Our team of San Bernardino truck accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase has over 46 years of experience and understands what it takes to win your case.
A truck crash can be catastrophic due to the sheer size and weight of big rigs and semi-trucks. Any collision between a truck and a pedestrian or any other vehicle is likely to result in severe injuries and extreme damage. When that happens, you need the right legal team on your side.
The Best Truck Accident Attorneys Near You
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 San Bernardino truck accident attorneys of Bisnar Chase have represented no-fault drivers for over four decades. Our approach is driven by trust, passion, and results.
- We have a 99% success rate.
- Over $1 billion won for our clients.
- In business since 1978, with decades of experience handling cases like yours.
- Offering a free consultation – no win, no fee.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, it is important that you contact a San Bernardino truck accident attorney at Bisnar Chase to understand your legal rights and options.
We will review your accident free of charge and provide expert guidance, whether we can help or not. Call us at (909) 253-0750, send us an email, or use our 24/7 website live chat.
Legal Resources for Truck Accidents in San Bernardino
No Win, No Fee Truck Accident Lawyers in San Bernardino
Trucking accidents can be very complicated personal injury claims that take a lot of time and resources. In many cases, we are battling against a negligent shipping or trucking company that will do everything in its power to try to minimize the value of your personal injury claim.
The at-fault trucking company will have insurance agents or defense lawyers working on its case. You need a legal team to fight for your rights and ensure they do not exploit you.
You need a truck accident lawyer in San Bernardino who will handle your case from start to finish. Bisnar will handle all negotiations, track deadlines, collate evidence, conduct depositions, and work with our network of experts and investigators.
Most cases are settled out of court. But if the facts are disputed or the at-fault side is unreasonable, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial to fight for justice.
It is important to us that we protect our clients in any way we can. The initial consultation is always free, and we advance the upfront costs required to win your case. Our fees come from the final settlement, so you never have to pay anything out of pocket for our services. If we don’t win, you owe nothing.
Work with the best San Bernardino truck accident lawyers in your area to simplify the legal process and maximize your recovery. Bisnar Chase is a top-rated injury law firm with decades of experience and a track record of success.
We are here to help and will do everything in our power to fight for your rights.
How Much are Most Commercial Truck Accident Settlements?
Truck accident settlements and jury verdicts tend to vary and depend on many factors. Most of these factors involve the financial damage that you have sustained as a result of the accident (economic damages), as well as the less tangible damages you may have suffered (non-economic damages).
Factors include:
- Your medical expenses.
- Lost wages if you were forced to miss work due to your accident or injuries.
- Projected future medical costs and rehab compensation.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional trauma.
- Property damage.
- Punitive damages.
For Bisnar Chase to take a case, there must have been physical injuries sustained. We fight for every dollar you deserve, with the amount rising in line with the severity of your injuries and the degree of damages caused by the truck collision.
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.
We do not make empty promises. The amount you could receive will depend directly on the specific facts of your case. But our law firm has recovered over $1 billion for our clients. We have a 99% success rate and trust in our track record of maximizing compensation for our clients.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Crash?
There are many potential causes of truck accidents in and around San Bernardino and across the Inland Empire area. Some of those causes include:
- Truck driver error, covering everything from fatigue, speeding, unsafe merging, distracted driving, and other forms of unsafe operation.
- Truck mechanical malfunction, from brake failure to tire blowouts.
- Cargo overload, resulting in an unbalanced vehicle.
- Unsafe road layouts.
- Careless or reckless actions of other people on the road.
- A lack of proper truck upkeep and maintenance.
In the event of an accident, we would file a claim or a lawsuit against the legally liable party. In many cases, that would be the commercial trucking company. Even when an accident results from individual driver error, the company is often ultimately responsible for the driver’s actions.
Other potentially liable parties could include truck manufacturers, maintenance workers, and government entities if the crash is judged to result from an unsafe road layout.
Multiple parties can be at fault in a single accident, and we can name various parties in a claim or lawsuit. It is also important to note that we can still file a successful claim for a victim who was injured in a truck accident if they were partly at fault for the crash, under California’s comparative negligence law.
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 involving multiple insurance companies may take up to two years to reach an agreement, due to the conflicting interests.
Additionally, a case will take longer if a settlement cannot be agreed upon and the case goes to trial. Many law firms refuse to go to trial, because they take a lot of resources and can be unpredictable. But we have an outstanding courtroom record and will go to trial if it is the right move for your case.
If your truck accident attorney is quick to settle, be wary because they should be putting up a fight to get you maximum compensation, not folding at the first offer.
What are the Legal 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. For a straightforward case, the fee is capped at 33.3%. If a case progresses to trial, that percentage will rise to the upper end of the limit. This is because there will be greater time and resource demands on our team. We will also have to hire expert witnesses to help build your case.
No matter what, you can trust us to do what is right for you. We provide superior representation and take pride in doing right by our clients.
Examples of Driver Negligence in 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:
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 obey the speed limit and adjust their speed according to the cargo they are hauling, as well as the roadway conditions and traffic flow.
Tailgating: A common type of accident is a large truck rear-ending a passenger vehicle because the truck driver was traveling at an unsafe speed or was following too closely and could not stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision.
Distracted Driving: Examples of distracted driving include using a cell phone or tablet, eating, or drinking while 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.
Dangerous Lane Changes: Truck drivers must only change lanes when it is safe to do so. They must use their signals and check their rear-view and side-view mirrors multiple times before changing lanes. Merging accidents happen because trucks are long with extended blind spots. Other drivers must always be aware of the risks of a sideswipe crash.
Fatigued Driving: Drowsy driving is a serious problem for truck drivers who have worked long hours on long-distance runs. 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. When they are about to turn, truck drivers must look for not only other larger vehicles but also bicyclists and pedestrians, especially at street intersections.
You can report dangerous and negligent truck and commercial drivers at FMCSA.gov.
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.
Lack of Vehicle Maintenance On Older Cars Throughout San Bernardino, California
All truck drivers must inspect their vehicles before every trip. This includes checking the truck’s brakes, lights, and tires.
When the brakes are worn or defective, the trailer can 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. Worn or faulty tires carry the potential for a tire blowout, which can also cause the truck to lose control.
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 a vehicle part is recalled, can result in increased risks on the road.
Auto Defect and Maintenance Dangers
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.
OSHA Guidelines for the Trucking Industry
OSHA sets strict guidelines, rules, regulations, and laws for the maintenance of semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles 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, are 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.
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 Improperly Loaded Cargos?
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?
Improperly loaded cargo can present many dangers, including 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. 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.
If you think an accident may have been caused or exacerbated by the improper loading of a private or commercial truck, get in touch with our team at Bisnar Chase. We have decades of experience maximizing compensation for truck accident injury victims across California.
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.
Award-Winning San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorneys Near You
If you have been injured in a collision with a big rig, our experienced San Bernardino truck accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase can help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Our law firm has won over $1 billion for our clients over more than 46 years of success. We offer superior representation, with a 99% success rate, and take pride in helping those who need us across the San Bernardino area.
Our team will handle every aspect of your case, supporting you and fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Contact our San Bernardino truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation. We will fight for the justice you deserve – no win, no fee. Call us at (909) 253-0750, send us an email, or message us 24/7 through our website live chat. We are here to help and look forward to hearing from you.
Brian Chase
Articles and blogs have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
