Our team of San Bernardino Truck Accident Lawyers has over 45 years of experience and understands what it takes to win your case.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident contact our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers for a free consultation and to find out more about how you can be compensated for your medical bills and lost wages.
The truck accident attorneys of Bisnar Chase have represented no-fault drivers for over 4 decades and have over $800 million in settlements and verdicts. Trust, passion, and results for our clients drive our approach.
There are many potential causes of a truck accident, and having a basic understanding of what causes truck accidents can help you avoid being involved in a collision.
In general, it is in the best interest of all motorists to keep a safe distance from tractor-trailers and to drive defensively around big rigs.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is also important that you contact a San Bernardino truck accident attorney so that you can understand what your legal rights and options are.
Contact us for a Free Consultation. For immediate assistance, Please Call 909-253-0750.
San Bernardino Truck Accident
What Can a Truck Accident Attorney Do For You?
Trucking accidents can be very complicated personal injury claims involving many resources. If the commercial truck driver is at-fault, the business will no doubt do everything it can to reduce the value of your personal injury claim.
You must secure a truck accident lawyer in San Bernardino that can be conveniently met throughout your case. Your attorney will take on all aspects of your personal injury case from beginning to end with the help of paralegals to expedite settlement. As trucking injury attorneys, we do not charge a fee if we don’t win your case. Free consultation to determine if you have a case we can pursue.
How much are most truck accident settlements?
Truck accident settlements tend to vary and depend on many factors, such as the severity of injuries sustained, unique damages caused by the truck collision, and applicable state laws related to recovery for victims injured in a commercial vehicle crash.
Generally, most settlement amounts range from low-end cases receiving less than $20k to high-value sums exceeding millions or tens of millions in extreme injury cases.
It is not uncommon for an independent personal injury attorney to successfully negotiate claims ranging between $50K – 1 million dollars, with a much higher amount possible depending upon circumstances surrounding each case. Our law firm has recovered hundreds of millions for our clients with a 99% success rate.
What are the lawyer fees for a truck accident?
We offer favorable fee arrangements tailored precisely to your case—including no costs if there is no settlement or verdict won on your behalf. Personal injury attorneys offer contingency fee structures to protect the plaintiff while processing the case. The attorney only collects his share if the case is successful, typically 33-42% depending on the resources used in your case. The more resources used, the higher the percentage is such as expert witnesses, evidence storage, etc.
How long do most truck accident settlements take?
Truck accidents can be complex and often require extensive negotiations to settle. The time it takes for most settlements varies, as each case is unique, and the process involved in resolving them depends on various factors.
Generally speaking, if all parties cooperate during the negotiation process, then settlements could take several months or longer. However, cases that involve multiple insurance companies may take many more time or even 2 years before reaching an agreement due to conflicting interests amongst insurers over who should pay out what amount for coverage costs involved.
If your truck accident attorney is quick to settle, be weary because they should be putting up a fight to get you maximum compensation, not folding at the first offer.
What are the monetary damages in a truck accident?
Truck accidents can result in serious physical injuries, including broken bones and traumatic brain injury. Monetary damages from a truck accident case are possible depending on the circumstances of an injured person’s case.
Compensation for these types of claims may include medical bills, lost wages due to missed work or disability, and property damage costs caused by the collision.
Other factors, such as the pain and suffering you experienced, may be covered under specific regulations set forth by government agencies representing trucking companies nationwide, too. However, those exceptions are usually best discussed with your attorney to understand fully what you are entitled to.
An expertly-trained truck accident lawyer will understand all facets of a claim to be assessed to ensure you receive fair compensation for any losses suffered during your incident involving a large commercial vehicle like a truck and other heavy-duty vehicles.
If you think you may have a case, contact our San Bernardino truck accident lawyer for a free case evaluation and to determine compensation.
Examples of Driver Negligence Throughout San Bernardino County
Inland empire traffic accidents may be caused by negligence on the part of a truck driver or other drivers.
Here are some of the most common types of driver negligence we see in the most serious San Bernardino truck accidents:
You can report dangerous and negligent truck and commercial drivers at FMCSA.gov.
- Drunk driving: All commercial drivers in California are considered over the legal limit if they have a blood alcohol concentration of .04 percent. Driving a large truck while under the influence is extremely dangerous and it can have catastrophic consequences.
- Speeding: Truck drivers must not only obey the speed limit but also adjust their speed according to the cargo they are hauling, roadway conditions, and traffic flow. Tailgating is also a common practice among truckers, which can be extremely dangerous. A common type of accident that occurs is a large truck rear-ending a passenger vehicle because the truck driver was traveling at an unsafe rate of speed or was following too closely and could not stop in time to avoid a collision. Such rear-end accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- Distracted driving: Commercial truck drivers should never take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their focus off the task at hand, which is to drive their truck safely. Distracted driving is a common cause of injury accidents and distracted truck drivers have been linked to a number of tragic San Bernardino accidents. Common examples of distracted truck driving include talking on the cell phone, texting, using a laptop or reading while driving, eating or drinking, or using other communication devices.
- Dangerous lane changes: It is crucial that truck drivers only change lanes when it is safe to do so. Truck drivers must use their signals and they must check their rear-view and side-view mirrors multiple times before changing lanes.
- Fatigued driving: Drowsy driving is a serious problem on our roadways. Truck drivers who have worked long hours and feel drowsy should pull over and rest. Drivers who attempt to push through fatigue to meet a deadline have an increased chance of being involved in a San Bernardino truck accident.
- Unsafe turns: Tractor-trailers or large trucks have to make wide and slow turns. It is crucial that they only attempt a turn when there is no oncoming traffic and when vehicles are not so close to them that they will be crushed under the trailer. It is also important that all truck drivers obey traffic control devices such as stop signs and traffic lights. Truck drivers must not only look for other larger vehicles, but also for bicyclists and pedestrians especially at street intersections when they are about to turn.
Lack of Vehicle Maintenance On Older Cars Throughout San Bernardino, California
All truck drivers must inspect their vehicles before every trip. It is essential to check the truck’s brakes, lights, and tires.
When the brakes are worn or defective, there is the potential for the trailer to swing out of control or jackknife. When the lights are not working correctly, the truck may not be visible to other motorists when it is dark outside.
When the tires are worn or faulty, there is the potential for a tire blowout, which can also cause the truck to go out of control.
There are strict guidelines, rules, regulations, and laws set for the maintenance of semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles, set by OSHA to ensure safe travel for commercial drivers and others on the roads at all times.
OSHA follows statistics related to the trucking industry, including;
- Fatality and injury rates in the trucking industry
- Occupational illnesses, such as respiratory illnesses due to diesel exhaust emissions
Common work-related hazards, such as slips, trips, falls, musculoskeletal injuries, and motor vehicle accidents
Compliance data, including the number of inspections, violations cited, and penalties assessed - Training and education statistics, such as the number of workers trained on safety and health topics in the trucking industry
You can read more at OSHA.gov/SLTC/trucking-industry.
The lack of vehicle maintenance on older cars can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Older vehicles may experience wear and tear, and their mechanical components may degrade, leading to potential safety hazards. Failure to properly maintain and address these issues, especially if there is a recall on a vehicle part, can result in increased risks on the road.
Here are some ways in which the lack of vehicle maintenance on older cars can increase accidents and injuries:
Reduced reliability: Older cars that are not adequately maintained may experience mechanical failures or malfunctions while driving, such as brake failures, engine stalls, or steering issues, which can lead to accidents.
Increased stopping distance: Worn-out brakes or tires on older cars can increase stopping distances, making it harder to slow down or stop in time to avoid collisions, especially in emergencies.
Poor visibility: Older cars may have degraded or malfunctioning lighting systems, including headlights, taillights, and turn signals, which can reduce visibility for both the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in low-light or adverse weather conditions.
Decreased crashworthiness: Older cars may lack modern safety features, such as airbags, electronic stability control, or crash avoidance technologies, which can reduce the severity of accidents and injuries. Additionally, the structural integrity of older cars may be compromised due to rust or corrosion, making them less crashworthy.
Increased emissions: Older cars may not meet current emissions standards, contributing to air pollution and negatively impacting public health, including respiratory illnesses and other health issues.
Inadequate maintenance knowledge: Owners of older cars may lack knowledge about proper vehicle maintenance or may not prioritize regular maintenance due to cost concerns. This can result in neglecting necessary repairs and maintenance tasks, leading to increased risks on the road.
Improperly Loaded Cargo Traveling Through San Bernardino
When the trailer is loaded incorrectly, it can cause the truck to veer out of control quickly. These types of Inland Empire traffic accidents may involve a runaway trailer or a jackknife accident.
Improper loading is a term that extends to a lot of different situations. For example, trucks have maximum size and weight limits when carrying freight. Additional shipping regulations also cover how the cargo should be tied down within a trailer, how hazardous materials should be carried, driver hours, and much more.
These laws are in place to protect all road users. Ignoring the laws can be disastrous.
After an accident, it must be determined who failed to inspect the trailer properly and who was responsible for the way the cargo was loaded.
What are the most common types of cargo that are improperly loaded?
The most common types of cargo that are improperly loaded are:
- Guns, ammunition, and explosives
- Chemicals
- Electronics
- Flammable materials
- Food products
What is the most common cause of improperly loaded cargo?
Incorrectly loaded cargo is a very common problem that can lead to serious accidents. This happens when cargo is not loaded correctly and, therefore, not appropriately secured. The leading cause of this problem is the lack of proper training for loading personnel.
What are some of the dangers of improperly loaded cargo?
Many dangers come with improperly loaded cargo. This can lead to damage to the cargo, injuries to the workers loading it, and even fatalities.
One of the most common causes of improper loading is when workers do not follow proper safety procedures.
Many environmental hazards can occur when improperly loaded cargo is left outside in inclement weather for extended periods of time. For example, if a shipment of propane tanks is left outside in freezing temperatures for too long, they may rupture and leak gas into the surrounding area.
What is the danger of improperly loaded cargo to drivers and passengers?
The cargo can shift while the vehicle is in motion, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. In addition, improperly loaded cargo may lead to a rollover or jackknife accident.
How can improper loading be prevented?
There are three types of improper loading:
1) Compression loading: When the load is applied in the direction of the length of the member.
2) Tension loading: When the load is applied perpendicular to the length of the member.
3) Shear loading: When horizontal and vertical forces act on an element.
Truck accidents can lead to explosions
A truck accident can lead to an explosion even if the fuel tank is not damaged. The gas tank might be full of fuel, and the driver could have spilled fuel on the ground from a leaking gas canister.
The gas tank might be full of fuel, and the driver could have spilled fuel on the ground from a leaking gas canister. This serious safety hazard can lead to fire, injury or death.
The potential for severe burns and even death grows with the risk of an explosion from a truck carrying cargo such as gas or toxic chemicals.
Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in San Bernardino
If you have been injured in a collision with a big rig, experienced San Bernardino truck accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase can help you better understand your legal rights and options.
The Southern California Law Offices of Bisnar Chase have won over $800 million for our clients and have established a 99% success rate. We will put more than 45 years of experience to work for you and fight for your rights every step of the way.
Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. For immediate assistance call 909-253-0750.
