Riverside Truck Accident Lawyer

Riverside Truck Accident Attorney

California is home to many residents and tourists, which leads to an abundance of vehicles on the road. The more vehicles sharing the space, the more likely an accident will occur. While many of these accidents are likely to result in minimal injury and property damage, some can end tragically, resulting in permanent physical injuries or death. Few accident types are more serious than accidents involving trucks, as any Riverside truck accident lawyer will attest to.

At Karlin & Karlin, our team understands the impact these incidents have not only on the victims involved but their friends and family as well. With our knowledge and experience, you can get the representation you deserve to recover the damages you may be owed. We help our clients recover damages through our own independent investigation in order to hold all parties involved responsible. This includes the driver, the company they represent, or the manufacturing company for faulty truck parts.

Types of Accidents Involving Trucks

Like other auto accidents, there are many different types of accidents that can occur involving trucks. Unfortunately, due to their large size and often heavy cargo, the impacts of these types of accidents can cause great damage to both the people and property involved. Common types of accidents include:

• Rollover. Trucks have a high center of gravity, which makes them susceptible to rollovers. If the driver takes a turn too fast, a tire blows out, or the payload shifts unexpectedly, it can throw off the truck’s center of balance and cause it to tip or roll over.
• Jackknife. When a truck experiences mechanical issues such as locked wheels, failure in brakes, or other equipment malfunctions, this can cause the trailer of a truck to suddenly swing outward from the cab. This loss of control can cause the trailer to hit another vehicle on the road or damage other property.
• Accidents resulting from lane changes. Any driver, regardless of the vehicle they are driving, knows that checking their blind spot before merging lanes is important for preventing an accident. A truck’s large stature creates large blind spots, meaning the truck drivers are unable to see other drivers in the lanes next to them. Even with blind spots, the truck driver is responsible for safe lane changes by utilizing mirrors and other safety features.
• An under or override accident. An override accident occurs when a truck ends up riding on top of a smaller vehicle. An underride accident occurs when a vehicle becomes stuck underneath a truck. These types of accidents are often caused by rear-end collisions and are extremely dangerous situations.
• Accidents involving lost loads. Truck drivers are responsible for securing their cargo, whether it is on a flatbed or housed in a container. When the load is improperly secured, or the safety mechanisms holding it in place fail, the load can become dislodged and cause an accident. Federal regulations outlining load securement must be followed by the drivers and the companies for which they work.

These are just a few of the many types of accidents involving trucks. Due to the many ways in which truck accidents happen, a number of situations can result in a damaging accident. A careful investigation of your case can help to determine what type of accident occurred and the source of that accident, as well as who is at fault for the accident.

Common Truck Accident Causes

The different types of truck accidents are all caused by a number of circumstances. Sometimes, an accident has more than one cause. In many cases, accidents are caused not by malfunction but by human error and negligence. Some truck drivers and their companies look for ways to save money by cutting corners and meeting only the bare minimum requirements. Causes of truck accidents include:

• Exhausted driving. Although regulations exist to keep truck drivers from overexerting themselves, long hauls and quick delivery times mean that exhaustion can set in quickly. Exhaustion can negatively impact reaction time and put the driver at risk of falling asleep at the wheel, increasing the chance of an accident.
• Driving under the influence. Whether it is alcohol or drugs, driving under the influence of substances can lead to accidents. While the blood alcohol content for a passenger vehicle driver is .08%, the commercial industry, including truckers, is held to a .04% limit.
• Driving distracted. Distracted driving is a concern for any driver on the road. Unfortunately, with an extensive number of miles in front of them, truck drivers are often looking for ways to pass the time that may end up taking their focus away from driving. From texting to watching videos, anything that takes one’s eyes off the road can mean a greater risk of accidents.
• Inexperience. Like any occupation, the trucking industry has a learning curve. Unfortunately, learning to drive a semi-truck can put other drivers on the road at risk. Employing an inexperienced driver without a safe training plan can increase the risk of accidents.
• Disregard for traffic laws. As is expected of all drivers, truckers are required to follow the posted traffic signs and follow the traffic rules for the state or municipality in which they are driving. Without familiarity with changing traffic laws from one state to another, truck drivers could end up driving unsafely. Traffic laws are designed to keep all drivers and passengers safe, especially when the drivers are fully aware of them.
• Driving over the speed limit. Posted speed limits are not some arbitrary numbers. They are the speed at which drivers can safely maneuver and navigate the road on which they are traveling. The faster a truck is moving, the more distance is required for it to stop. A lack of judgment that leads to driving faster than the speed limit or at a speed that is unsafe for the conditions of the road can lead to tragic accidents.
• Cargo not properly secured. When cargo is not secured properly, it could shift and throw the truck off balance, or it could land on the road. Both situations could result in accidents by creating large hazards on the road that are not easy for other drivers to safely avoid.
• Parts malfunctions or improper maintenance. Truck drivers and commercial companies have an obligation to ensure their equipment is functioning properly. That requires consistent maintenance schedules and routine inspections. Unfortunately, equipment can fail unexpectedly, or maintenance could be improperly completed, which puts everyone at risk as the truck will not safely operate as needed.

These are just a few of the reasons that an accident involving a truck could occur. There are many situations that can arise, and determining the cause is part of our independent investigation.

Types of Injuries Resulting From a Truck Accident

The types of injuries you could suffer if you are involved in an accident with a truck can range from minor to severe. In the worst circumstances, you could even find out that a loved one was wrongfully killed in an accident. Whether or not you feel injured in an accident, you should always be checked by a medical professional who can help ensure you don’t have an injury that you may not be aware of. Common types of injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Injuries to the head, neck, or back
• Bruising or lacerations
• Injuries resulting in scarring
• Injuries to the spinal cord
• Paralysis
• Amputation
• Burns, including road rash
• Broken bones
• Internal trauma

These injuries, and more, can mean a lifetime of medical attention, high hospital bills, lost wages due to an inability to perform your job, or even result in wrongful death. No matter what injuries you suffer from, be sure to seek medical attention and then contact our offices to help you take the next steps.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: The settlement you may be entitled to in an accident involving a truck in Riverside, CA will depend on the severity of your injuries and the extenuating circumstances of your accident. The amount of money you lose from lost wages, the long-term medical care you need, and more all play a role in the settlement amount. Your attorney can help estimate the compensation you may be entitled to.

Q: How Do You Negotiate a Settlement to Get More Money From a Car Accident?

A: To maximize the potential for a greater settlement in your accident injury case, there are steps you can take. These steps include being patient, declining initial offers, collecting documentation and evidence, following medical treatment plans, maximizing your insurance policy, and utilizing an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and determine an appropriate settlement amount.

Q: What Is the Longest a Settlement Can Take?

A: The length of time it could take to reach or receive a settlement in your trucking accident case can vary. While there is a statute of limitations to file a claim, settlements could take months or even years to be reached. While attempting to reach a settlement out of court is encouraged, some settlements will need to be litigated in order to reach a resolution.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Truck Accident in California?

A: The statute of limitations for filing a claim in a trucking accident is two years, with some exceptions. If the accident involves a driver who is working in the capacity of the local government, the statute is just six months. If the accident involves a minor under the age of 18, the statute does not begin running until they reach 18 years of age. If a driver is found mentally incapacitated, the statute does not begin running until they legally regain capacity.

Riverside Truck Accident Lawyer

Any accident can be life-altering. From high medical recovery costs to ongoing medical needs, the long-term ramifications stemming from a split-second circumstance can leave you and your family filled with questions. At Karlin & Karlin, we have the answers you need when you are faced with such tragedies. Contact our offices today, and let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you and help you hold those responsible accountable.