Truck accidents are a devastating experience, and the legal process involved can be incredibly overwhelming. At Gonzales Law Offices, our Rancho Cucamonga truck accident lawyers are prepared to help guide you through the process of filing a claim for damages, providing you with some peace of mind during a difficult time.
About Us
For over ten years, Gonzales Law Offices has been working with clients across a range of personal injury claims. With over $1 million in damages recovered on behalf of our clients, we understand that each case is unique. Our team brings both dedication and a results-oriented approach that puts our clients’ interests first.
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Every year, over $2.8 trillion in goods pass through California roadways, making truck accidents a serious concern. When these occur, one of the major questions is who holds responsibility. Liability refers to the responsibility and legal obligations a party has over the accident and ensuing damages caused.
Determining liability can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, parties that are commonly held responsible in truck accidents include:
Truck drivers. Truck accident laws align with California Civil Code 1714. This regulation articulates that drivers assume a heightened duty of care to prevent harm while operating their vehicles. Actions that might compromise safety, such as speeding, driving under the influence, failing to check blind spots, or failing to carry out proper security checks, may constitute negligence on the part of a truck driver.
Trucking companies. Under the doctrine of vicarious liability, employers may be held responsible for the actions of their drivers if mistakes were made within the scope of their job. This is especially true in instances where companies show negligence in training their drivers, ignoring maintenance issues, or pushing their employees beyond reasonable and safe expectations.
Equipment manufacturers. It is not uncommon that defective equipment leads to truck accidents. If a vehicle’s critical functions are impaired by faulty equipment, such as a bad steering system, failing brakes, or other critical components, the manufacturer can be held liable for the damages that ensue.
Third-party drivers. There are over 27 million licensed drivers in California. Like truck drivers, every motorist assumes a duty of care when operating their vehicle. If they do so with negligence, such as through driving while under the influence, driving aggressively, or failing to follow traffic laws, they may be held responsible for an accident.
What To Do Following a Truck Accident
Due to the issue of liability, truck accident cases can be highly contentious. While experiencing an accident can be disorienting, it is important to take proactive steps to protect yourself:
Document the scene. Photographic and video evidence of damages, the position and condition of the vehicles, and other relevant details can help later on when establishing the facts of the incident.
Collect witness information. Be sure to get contact information from all witnesses and those involved in the incident. Things like phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and license plate numbers can be critical when obtaining accurate testimony.
Engage with insurers carefully. When speaking with your insurer, be sure to only give factual statements. Do not speak with the other driver’s insurer or employer. You are under no obligation to do so, and whatever you say can be used against you.
Obtain a copy of a police report. A police report can be critical evidence when reconstructing an accident and arguing your case. Be sure to follow up with police officials to obtain all relevant reports concerning the crash.
Why Choose Us?
It is critical to hire a truck accident lawyer with a track record of success. The Rancho Cucamonga truck accident lawyers of Gonzales Law Offices understand the complexities of personal injury law and are prepared to leverage their experience on your behalf to obtain a positive resolution. We take the time to fully understand the scope of damages done, including the impact on your health, finances, and family, so we can pursue full and fair compensation to get you on the road to recovery.
Our team thoroughly investigates your accident, gathers key evidence, and negotiates with insurance companies. If necessary, we’re prepared to defend your case within the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, located at 8303 Haven Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga.
Gonzales Law Offices works to keep you informed at every step of the process, working to move your claim forward without unnecessary delays.
Meet Attorney Mark Gonzales, Esq.
Lead Counsel, Gonzales Law Offices
Since 2007, Mark has represented injured clients across Southern California in car, motorcycle, and truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability. His time in insurance defense gives him inside perspective he uses to help clients take on powerful carriers. He has recovered over a million dollars for clients in difficult cases.
Bar: State Bar of California
Affiliations: CAALA, LACBA
Education: University of La Verne College of Law
Offices: Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Ontario
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Who is liable for a truck accident depends on the evidence. If a truck driver acts with negligence and ignores their duty of care when operating their vehicle, they may be found liable. However, through the principle of vicarious liability, a trucking company may be held responsible for its drivers’ actions. Likewise, third-party drivers may be liable if their actions led to the accident occurring.
What Is the New Law for Truckers in California?
The new law for truck drivers in California addresses the rise of autonomous vehicles in the shipping industry. Under California Assembly Bill 316, a human operator is legally required to be physically present in autonomous trucking vehicles. This affords greater liability on the part of the trucking companies, and therefore more protection for victims of autonomous vehicles present in truck accidents.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Truck accident settlements in Rancho Cucamonga vary significantly depending on the facts of the case. Factors include the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and lost income. Future care needs and the degree of fault also impact settlement values. Catastrophic accidents resulting in serious injury typically receive higher settlement amounts than minor fender-benders.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Settlement Take?
How long a truck accident settlement takes to be reached can depend on many things. The amount of evidentiary support, the number of participants in the crash, and the liable parties involved can all complicate a case. Typically, legal action involving a truck accident may take anywhere between several months and several years to resolve.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
In 2023 alone, there were over 500 crashes in Rancho Cucamonga that resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a collision, having a Rancho Cucamonga truck accident attorney by your side can make all the difference when seeking compensation for damages. Contact us today to learn how we can help you move forward.
Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Lawyer Reviews
★★★★★
“On April 9th 2024, I was in a very severe accident caused by a reckless driver. I had contacted Gonzalez law firm in which Mrs. Marilyn explain the procedures, and helped me through process. They were very responsive and answered any questions that arose. They were very attentive and if I needed any additional help, they were willing to get me the necessary help I needed. They were very helpful and would highly recommend this law firm.” – Carmen Villalobos
★★★★★
“I am extremely pleased with Gonzalez law. Mr. Mark Gonzalez himself is a very well rounded and educated lawyer in his field. He was communicative, concise, and efficient with handling my personal injury case. I am grateful to have him as my lawyer. His staff was informative and helpful with getting through my process and the he decision to choose this firm was the best decision I could have made. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez and your team! Continue to serve the community well. It is very much appreciated!” – Roza Keflom
★★★★★
“Great Experience. Once I entered you can feel they care. They talk with Experience and knowledge. Thankful to be represented by this law firm! Will recommend.” – Edward SerranoWB
I could not be more happy with the help Mark Gonzales provided. He was there for me every step of the way. He explained each step in a way that was easy for me to understand. He was available to me when ever I had a concern. His staff made me feel like I was family. I highly recommend Mark to anyone who needs legal help!
Robert R.
Mark helped me recover all my expenses due to my car accident. The insurance company tried to slow the process and doubted that I was even injured. Mark fought for me and gave me peace of mind. I felt like I had an army on my side since his staff worked tirelessly for me. They got the insurance company off my back and helped me get back on my feet faster than I expected.
April F.
Mark did a fantastic job for me when I slipped in a restaurant. I owner had the nerve to claim it was my heels, when clearly the floor was damaged and caused me to fall. He tried to make himself look like the victim of a scam. Mark put an end to that real fast. He took control of everything for me. He helped me get my medical costs paid as well as compensation for the lost time at work.
Dottie F.
The Law Office of Mark Gonzales was a smooth experience people were great and professional !! I would recommend them to anyone and if I ever need an injury attorney again I will definitely come back. THANK YOU.
Vanessa M.
The people working here are very nice and helped make a bad experience better. They made the process go smoothly and were always willing to help and answer my questions. The attorney was very personable and willing to help. The office makes sure you are comfortable and that you understand the process. I highly recommend them.
Elizabeth R.
I would like to thank the attorney Mark Gonzalez and his staff for the prompt results representing my family with our case, I would highly recommend his office, thank you in advance.
Jose G.
I want to highly recommend the lawyer Mark Gonzalez due to his great work. He took my case and won it even though another lawyer had said it was a lost case. Very friendly environment especially with the secretary at the front desk. Thank you!
Marelena R.
Mr. Gonzales did an amazing job in solving my case. I was feeling helpless and all hope lost, but him and his staff got me through it. I wouldn’t consider any other attorney than Mr. Gonzales himself. 100% recommended!
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