San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents involve legal issues that are not present in auto accident cases. For this reason, if you or a family member were injured in a truck accident, it is important to select an attorney who regularly handles these types of cases.

For more than three decades, Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation has successfully represented the victims of truck accidents in San Bernardino and throughout the state of California. Scott J. Corwin is one of fewer than 700 attorneys nationwide who are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

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 any collision involving a large commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other large freight carriers, with another vehicle, pedestrian, or object. These accidents can have severe consequences due to the size and weight of trucks, often resulting in significant property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities.

Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front of it. Due to the truck's heavy weight, even a low-speed rear-end collision can cause substantial damage and injury.
• Jackknife Accidents: This happens when the trailer of a truck swings out to form an angle with the cab, resembling a folding jackknife. This usually occurs when the driver brakes suddenly or loses control on a slippery surface.
• Rollovers: Trucks have a high center of gravity, making them prone to tipping over, especially during sharp turns, abrupt maneuvers, or when cargo is improperly loaded.
• Underride Accidents: These are particularly deadly incidents where a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck, often leading to severe or fatal injuries due to the lack of impact protection.
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions: These occur when a truck hits the side of another vehicle, often at intersections. The impact can be devastating due to the height and force of the truck.
• Head-On Collisions: This type of accident happens when a truck and another vehicle collide front-first. These are often fatal or result in serious injuries due to the combined speed and mass of the vehicles involved.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots on all sides. Accidents can occur when a truck driver changes lanes or makes a turn without seeing a vehicle in their blind spot.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to turn, especially right turns. If the driver misjudges the space needed or if a vehicle is in the truck’s path, an accident can occur.
• Cargo-Related Accidents: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced and leading to rollovers or spills, which can create hazards for other road users.
• Brake Failure: Due to their size and weight, trucks rely heavily on their braking systems. Mechanical failure or poor maintenance can lead to brakes failing, resulting in an inability to stop and causing collisions.

Determining Liability After a Truck Accident

In a truck accident, several parties can potentially be held liable depending on the circumstances of the incident. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who might be held responsible:

• Truck Driver: The driver can be held liable if their actions directly caused the accident. This could include:
  • Negligent Driving: Speeding, distracted driving (e.g., texting), or driving under the influence.
  • Violation of Traffic Laws: Running red lights, illegal lane changes, or other traffic infractions.
  • Fatigue: Driving beyond the hours-of-service regulations, leading to driver fatigue.
• Trucking Company: The company that employs the driver can be held liable under several conditions:
  • Negligent Hiring or Training: Failing to properly vet or train drivers.
  • Pressure to Violate Regulations: Encouraging or requiring drivers to break hours-of-service regulations or other safety laws.
  • Improper Maintenance: Failing to maintain the truck adequately, leading to mechanical failures.
• Truck Owner: If the truck is owned by a party other than the driver or the trucking company, such as a leasing company, they can be held liable for:
  • Maintenance Issues: Not performing proper maintenance or repairs.
  • Faulty Equipment: Allowing the truck to be used despite known equipment issues.
• Cargo Loaders: The party responsible for loading the truck can be liable if:
  • Improper Loading: Cargo is not secured properly, causing the load to shift and contribute to the accident.
  • Overloading: Exceeding the truck’s weight limits, which can affect braking and handling.
• Truck or Parts Manufacturer: Manufacturers can be held liable if a defect in the truck or its parts contributed to the accident:
  • Defective Parts: Brakes, tires, or other components that fail due to manufacturing defects.
  • Design Flaws: Issues in the truck’s design that make it inherently unsafe.
• Third Parties: In some cases, other parties may share liability:
  • Other Drivers: If another vehicle's actions contributed to the accident.
  • Municipalities: If poor road conditions, lack of signage, or faulty traffic signals played a role.
• Freight Broker: A freight broker, who arranges transportation of goods, can be liable if:
  • Negligent Selection: They hire a trucking company or driver known to have a poor safety record.

The investigation of a truck accident is a search for the truth. Attorney Scott J. Corwin will take immediate steps to investigate your accident and preserve evidence that can prove substantial liability on the part of the trucking company and the driver.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Bernardino

Federal regulations prohibit semi-truck drivers from driving more than 10 hours per day, and the regulations require eight hours off for every 10 hours of driving. Unfortunately, many drivers violate these regulations. Our attorneys will collect driver logbooks, fuel and food receipts, and evidence that can determine whether driver fatigue was a factor in your case.

Speed is also a factor in many accidents and can result in devastating jackknife and rollover accidents when a driver loses control of a tractor-trailer.

Other examples of negligence include:

• Driving overloaded trucks
• Driving with unsecured loads
• Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Defective brakes or lights
• Defective tires
• Hiring unqualified drivers

Your case will be personally handled by our founding San Bernardino truck accident attorney, Scott J. Corwin. He will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight on your behalf to obtain the highest possible compensation for your injuries.

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.