vehicle damage can provide insight into the mechanics of the collision. Police reports and witness statements also contribute to these investigations.

In truck accident cases, specific records are often requested, including the driver’s logbooks, onboard GPS and electronic logging device data, and vehicle maintenance records. These materials can show patterns of negligence, such as excessive driving hours or missed safety inspections. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts may be consulted to analyze the sequence of events and determine contributing factors.

What Damages May Be Recovered After a Truck Accident?

Recoverable damages in a truck accident case may include economic and non-economic losses. 

• Medical expenses are typically one of the most significant categories and may include emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation. Future medical needs may also be projected when injuries have lasting effects.
• Lost income is another consideration, both in terms of missed work immediately after the accident and any long-term reduction in earning capacity. 
• Non-economic damages often reflect pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished enjoyment of life. 
• In rare cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to claimants in order to penalize the responsible party.

How Do Insurance Companies Handle Truck Accident Claims?

Insurance companies that represent trucking companies often take strategic approaches to claim evaluation and settlement offers. These insurers are generally well-funded and focused on reducing liability and minimizing payouts. They may respond quickly after an accident, seeking quick statements or detailed medical records from claimants.

It is common for insurers to contest liability or dispute the severity of injuries. Settlement offers may be made early in the process, sometimes before the full extent of injuries is understood. Due to the stakes involved, our Temecula truck accident lawyers strongly advise against providing detailed information or signing settlement offers before consulting with our team.

What Federal and State Regulations Apply to Commercial Trucks?

Commercial truck drivers and the companies that employ them are subject to federal and California state regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules governing hours of service, vehicle maintenance standards, driver qualifications, and the transportation of hazardous materials. These regulations are designed to promote road safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

California has additional requirements, including specific licensing standards and weight restrictions. Violating these rules can significantly impact liability in a truck accident case. For example, if a driver exceeded the federally mandated driving hours or failed to log rest periods properly, it may indicate negligence or improper oversight by the employer.

Why Are Truck Accident Cases Different From Other Car Accidents?

Truck accident claims differ in several ways from standard motor vehicle collisions. First, the size of the trucks involved often leads to more severe injuries and higher financial damages. Second, the presence of corporate entities, commercial insurance policies, and federal regulations adds multiple layers of complex legal challenges.

Furthermore, truck drivers are typically operating in the course of their employment, which can raise questions about employer liability. Evidence like electronic logging devices and maintenance logs may be specific to commercial trucking cases. Handling these elements requires a methodical approach and a clear understanding of how commercial transport laws function.

How Long Do Truck Accident Cases Typically Take to Resolve?

That depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the clarity of fault, the number of parties involved, and the cooperation of insurance providers. Some cases may resolve in a matter of months through settlement negotiations, while others may require litigation, extending the timeline considerably.

Cases involving contested liability, multiple defendants, or permanent injuries usually take longer. A thorough case preparation process is necessary to present clear evidence, evaluate damages accurately, and respond to legal challenges. The involvement of courts may also introduce delays, depending on scheduling and procedural requirements. Our respected Temecula truck accident lawyers have experience to streamline the process, but help clients manage their expectations.

Let Our Knowledgeable Temecula Truck Accident Lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel Fight to Protect Your Rights

Truck accidents cause long-term financial and medical challenges for injured parties, but our Temecula truck accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel can fight to pursue justice for your damages. For a free consultation, call 909-889-1131 or complete our online form. Located in Ontario and Victorville, California, we serve clients in San Bernardino County, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County.