Truck Accident Attorney in Riverside, CA
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 4,998 large trucks and buses involved in fatal crashes in 2020 alone.
At Beliz Law Firm, we understand how traumatic and stressful a truck accident injury can be for you and your family. Our Riverside truck accident lawyer is here to help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Case Spotlight
$90,000.00 Settlement amountREAR END CAR ACCIDENT
The Beliz Law Firm obtained a $90,000 settlement on behalf of a 67-year old grandmother. The client was stopped in her vehicle at the intersection of Muller Street and Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim. While the client waited for the signal light to turn from red to green, a driver of a sedan was traveling at a speed of 60 miles per hour in an attempt to make a dentist appointment. The driver realized too late that there were stopped vehicles ahead and was unable to slow down the sedan in time. The sedan rear-ended the client’s vehicle and pushed it into the car ahead. The client’s vehicle was totaled.
The client was taken by ambulance to the University of California, Irvine hospital. The client was diagnosed with a non-surgical fracture to the sternum. The client stayed under the care of medical personal for a few days. Afterward, the client presented to her primary care physician for follow-up visits once a month for three months for the aches in her chest but no physical therapy was needed.
The Beliz Law signed the grandmother and filed a lawsuit against the negligent driver. After getting useful information about the driver through discovery and the defense of the client’s deposition, the case went to mediation and settled for $90,000.00.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Riverside, CA
Commercial truck accidents in Riverside can happen for a number of reasons. However, there are a few causes that are more common than others. A commercial truck accident lawyer in Riverside can conduct an independent and thorough investigation of your accident to identify what caused it and who might be liable for your injury.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Anybody who drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs is at risk of causing an accident. Because trucks are much larger than passenger cars and more difficult to maneuver, driving a truck while under the influence further heightens the risk of a severe accident. A truck driver who caused an accident because they were driving under the influence can be held liable for your damages.
Speeding
Many people think speeding is not very dangerous, but this could not be further from the truth. In 2020, speeding was a factor in 29% of all fatalities on the road. Traveling at the speed limit or above can mean the difference between life and death.
Following Too Closely Behind a Vehicle
Tailgating can be extremely dangerous. It often leads to rear-end collisions, especially in inclement weather. Because trucks are heavier and more difficult to stop than other vehicles, a truck driver who tailgates can easily cause an accident.
Inadequate Training
Sometimes, truck drivers cause accidents because they did not receive proper training from their employers or because they are unlicensed. Because trucks are large and tow heavy and unwieldy trailers, they require more skill and training to drive. If a truck driver is not trained or does not have enough experience behind the wheel, grave collisions can occur.
Failing to Repair Vehicles
Many trucks are owned by companies that are responsible for a fleet of vehicles. If the trucking company knows a truck requires repairs and fails to fix the issues, the company might be liable for resulting injuries. Failure to conduct regular inspections and maintenance might also make a truck company or truck driver liable for an accident victim’s injuries.
Typical Truck Accident Injuries
Because trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles, a truck collision can cause severe injuries and even death. There are a few types of injuries that commonly occur during a truck accident. At Beliz Law Firm, our semi-truck accident lawyer in Riverside can help you recover compensation to pay for the medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common injury because of the sheer force involved in a truck accident. Unfortunately, broken bones can take many months or longer to heal. A severe break may require surgery and rehabilitation.
Burn Injuries and Scars
Fires can occur when a semi-truck leaks fuel after a crash or can be sparked by electrical failures. Burns can range from first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree burns. While first-degree burns can heal with little to no scarring, more severe burns can cause permanent scarring. Severe scarring also causes long-term issues, such as restricted mobility and pain.
Back Injuries
Back injuries can truly upend a person’s life. Back injuries can range from muscle strains and bruising to broken vertebrae and spinal cord injuries. Back injuries are notoriously difficult to treat and can have long-term effects that keep you from working or enjoying your life as you once did.
What Should I Do After an 18 Wheeler Accident?
After suffering injuries in a commercial truck accident, it is vital that you do not panic and that you follow these steps.
Call The Police
After an accident, call the police so that they can file an official report. The report will help you when you file your claim. The police will collect details about the accident from you, the other driver, and the witnesses.
When you are ready to file your claim, a serious truck accident lawyer in Riverside County, CA, can help you gather evidence, including the police report, to strengthen your claim.
Get Medical Care
If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 or ask someone to call 911 immediately.
It is crucial to seek medical attention even if you believe you only have minor injuries.
Sometimes the shock and adrenaline after a significant wreck can mask pain and other injury symptoms. By getting to a doctor as soon as possible, you can make sure you have no internal bleeding, broken bones, or other injuries. Medical records can also help your attorney evaluate your damages and prove your injuries. Be sure to save copies of your medical bills, including prescription receipts, to help your Riverside truck accident attorney calculate your expenses.
Collect Contact Information
Make sure that you gather all the contact information you need from the other driver. This includes their phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. If the truck driver works for a company, note the company’s name as well. Contact information from witnesses is also helpful. If you can, ask the witness for their names and phone numbers so that your Riverside 18-wheeler accident attorney can contact them later.
Avoid Admitting Fault or Posting to Social Media
After an accident, you should be careful not to admit fault to the other driver. This includes apologizing, even if you are just trying to be polite. What you say after an accident can be used against you by the at-fault driver’s insurance company or the driver’s attorney.
Also, you should not post anything about the accident on social media. The messages and photos you post can be used against you later on. Remember, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to put as much blame on you as possible so that they can pay you less compensation. Protect your rights by allowing a semi-truck accident attorney in Riverside to advocate for you.
How Can Our Riverside Truck Accident Lawyer Help You
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident, Beliz Law Firm is here to fight for you. Our team has over 15 years of experience helping clients hold the parties responsible for their injuries accountable. We understand how life-altering truck accidents can be.
Our Riverside truck accident lawyer can investigate your accident, identify and calculate your damages, and advocate for your best interest at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Let our team handle your claim so that you can focus on healing. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What Else Should You Look For In A Riverside Truck Accident Attorney?
When you’re looking for the best legal representation for your personal injury case, you want to find someone you can trust.