If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, a lawyer is vital to ensure your case is handled in a professional matter. There are many challenges you’re facing physically, emotionally and financially. It can all be overwhelming.

The San Bernardino truck accident lawyers at LA Century Law are here to take on the burden of the legal system on your behalf. Representing individuals and families who need qualified legal representation is the mission of LA Century Law.

Individuals and families who have been injured in a trucking accident are invited to contact our lawyers to discuss their claim. We have won millions in trial verdicts and settlements for accident victims. Contact us to learn more. Let us start working on your case today.

Kinds of Trucks That May Be in an Accident

A truck accident claim may be brought based on many types of trucks including:

• Semi-trucks
• 18-wheelers
• Pickup
• Car transporter/carrier
• Cement truck
• Chiller trucks/refrigerator trucks
• Crane trucks
• Fire truck
• Garbage truck
• Tow truck
• Flat-bed trailer
• Delivery trucks (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, store deliveries)
• Heavy vehicles/construction equipment
• Tankers

Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers to fight claims from victims. When you have a truck accident lawyer, you have a level playing field. Your lawyer knows what steps to take to file your claim and move it forward efficiently. They know how to avoid the distractions and delays that the other side tries to unravel your claim.

You get only one chance to get the compensation you need after a truck accident. A lawyer can represent you inside and outside of the courtroom. They give you the confidence to know that you’re doing the right thing to assert your legal rights and fight for justice.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

• Broken bones
• Paralysis, spinal cord injury, nerve damage
• Internal organ damage, bruising, crushing injury
• Whiplash
• Wrongful death
• Burns, lacerations
• Back pain and stiffness
• Ligament and tendon damage

In addition to claiming damages for injuries and medical care, you may also claim compensation for other types of economic losses, including:

• Property damage
• Lost income
• Long-term career damage
• Travel to medical appointments

Because of the nature of a truck accident and the large size of the vehicle involved, damages are often high. Non-economic damages are awarded in truck accident claims. These damages may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Mental injuries
• Humiliation and loss of reputation
• Dismemberment and disfigurement

Non-economic damages are awarded in proportion to the severity of the accident. The more serious the injuries and economic damages, the larger the award for non-economic damages. In addition, punitive damages are available in cases of malice or oppression. Our lawyers ensure that your damages are appropriately valued and complete in your claim.

How Do I Get Compensation for a Truck Accident?

Getting compensation for a truck accident begins with looking at how it occurred. Negligence laws apply to trucking accidents in San Bernardino and throughout California. If the truck driver or their company is responsible for causing the accident, they must pay damages. To get compensation, you prove that they have legal fault, determine the amount that you deserve in compensation and bring your claim.

Our lawyers can represent you in all the steps.

What are some examples of fault for a truck accident claim?

Because trucks are large vehicles, their owners and operators have a high duty to ensure that they are operated safely on the roads. Some examples of fault for a truck accident are:

• Operating too fast for conditions or speeding
• Not ensuring that the truck is in working order
• Driving while distracted or fatigued
• Inadequate training
• Poor screening and monitoring of drivers
• Failing to secure the vehicle load
• DUI, driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs
• Design, manufacturing and maintenance errors for the truck
• Violation of the rules of the road

Negligence is specific to the situation. The trier of fact looks at the entire circumstances, using common sense, to determine if a party acted unreasonably.

At the outset of a truck accident claim, you may not know the underlying causes. For example, it may not be immediately obvious that a truck driver was operating with too little training or rest. Our lawyers can investigate. We can use the legal process to demand access to records and question witnesses to determine fault for a truck accident claim.

What To Do Following a San Bernardino Truck Accident

Following an accident, take these important steps to assure your rights are protected:

Step 1: Safely pull over to the side of the road.

Step 2: Evaluate your body for pain and injuries. If there are signs of injury, seek medical attention.

Step 3: Gather as much information as possible from the other party. Request a copy of their (1) driver’s license; (2) insurance information; and (3) vehicle information. If possible, call the police. The police will issue a report. If there are any witnesses, request their information. Under no circumstances, admit fault!

Step 4: Take photos of the damage to your car and any other vehicles involved in the accident. Take photographs of the intersection or street where the collision occurred if it can be done so safely.

Step 5: Call LA Century Law for a free consultation.

Does comparative negligence apply in truck accident claims?

Comparative negligence applies in truck accident claims. However, you may still recover a reduced share. In any event, you’re not at fault just because the defense says so. The trier of fact determines comparative fault (the judge or the jury). Contact our lawyers for a customized evaluation of comparative negligence and whether it may impact your claim.

What can I do for my trucking accident claim right now?

The sooner you contact a lawyer following a truck accident, the easier it is to preserve the evidence and build the case. You should seek emergency medical attention, follow your medical care plan and keep records. There are time limits for filing a case, so don’t wait to contact us regarding your claim.

What is the time limit for a truck accident claim in San Bernardino?

The victim of a truck accident must file for compensation not more than two years following the accident. The time limit is only six months to give notice if the claim is against a government body. Don’t wait if the insurance company is delaying the process. You must get your case filed before the two-year delay runs out.

Filing your case means submitting a summons and complaint along with all the other filing requirements in the court with jurisdiction. Our lawyers know how to start a truck accident claim. We can ensure that you meet the deadline.

Truck accident lawyers taking new cases in San Bernardino

The LA Century Law firm truck accident lawyers are currently taking new cases in San Bernardino and Southern California. Some reasons clients choose us for their representation are:

• Thorough representation from start to finish; we handle all aspects of the claim on your behalf
• Documentation of all your losses, being sure not to overlook categories of damages you may claim
• Identification of parties who may be at fault; responses to defenses raised; examination of insurance policies that may pay a judgment
• No fee unless you receive compensation (The LA Century Law 100% No-Fee Guarantee); a history of success (99% success rate)
• Customization of your case to meet your goals. You may choose to accept a settlement or take your case to trial
• Aggressive representation and honest advice about how to proceed through each step in the case

When truck accident injuries change your life in an instant, you need experienced and aggressive legal representation. We view our law firm as family and our clients as the extension of our family. When you need legal representation that gets results, the LA Century Law firm is ready to meet your needs.

Begin your case with a consultation with our lawyers. Contact us to learn more about your case and how we can help you get justice. There are time limits, so contact us as soon as possible. Call or message us today.