Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Lawyer

Location Address:

8350 Archibald Ave, Suite 209
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Our award-winning Rancho Cucamonga truck accident lawyers can help you with your personal injury claim against the big trucking corporations. The dedicated legal team at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer specializes in protecting the legal rights of injured victims throughout San Bernardino County.

This page details the unique complexities of truck accident cases, the types of compensation you may be entitled to, and how our specialized legal team is equipped to help you achieve the best possible result. Contact our law offices today by scheduling a free consultation online or calling us at (909) 787-2515.

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Types of 18-Wheeler, Semi Truck, and Other Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Truck Accident Injuries That Can Be Compensated
Who Is at Fault for a Truck Accident?
Recoverable Damages After a Truck Accident
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?
Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident in San Bernardino County
The Risk of Not Seeking Legal Guidance

The Reality of Truck Accidents in Rancho Cucamonga

Rancho Cucamonga sits at a critical junction of Southern California’s transportation infrastructure, where Interstate 15, Interstate 10, and State Route 210 converge to create one of the busiest freight corridors in the region. This strategic location has made the community a hub for commercial trucking activity, but it has also placed residents at heightened risk for catastrophic truck accidents.

Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, especially when these vehicles collide with smaller passenger vehicles. The impact forces involved often result in severe injuries, making these accidents particularly devastating for victims.

In fact, according to recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were over 5,400 people killed and an estimated 153,450 people injured in traffic crashes involving large trucks in California.

These statistics represent more than numbers; they represent families whose lives are permanently altered. Every truck accident case that comes through our law offices carries the weight of someone’s pain, loss, and struggles. That’s why our personal injury law firm approaches each case with individual attention and aggressive representation to deliver the results our clients deserve.

Types of 18-Wheeler, Semi Truck, and Other Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Truck accidents in Rancho Cucamonga can take many forms, each presenting unique dangers and legal challenges. The most common types of truck accidents may include the following.

Rear-End and Head-On Crashes

Rear-end collisions are common when large commercial trucks fail to stop in time, often causing devastating damage to smaller vehicles. Similarly, head-on collisions, although less frequent, can also result in serious damage, especially along Route 66 on major surface streets, such as Vineyard Ave. and Milliken Ave.

Rollover Truck Accidents

Rollover accidents can occur when a truck loses its balance—sometimes due to poor maintenance or improperly loaded cargo—spilling debris and creating multi-vehicle hazards.

Jackknife Crashes

Jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, can block multiple lanes and lead to chain-reaction crashes.

Truck accident cases are more complicated than typical car accident claims due to the involvement of multiple parties and extensive trucking regulations. Truck accident law requires specialized knowledge and experience, as these cases often involve unique legal procedures and challenges not present in standard motor vehicle accident claims. This highlights the need for assistance from an experienced truck accident attorney.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Rancho Cucamonga

The various types of truck accidents are often the result of driver negligence. Through years of extensive investigation into truck accidents throughout the Inland Empire, our law firm has identified several factors as the most significant contributors.

Driver Fatigue

Federal regulations limit the number of consecutive hours truck drivers can operate their vehicles, but violations still occur. Trucking companies enforce strict delivery schedules, leading to exhausted drivers working beyond safe limits. Drowsy driving slows reaction times and impairs judgment as severely as alcohol intoxication.

Excessive Speed

The steep grades along I-10, as they descend from the mountains, combined with the heavy traffic on I-15, create hazardous conditions when truck drivers exceed safe speeds. These larger and heavier commercial vehicles require wider distances and more time to come to a complete stop. Violations of traffic laws, such as speeding, are a frequent cause of truck accidents.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers spending long hours alone on the road may engage in various distractions, such as checking social media, adjusting GPS systems, eating, or simply losing focus behind the wheel. Cell phone use, whether for making calls or sending text messages, is a common and potentially dangerous distraction for most truck drivers.

Improper Maintenance

Failure to maintain regular vehicle maintenance further increases the risk of accidents. However, trucking companies sometimes cut costs by neglecting worn brakes, bald tires, defective lighting, and mechanical failures, which can result in serious accidents. The high volume of truck traffic through Rancho Cucamonga’s industrial areas near warehouse complexes adds more strain on already poorly maintained vehicles.

Improper Loading

Cargo that’s improperly secured, overloaded, or unevenly distributed in the trailer can shift during transit, resulting in the driver to lose control, leading to jackknifing or rollover accidents. Load-related truck accidents often involve third parties, such as shipping companies or warehouse operators, who fail to follow proper loading procedures.

Inadequate Training

Not all truck drivers receive proper training on how to handle larger vehicles in various situations or weather conditions. Therefore, inexperienced drivers are more prone to panic during emergencies, fail to account for blind spots, misjudge a turning radius, or lack the general skills to safely overcome challenging circumstances.

Intoxication or Drug Use

Despite strict state and federal regulations and drug testing requirements, some truck drivers operate their vehicles while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or even certain prescription medications. This affects the ability to drive safely, putting truck drivers and other road users at risk.

Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

The aftermath of a truck accident can leave victims facing some of the most severe and life-changing injuries. The most common types of truck accident injuries may include:

Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common, often resulting in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
Back Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical attention, surgeries, and ongoing physical therapy.
Catastrophic Injuries: Life-changing injuries, such as multiple fractures, internal organ damage, and severe burns, can mean months or years of recovery, or even permanent disability.
Pain and Suffering: Beyond the physical pain, truck accident victims often endure significant emotional strain adjusting to new limitations and coping with trauma from the accident.

The financial impact caused by truck accident injuries can be overwhelming, due to mounting medical bills and lost income. Many families find themselves struggling to cover these costs, which is why it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable Rancho Cucamonga truck accident lawyer who can help recover full and fair compensation for immediate medical needs and the long-term consequences of sustained injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Truck Accident?

Determining liability in truck accident cases requires a thorough investigation and a deep understanding of both state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry. Unlike typical auto accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties. This may include the following:

The Truck Driver

If the driver’s negligence, recklessness, or regulatory violations caused the accident, they can be held personally liable for damages.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies may face direct liability for hiring unqualified drivers, failing to properly train employees, pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations, or neglecting vehicle maintenance.

Truck Owner or Leasing Company

If the trucking company doesn’t own the truck, the actual owner or leasing company of the vehicle may share liability, particularly if they failed to maintain the condition of the vehicle.

Cargo Loading Company

Third-party companies responsible for loading cargo can be held liable if improper loading, overloading, or failure to secure cargo contributed to the accident.

Maintenance Providers

Companies contracted to service and repair commercial trucks may be held responsible if their negligent maintenance or repairs contributed to mechanical failures that caused the crash.

Vehicle Parts Manufacturers

If a defective truck component, such as faulty brakes, defective tires, or malfunctioning steering systems, caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer can be held liable under product liability laws.

Government Entities

In cases where poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident, the government agency responsible for road maintenance, like the City of Rancho Cucamonga or San Bernardino County, may share liability.

An immediate and thorough investigation by an experienced Rancho Cucamonga truck accident lawyer is essential to identifying all responsible parties. Perishable evidence, such as electronic logging data, eyewitness testimony, dashcam footage, accident reports, and other physical evidence, is crucial to a strong truck accident claim.

Compensation Available for Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Victims

California law allows truck accident victims to pursue compensatory damages resulting from their injuries. Financial compensation can be categorized into the following.

Economic Damages

Compensation for quantifiable financial losses, often verifiable through bills, receipts, and invoices:

All past and future medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and long-term care needs
Lost wages from time unable to work during recovery, if injuries prevent returning to work, or reduce your earning ability
Loss of future earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to a previous occupation or limit the ability to earn income
Property damage to a damaged vehicle and other personal belongings
Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury and recovery, like the costs of modifying the home or a vehicle to accommodate permanent disabilities

Non-Economic Damages

Compensation for losses that don’t have a specific dollar value but still profoundly impact the quality of life:

Disfigurement and scarring, which permanently affect a victim’s appearance
Loss of companionship or loss of consortium, impacting a personal relationship with a spouse or partner
Loss of enjoyment of life due to anxiety or depression, creating an inability to participate in activities once enjoyed
Pain and suffering, accounting for both physical pain and emotional strain

Punitive Damages

California courts may also award punitive damages for especially egregious personal injury cases, such as a trucking company knowingly allowing a dangerously fatigued or intoxicated driver to operate a vehicle. While these damages provide additional compensation to the victim, they are primarily intended to punish the defendant and prevent future misconduct.

Truck accident injuries can cause significant financial hardship due to high medical costs and lost wages. Legal action and guidance from a truck accident attorney can help victims secure the maximum compensation to which they are entitled.

Important Time Limits and California’s Statute of Limitations

In California, strict deadlines govern the filing of truck accident lawsuits. For most personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date. However, if a government entity is involved, like accidents related to poorly maintained roads, the filing period is reduced to just six months.

Delaying legal representation can jeopardize an entire case, potentially resulting in victims losing the opportunity to rightful compensation even if their claim is legitimate. Evidence can disappear, witnesses become difficult to locate, and memories become less reliable over time. Therefore, act fast. You can begin by scheduling a free consultation today.

Understanding the Severity of Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents differ from typical auto accidents in both their severity and complexity. While a car accident usually involves smaller vehicles and a more straightforward claims process when determining fault, trucking accidents present unique challenges.

The sheer size and force of commercial vehicles, especially 18-wheelers or vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds, can cause serious accidents with smaller passenger cars. Additionally, multiple parties are typically involved, making it difficult to establish liability.

Severe injuries are often sustained in truck accidents and can even be life-altering. Consequently, victims commonly suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis, multiple broken bones, internal organ damage, severe burns, and crushing injuries that may require amputation.

Many survivors face months or years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy to overcome their trauma. Unfortunately, some never fully recover, requiring lifelong medical care and assistance.

5 Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, it’s important to follow these critical steps to ensure safety, health, and well-being for a potential truck accident claim:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get medical help right away, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can hide pain, and some serious conditions may not be immediately apparent.
Document the Accident Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, visible injuries, and any other details showcasing the severity of the crash.
Exchange Information: Collect the truck driver’s name, contact information, employment details, and insurance information. Also, collect witness statements and their contact information, as well.
File an Official Police Report: Regardless of the severity of the crash, call 911 to report the crash. The traffic report is valuable evidence and establishes a timeline of events.
Contact a Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Lawyer: Even if uncertain about pursuing legal action, it’s vital to consult with an attorney for guidance. Consultations are typically free and will significantly benefit injured victims.

Why Choose Attorney Jeff for Your Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Case

Our law firm has recovered millions in compensation and verdicts for truck accident victims throughout the Inland Empire. While past results do not always guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our ability to achieve favorable results–even in complex and high-stakes cases. Here are just some of the benefits clients receive when working with Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer.

Extensive Experience in Truck Accident Cases

“Personal Injury Law” covers a broad field of case types. Many PI attorneys claim to specialize in a particular field, but that does not always mean they have managed claims against trucking companies. Our law firm has dedicated its practice to personal injury law, WITH a focus on complex truck accident cases. This encompasses intricate federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry, including FMCSA hours-of-service rules, vehicle maintenance requirements, and cargo securement standards.

Thorough Investigation to Identify ALL Liable Parties

A successful truck accident case is dependent on a thorough investigation. Our legal team immediately preserves critical evidence, including the truck’s electronic logging device data, maintenance records, witnesses’ statements, accident reconstruction expert analysis, and accident scene photos. Additionally, we promptly send preservation letters to trucking companies, legally requiring them to maintain all evidence that might otherwise be destroyed.

Powerful Resources

Taking on major trucking companies and their insurance carriers requires substantial resources. As a result, we work with:

Leading accident reconstruction specialists to verify fault and cause of the accident
Medical experts who can explain the full extent of injuries and future care needs
Economists who calculate lifetime earnings losses
Vocational rehabilitation experts to assess the victim’s ability to work

These professionals provide testimony that strengthens the truck accident case and maximizes financial recovery.

Aggressive Negotiation to Maximize Compensation

Insurance companies employed by trucking companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys trained to minimize payouts by pressuring victims in their most vulnerable state to accept quick, inadequate settlements before they fully understand the extent of their injuries and financial losses. Our experienced truck accident attorneys counter these tactics by aggressively negotiating, backed by thorough preparation and a willingness to take the case to trial if necessary.

Trial Experience

While many truck accident cases settle before trial, trucking companies sometimes refuse reasonable settlement offers, assuming that injured victims won’t follow through with litigation. However, our experienced attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and will not hesitate to escalate the case before a jury.

No Fee Unless We Win

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no upfront costs or attorney fees. We only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation on behalf of our clients. This arrangement ensures that quality legal representation remains accessible to injured victims when they need it most, regardless of their financial situation.

Wrongful Death Claims

While no financial award can replace the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death claim offers financial security and holds negligent parties accountable.

By filing wrongful death lawsuits, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased’s financial support, value of household services, and loss of companionship and emotional support.

Attorney Jeff handles wrongful death cases with particular sensitivity and compassion, understanding that grieving families need both aggressive legal advocacy and caring support during the most difficult time of their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

Who can be held legally responsible for my injuries?

Unlike a standard auto accident involving two drivers, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, vehicle parts manufacturers, or other third parties.

What kind of evidence is needed, and why is it time-sensitive?

Trucking companies are only required to keep certain records for a limited time. If any of this evidence is discarded, it will be difficult to prove liability. It’s crucial for the following to be preserved:

The “Black Box”: Formally known as the Event Data Recorder (EDR), logs speed, braking patterns, and steering inputs in the seconds leading up to the crash
ELD Logs: Electronic Logging Devices track the driver’s hours of service, indicating if the trucking regulations to take a required rest period were followed or skipped
Maintenance and Inspection Records: Indicates when the vehicle was last maintained and if the truck was in a safe, workable condition
Post-Accident Drug/Alcohol Tests: Federal law often mandates that truck drivers undergo immediate testing following a serious crash to determine if they were driving under the influence

What types of compensation (damages) can I recover?

Because of the massive weight of commercial trucks, serious injuries are often sustained. When it comes to recovering damages, compensation should account for both financial losses and the impact on your quality of life. This may include, but is not limited to, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

While every case is unique, a truck accident case can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to resolve. The timeline is influenced by:

Negotiations or Trial: Dependent upon the at-fault party’s willingness to settle or litigate the case
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): To accurately calculate future medical costs
The Investigation: To prove fault, as gathering data from black boxes and hiring accident reconstruction experts takes time
Multiple Defendants: A separate case must be developed against each liable entity (e.g., driver and employer)

How do I find the right attorney for my case?

To find a qualified truck accident lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, search online for specialists, get referrals, and vet candidates based on their experience with trucking laws. Based on your findings, consult with the potential candidate as soon as possible. Our truck accident attorneys offer a free initial consultation with no obligation to hire us.

How much does it cost to hire a specialized truck accident lawyer?

This will vary for every law firm, ranging from hourly rates to flat retainer fees. However, most reputable personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney only gets paid a smaller percentage of the final settlement or jury verdict, often ranging from 33% to 40%.

Extremely Knowledgeable Personal Injury Law Firm in the Inland Empire

You do not have to deal with the complex legal process alone. These large corporations and their insurance companies are backed by legal teams trained to reduce your payout.

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer is dedicated to protecting and helping injured clients seek justice and secure the maximum compensation they are owed. Contact our law offices today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist with your claim.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

Jeff’s got you. Our Rancho Cucamonga personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and provide viable legal options.

We also operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no legal fees unless we recover damages on your behalf. This approach helps reduce financial strain and approach your case with confidence.

Address: 8350 Archibald Ave, Suite 209, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Phone Number: (909) 787-2515

Other Cases Our Rancho Cucamonga Personal Injury Lawyers Can Assist With

Our extremely knowledgeable attorneys in Rancho Cucamonga, CA will challenge the insurance companies on behalf of our clients. If you were hurt due to another party’s negligence, we can help you seek justice. We specialize in the following practice areas:

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations

Check the viability of your personal injury case by using our free case checker. Alternatively, schedule a free consultation with one of our law offices in Southern California or Northern California to speak with an experienced lawyer today, so may begin building your winning case and get you the maximum available compensation.