Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Lawyer

Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Attorney

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.

Liability and Truck Accidents

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.

FAQs

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

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.

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