Riverside Truck Accident Attorney

Large commercial trucks, also known as semis or tractor-trailers, are responsible for thousands of accidents each year. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, between 2017 and 2018, there was a 5 percent increase in the number of large truck accidents resulting in bodily harm. In 2018 alone, 4,862 large trucks were involved in traffic accidents resulting in fatal injuries. In the same year, 112,000 large trucks were involved in accidents resulting in injury.  

When a commercial truck driver makes an error, the error can have serious consequences on the lives of innocent people.  The occupants of the smaller vehicle struck by the large truck can be seriously injured or even killed. As a result of their size and tremendous weight, these trucks pose a great danger to others they share the road with. For this reason, strict state and federal regulations have been set in place to ensure the safety of those on the road. Still, truck drivers may violate these regulations and endanger the lives of others.

Helping Truck Accidents Victims For Nearly 40 Years

If you, or someone you love, was struck by a large truck driver who violated state or federal regulations or otherwise acted in a negligent manner, you should know that you have legal rights. With the support of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can pursue the level of financial compensation you deserve.

For almost 40 years, Attorney Gary G. Goldberg has advocated on behalf of those injured as a consequence of a negligent truck driver.  In his experience as a Riverside truck accident attorney, Attorney Goldberg has seen a steady rise in the number of serious trucking accidents in Riverside County. A collision involving one of these extra-large trucks will most certainly result in serious injuries. As a Riverside truck accident injury attorney, Attorney Goldberg has handled many trucking accident claims. Contact the Law Office of Attorney Gary G. Goldberg today to schedule your confidential consultation.

Truck Drivers Must Follow Federal Regulations

Large commercial trucks can easily weigh as much as 20 times that of an average passenger vehicle. For this reason, commercial truck drivers have an added level of responsibility when on the road. Every truck driver has a legal obligation to obey the regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Some of these regulations include the following:

• Truck drivers cannot drive more than a certain number of hours and they must take regular resting breaks.
• Drivers cannot exceed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04%.
• Drivers cannot consume alcohol for up to four hours before their working shift.
• Truckers have to inspect their vehicle loads regularly.
• Truck drivers have to be over the age of 21 and they also have to demonstrate the ability to drive safely.
• Trucking companies have to schedule reasonable unloading times.

There are too many commercial truck drivers who make the conscious decision to ignore and violate state and federal regulations to maximize efficiency. Unfortunately, there are also many truck companies that push their employees and force them to ignore the law so that they can maximize their profits. If a negligent action leads to a serious large commercial truck accident, an injured person has the legal right to pursue financial compensation for his or her damages.

Causes of Large Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler weighs roughly around 60,000 pounds compared to a passenger vehicle weight of approximately 5,000 pounds. A passenger vehicle has the advantage of being able to make quick and sudden stops, whereas it takes a semi-truck much longer to reach a full stop. Accidents that involve large trucks are usually caused by:

• Driver negligence – fatigue, distractions, speeding, careless or reckless driving.
• Substance abuse – drugs to stay awake.
• Truck Defects – insufficient lighting, worn brakes, or lack of reflective surfaces.
• Company negligence – improper training of the truck driver or maintenance of the commercial truck.

There are many causes of trucking accidents that occur on our roads and freeways. They include those involving:

• Improper lane changes.
• Under-ride accidents that involve smaller vehicles.
• Sleeping behind the wheel.

Establishing Fault After a Large Truck Accident

After a large truck accident, the matter can quickly become very complicated. For one, accident scenes usually get altered fairly quickly, and this can result in the loss of vital evidence. The preservation of evidence (through photos and video) after a truck accident is extremely important in order to help secure a favorable truck accident claim outcome.

Truck accident cases can also be complex because they usually involve multiple defendants who will not only deny fault in the accident, but they will also attempt to blame one another. To ensure a successful truck accident case, it is necessary to carefully sort through all the evidence to match acts of negligence caused by any of the following parties:

• Truck drivers.
• Truck vehicle owners.
• Trucking companies.
• Leasing companies.
• Cargo loading companies.
• Truck maintenance companies.

Generally, the starting point for a truck accident investigation is the trucker’s negligence. Aside from this, it is also important to consider that the large truck’s care and maintenance defects could have played a role in causing the accident. When care and maintenance have played a role in the accident, naming the responsible parties in the claim will expand possible sources of financial recovery.  

California’s Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Cases

Cases brought forth in the aftermath of a truck accident are subject to a strict statute of limitations; meaning, there is a strict deadline for which a lawsuit can no longer be filed, and compensation will no longer be available. While California’s statute of limitations for all personal injury accidents is 2 years from the date of the accident, including for truck accident cases, there are certain circumstances that could shorten this time frame. For example, when filing a claim against a government agency, claimants usually have six months to bring their claim forward.

Obtain the Compensation You Deserve With the Support of a Knowledgeable Truck Accident Attorney

When you have been involved in a serious truck accident, working with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney can make a significant difference when it comes to navigating the case. Truck accident cases can easily result in a number of serious injuries, including physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. A skilled litigator will handle the difficult and nuanced aspects of your case so that you can focus on what is most important – your health.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, it is important to contact the Law Office of Gary G. Goldberg. As a Riverside truck accident attorney who has handled numerous trucking accident cases, Attorney Goldberg will thoroughly investigate your case to determine who and what caused the accident. Mr. Goldberg will also take the time to evaluate your injuries, assess the damages and protect your legal rights for compensation. This will include working from the initial investigation, requesting necessary evidence from all parties involved, and communicating with insurance companies. Without a knowledgeable advocate on your side, you may face a considerable risk of being further victimized by insurance companies that are more concerned with making a profit as opposed to the health and safety of people.

After a serious truck accident, the extent of your physical recovery is at stake. Call the Law Office of Attorney Gary G. Goldberg today and schedule your complimentary consultation. When you come in for a consultation, you will speak directly with Attorney Goldberg, not a paralegal. When you have been injured in a truck accident, get the extra attention you deserve from an attorney who cares and has the experience to resolve your claim quickly. Call the Law Office of Gary G. Goldberg. Dial (951) 788-8325 to schedule your free case consultation.