Riverside Truck Accident Attorney

Injured in Truck Accident Caused by Negligence in Riverside, CA?

If you or a loved one were injured in a semi-truck accident, it is important to choose a lawyer who understands the state and federal safety regulations that apply to commercial trucks. Trucking companies and their insurance companies can incur significant liability when they violate these regulations.

Over the past two decades, Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation has successfully represented countless victims of truck accidents in Riverside and throughout the state of California. We also represent families in cases of fatal truck accidents. Respected truck accident lawyer Scott J. Corwin has the legal knowledge and experience to hold truck drivers and trucking companies accountable when their negligence harms innocent people.

With over 30 years of experience, Scott J. Corwin has represented more than 3,000 personal injury victims and obtained recoveries totaling over $175 million. Scott J. Corwin is a distinguished member of the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America (APITLA).

Call (310) 683-2300 now for a free consultation.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

A truck accident refers to a collision involving a large commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or delivery truck, and another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, or stationary object. These accidents are often more severe than typical car crashes due to the size and weight of trucks, which can cause extensive damage and serious injuries.

Common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, forming a sharp "V" or "L" shape. This often occurs due to sudden braking, slippery roads, or improper handling, making the truck uncontrollable.
• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. Trucks require longer stopping distances, so rear-end accidents often happen when the truck driver cannot stop in time due to speed, distraction, or road conditions.
• Rollover Accidents: A rollover occurs when a truck tips onto its side or roof, often during sharp turns or when driving at high speeds. Poorly secured cargo or uneven weight distribution can also cause these dangerous accidents.
• Underride Accidents: Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck. These collisions are extremely dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protection for the smaller vehicle.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on crashes occur when a truck collides with another vehicle from the front. These are among the most dangerous accidents, as the force of impact is greatly magnified by the truck’s size and speed.
• Tire Blowouts: A tire blowout happens when a truck's tire bursts, causing the driver to lose control. The sudden loss of control can lead to swerving, rollovers, or debris that poses hazards to other drivers.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, especially along the sides and rear. Blind spot accidents occur when a truck driver changes lanes or turns without seeing a nearby vehicle, leading to collisions.
• Wide Turn Accidents: These accidents happen when a truck swings wide to make a turn and hits another vehicle in its path. Misjudging the space needed for the turn or not checking surrounding traffic can lead to these incidents.
• Lost Load Accidents: Lost load accidents occur when improperly secured cargo falls off the truck, creating road hazards or causing direct collisions. These accidents are especially dangerous on highways where vehicles are traveling at high speeds.
• T-Bone Accidents: T-bone collisions occur when a truck strikes the side of another vehicle, often at intersections. This type of crash is usually the result of a driver running a red light or failing to yield.
• Brake Failure Accidents: Brake failures happen when a truck’s braking system malfunctions, often due to poor maintenance or overheating. Without the ability to stop properly, the truck may collide with other vehicles or obstacles.

Trucking Regulations That Could Impact Your Case

Over the years, the federal Department of Transportation has developed numerous regulations to reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths from accidents involving heavy trucks.

Here are some examples of truck safety regulations:

• Trucking companies must hire qualified drivers and perform periodic drug tests on drivers
• Truck drivers must keep a safe driving record to maintain their commercial driver’s license
• Truck drivers must follow Hours-of-Service laws to prevent accidents caused by fatigue
• Trucking companies must perform regular maintenance of brakes and other safety equipment
• Drivers must perform pre-trip inspections of the lights and other safety equipment
• Loads must be properly secured
• Trucks must not carry excessive weight

California also has laws that apply to truck traffic in our state. The sooner you contact us after an accident, the sooner we collect and preserve evidence of state and federal safety violations, which can make a big difference in your case.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible depending on the circumstances. Here’s an overview of who can be held liable:

• The Truck Driver: Truck drivers can be held liable if their negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, causes an accident. Violations of safety regulations, like exceeding allowable driving hours, may also place responsibility on the driver.
• The Trucking Company: A trucking company may be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or failing to enforce safety regulations. They can also bear responsibility for pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines or neglecting vehicle maintenance.
• The Truck Owner: If a truck owner, separate from the driver or company, fails to maintain the vehicle in a safe condition, they may be held accountable. This includes ignoring required inspections or delaying necessary repairs.
• Cargo Loaders or Shippers: Cargo handlers can be liable if improperly loaded or secured cargo causes the truck to tip, lose balance, or spill. Overloaded trucks that exceed weight limits may also lead to accidents and shared responsibility.
• Maintenance Providers: Third-party maintenance companies can be held responsible if their negligent repairs or overlooked mechanical issues contribute to the accident. For example, failing to detect brake wear or tire damage may result in liability.
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: Manufacturers may be liable if defective components, such as faulty brakes, steering systems, or tires, lead to a crash. Responsibility extends to distributors if they supplied a flawed or unsafe product.
• Other Drivers: Other motorists may be partially or fully liable if their reckless or negligent driving, such as cutting off a truck or tailgating, causes the accident. Their actions can create hazardous situations for truck drivers.
• Government Entities: Government agencies may be liable if poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or unsafe road designs contribute to an accident. Their failure to maintain safe driving environments can lead to shared responsibility.

At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we understand how overwhelming and complex truck accident cases can be, especially when multiple parties may share liability. Our experienced legal team is here to thoroughly investigate your case, identify the responsible parties, and build a strong claim on your behalf.

We will work tirelessly to gather evidence, consult with experts, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery and moving forward.

Get a free case evaluation by calling Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation. The best way to contact us is to call (310) 683-2300. You can also contact us online today.