San Bernardino Truck Accident Lawyer

Protecting the Rights of Trucking Accident Victims

Every year, numerous individuals suffer injuries or lose their lives in truck accidents across the United States. Unfortunately, trucking companies often treat these accidents as routine occurrences and simply factor insurance and liability costs into their budget. At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, our San Bernardino truck accident lawyers are committed to representing clients who have sustained severe and life-altering injuries, even in the most challenging cases.

We understand that injuries resulting from truck accidents can lead to lifelong losses and expenses. Our legal team specializes in handling the unique legal issues involved in truck accident claims, dedicating our resources to safeguarding the best interests of clients who have suffered devastating injuries or the loss of loved ones due to someone else's negligence.

We handle various types of commercial trucking cases, including:

• Fatal truck accidents
• Delivery truck accidents
• Garbage truck accidents
• Hours-of-service violations
• Truck driver fatigue

Our attorneys provide each client with the utmost care and attention they deserve. We believe that a truck accident lawyer in San Bernardino should take the time to understand the client and their claim. At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, we go the extra mile to thoroughly get to know our clients, comprehend the challenges they face after a traumatic truck accident, and understand their specific needs moving forward. By doing so, we provide the highest quality representation available and treat our clients like family.

If you require assistance following a serious truck accident in San Bernardino or anywhere in California, reach out to our office today at (866) 634-4525 for a free consultation.

Why Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Seeking fair compensation from a large trucking company can be challenging, as these companies typically have substantial resources and the support of top-tier law firms. An experienced truck accident attorney in San Bernardino can advocate for your rights, ensure your voice is heard, conduct a thorough investigation of your claim, identify all responsible parties, prepare for trial, and present a compelling case based on evidence. These factors significantly influence the outcome of your case.

What Are the Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents?

Due to the massive size of tractor-trailers and large trucks, accidents involving commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles. Catastrophic injuries typically affect vital parts of the body, such as the brain or spine, leading to permanent impairment, disfigurement, and significant pain.

Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

• Paralysis (quadriplegia and paraplegia)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Coma and vegetative states
• "Locked-in" syndrome after TBI
• Third and fourth-degree burns
• Amputation

Tragically, many truck accident victims do not survive these collisions. The majority of fatalities in truck accidents involve motorists in smaller passenger vehicles who played no role in causing the accidents.

What Types of Damages Can You Recover?

Victims of big rig and semi-truck crashes often endure debilitating, life-altering injuries that require significant financial resources throughout their lifetime. In addition to medical expenses and hospital bills, plaintiffs may need compensation for lost wages, future medical costs, and other financial losses resulting from the accident.

In a truck accident lawsuit, you may be entitled to seek damages for:

• Medical expenses and bills (hospitalization, diagnostic tests, surgeries, prescriptions, etc.)
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Counseling and mental health assistance
• In-home care or 24/7 medical assistance for disabilities
• Home remodeling costs (installing safety features like guardrails or wheelchair ramps)
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Job retraining and educational expenses
• Pain and suffering (both physical and emotional)
• Wrongful death (on behalf of a deceased loved one)

Investigating the Cause of Your Truck Accident

Determining the cause of your truck accident is crucial to your claim. At our San Bernardino firm, we utilize our extensive resources to investigate truck accidents and uncover any negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or truck manufacturer.

Our goal is to hold the trucking industry fully accountable for negligent acts and regulatory violations, not only to secure full compensation for our clients but also to enhance safety and prevent future harm to other motorists.

While each crash is unique, common causes of truck accidents include:

• Violating traffic laws (speeding, failing to yield, running red lights, etc.)
• Truck driver fatigue
• Aggressive driving
• Violating inspection and maintenance regulations
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Violating "hours of service" regulations
• Improper loading of cargo
• Negligent hiring and supervision
• Defective truck parts

How Do We Gather Evidence to Support Your Truck Accident Case?

Investigating a truck accident is a complex task. As soon as we are informed of an injured client, we initiate a thorough investigation to determine if any safety regulations were violated by the driver or company.

Our investigations may include sending investigators and expert consultants to the accident scene to gather evidence of negligence and fault.

Common sources of evidence in truck accident cases include:

• Witness statements: Testimonies from witnesses can corroborate claims of negligence, such as erratic driving, aggressive behavior, or mechanical failures.
• Electronic control modules (ECMs): These devices, also known as event data recorders or "black boxes," record crucial information about the truck's speed, braking, and other data leading up to an accident. Analyzing ECM data helps reconstruct the accident and establish liability.
• Truck cameras: Many trucking companies install cameras inside their vehicles, capturing footage of the road and the driver. Reviewing camera footage can help determine if the truck driver engaged in negligent or reckless behavior.
• Electronic logging devices (ELDs): Truck drivers are required to use ELDs to track their hours of service. Examining these records can determine if a driver exceeded the legal limits, potentially leading to fatigue-related accidents.
• Trucking company records: Accurate records related to the hiring and supervision of truck drivers can be crucial evidence. For example, failure to perform drug and alcohol tests before allowing an impaired truck driver to operate can demonstrate negligent supervision.

Whether handling an insurance claim or a lawsuit in civil court, our San Bernardino trucking accident lawyers possess the resources and strategies to gather the necessary information to establish liability for our clients' truck accident injuries.

Can You File a Claim If You Were Partially Responsible?

In some cases, you may still be able to file a lawsuit for a truck accident even if you were partially negligent. However, the outcome depends on the laws of the state where the accident occurred, and your damages may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

For example, in California, the principle of "comparative negligence" applies. If you are found to be 30% responsible for the accident, you may only be eligible for up to 70% of the total compensation.

Given the complexity of truck accidents, it is crucial to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you understand the role of negligence in your case.

Contact Us 24/7 to Discuss Your Case

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, we recognize that coping with a catastrophic injury or the loss of a loved one can consume every aspect of your life. However, delaying contacting the right law firm can potentially harm your case.

Trucking companies have their own investigators and legal teams that start building a defense almost immediately after a crash. They conduct their assessments of the accident and take preemptive actions to minimize or avoid liability long before a claim is filed.

These companies have aggressive legal teams, and so should you. Waiting too long to protect yourself by hiring an attorney can result in the loss of crucial evidence, making it more challenging to identify and prove fault in the accident.

We waste no time in building a strong case for our clients. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start safeguarding your rights.

Schedule a free consultation today by contacting our office online or calling (866) 634-4525.