Riverside sees its share of daily truck traffic. Businesses rely on commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and other industrial vehicles to transport goods in and out of the county and state. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and when these larger vehicles come in contact with smaller vehicles, the result can be catastrophic and sometimes deadly.
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), truck accidents caused 4,136 deaths in 2018, with 67% involving cars and smaller motorized vehicles.
If you are a victim of a truck accident in Riverside, let Ben Crump, PLLC, help you get the compensation you may be entitled to. Call (844) 430-1030 today and let our Riverside truck accident lawyers help you. We will look over your case for free. Our law firm works on a contingency basis, so there will be no payment until you win.
Types of Trucks
Several types of commercial trucks travel the roadways in Riverside, and although they are needed, they are also a hazard when not driven with care or taken care of properly.
Types of tucks include:
- Eighteen-wheeler, big rig, tractor-trailer, or semi
- Cube vans
- Dump trucks
- Flatbeds
- Garbage trucks
- Tow trucks
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Riverside, call (844) 430-1030
Truck Laws in California
Truck drivers must follow regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and traffic laws, just like any other vehicle.
FMCSA regulations for truckers include:
- Drug and alcohol testing: There is zero tolerance for truck drivers on drugs or alcohol. These vehicles are dangerous, and impaired drivers have a higher chance of causing accidents.
- Drive time: Drivers should keep a record of their total drive time and adhere to the limits. Driving after max hours increases the risk of an accident. Truckers can drive a maximum of 11 hours, only after resting for 10 hours. Breaks must happen throughout the 11 hours of drive time.
- Vehicle maintenance: Regular inspections are mandatory for commercial vehicles. Faulty vehicles pose a higher risk of accidents.
Riverside Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 430-1030
Proving Liability
All accidents require evidence to prove liability. Most commercial vehicles contain a black box that holds valuable information. The black box records critical information from the engine, such as speed, driving time, engine faults, and more.
The black box is a crucial piece of information for an investigation. There is also other evidence you should collect as well:
- Video footage: Newer model trucks often have dashcams. If not, collect any video footage from local shops, traffic lights, or cellphones that may be available.
- Witness statements: Witnesses can give their view on the accident. Be sure to gather contact information when possible.
- Police reports: Any accident with a commercial vehicle requires you to call the police. The officer will also take down information to file the mandatory crash report.
- Photographs: Gather pictures of the scene of the accident if possible or find someone who can.
It is up to your lawyer to uncover any safety matters that the trucking company failed to follow, which may result in a violation of state or federal regulations. It also places liability on the company instead of the driver.
Drivers are at fault when you can prove their negligence, such as driving under the influence or speeding.
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Let Our Riverside Truck Accident Lawyers Assist You
Allowing a Riverside truck accident lawyer to help with your case can give you extra time and space for healing from the emotional and physical trauma these accidents can cause. Let our dedicated lawyers gather the information and evidence you need to build your case and advocate on your behalf.
When we take your case, we can:
- Establish evidence
- Gather witness testimony
- Gather expert testimony for damages
- Gather medical data
- Keep you updated
- Negotiate with insurance companies
Ben Crump, PLLC, has won millions in compensation for our clients, and we want to extend the favor of building a case for you. We are available to you 24/7 and know what it takes to navigate the law to ensure we are protecting your rights.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Statute of Limitations
According to California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you must file a personal injury claim within two years from the date of an accident. Attempting to file a claim late can potentially risk your chances of compensation.
In some cases, it may be possible to extend the statute of limitations. The age of the victim or the date of death can affect these time limits. It is best to discuss this with your personal injury attorney.
Crash Reports
California Vehicle Code (VEH) §16000 requires you to report any accident that involves death, injury, or accident damage over $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days. Failing to obtain crash reports can result in the loss or suspension of your driver’s license.
Types of Damages You May Receive
Trucks can cause death or major injury, which may require extended treatment for years. After suffering from injuries in a truck accident, bills add up, and compensation will help cover the costs. These are the types of compensation you may receive:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Catastrophic loss
The two types of damages that the payments fall under are economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate for monetary damages proven with bills and other forms of evidence. Non-economic damages are typically non-tangible and depend on how your injuries have affected your life.
Hire a Riverside Truck Accident Attorney Today
Suffering from a truck accident can be devastating. After you begin to heal, you will have questions about your rights to compensation, filing a lawsuit, and other factors that come with building a case. A Riverside truck accident lawyer may be able to help you gather the compensation you need to cover your losses.
Ben Crump, PLLC, offers free case evaluations as well as contingency fee plans. We take no payments until we win. Call us today at (844) 430-1030 to speak with our team and see how we can help you.
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