Best San Bernardino Truck Accident Lawyer

TL;DR:

Truck accidents are dangerous and more common than you might think. In 2023, California recorded over 13,600 truck accidents. These crashes can cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), back and neck injuries, burns and internal injuries.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to take the following steps:

Seek medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor
Gather information including contact details, insurance info, and witness names
Document the scene with photos of the vehicles, damage, and surroundings
Avoid admitting fault. Stick to the facts.
Consult a lawyer

You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Truck accidents are a far more prevalent and deadly occurrence in California than many drivers might realize. Recent statistics highlight just how often truck accidents occur within the state, with data from the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts revealing that in 2022 alone, truck accidents unfortunately took the lives of 436 individuals in the state. Shockingly, in California, 7% of all large trucks, semis, and tractor trailers were involved in fatal crashes, highlighting the substantial risk these vehicles pose to other drivers on the roads. San Bernardino, despite what drivers might think, is not exempt from these concerning trends. According to TruckInfo.net, in 2023, there were a staggering 13,603 truck accidents recorded in California, including in San Bernardino. The high number of accidents contributes a significant portion to the nationwide total of 168,000 truck accidents. These numbers serve as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of truck accidents, not only in terms of lives lost and severe injuries, but also in the profound impact they can have on communities and families.

At the Gold Firm, our team of truck accident lawyers understands all too well the life-altering consequences that can be caused by truck accidents in San Bernardino. We’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating toll these types of accidents can have on individuals and families, from severe injuries to emotional trauma, financial strain, and even the loss of a loved one. That’s why we’re here to offer our legal services and guidance to support you during what can be an incredibly challenging time. Our priority is to ensure that you fully understand your rights and options for seeking compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we advocate fiercely on your behalf. We’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve after being injured or losing a loved one after a San Bernardino truck accident, striving to secure the justice and financial relief you need to move forward with your life.

On this page:

Causes of Truck Accidents in California

While the causes of truck accidents in San Bernardino can vary widely, certain factors are more frequently seen than others. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents is essential for developing effective defensive driving strategies to prevent truck accidents and ensure accountability for those responsible. These are very similar to the most common causes of school bus accidents.

Driver Fatigue – Unfortunately, it is common for commercial truck drivers to exceed legally permitted driving time limits that are set in stone by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Exceeding drive time limits often leads to fatigue and an increases the risk of accidents.
Equipment Failure – Equipment failure, including vehicle system malfunctions or cargo shifting, can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, which can contribute to truck accidents. Loss of brakes or blown out tires is also a common type of equipment failure and can lead to dangerous and life-threatening accidents on California’s roadways.
Speeding – Excessive speed, especially on roads with higher speed limits, significantly raises the likelihood of large commercial truck accidents. When truck drivers are rushing to get their cargo from one place to another and exceeds the speed limit, they are putting everyone on the road around them at risk.
Failing to Adjust Driving to Road and Weather Conditions – Neglecting to adapt driving behavior to changing road and weather conditions can also increase the risk of accidents, especially on roadways where there are curves or one lane travelling both directions.
Failing to Maintain Trucks to a Quality Standard – Inadequate maintenance of trucks can lead to mechanical issues, which increases the likelihood of accidents due to vehicle malfunction. The FMCSA requires regular maintenance and checks in order to catch any malfunctions or issues before they put others on the road at risk. This is crucial to ensuring vehicle safety and reducing accident risk.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

In San Bernardino truck accidents, the range of potential injuries is vast, and can include a wide range of injury types. However, the sheer force of accidents that involve large commercial vehicles often lead to more severe injuries. From physical injuries to emotional trauma, the aftermath of truck accidents and head-on accidents can be overwhelming and require comprehensive legal support and advocacy.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries are a common yet particularly severe outcome of truck accidents. These injuries are typically classified in terms of severity, ranging from mild concussions to severe conditions that include impaired cognitive function or even comatose states. The impact of such injuries extends far beyond physical manifestations, often leading to changes in long term emotional distress, and psychological challenges for both the affected individual and their loved ones. Given the complexity and long-term implications of traumatic brain injuries caused by truck accidents in San Bernardino, seeking experienced legal guidance from a truck accident lawyer at the Gold Firm is crucial to navigate the intricacies of seeking compensation and support.

Back & Neck Injuries

Truck accidents in San Bernardino frequently result in neck and back injuries caused by the force of the accident, which can range from minor discomfort to severe conditions such as ruptured discs in the spine. Given the critical role that the spine and neck play in daily movements and proper functions, these injuries often have profound consequences. In truck accidents, neck and back injures can prevent victims from returning to work and engaging in their usual activities. Whether it’s experiencing persistent neck pain due to an extreme case of whiplash or grappling with debilitating spinal issues, the impact of these injuries highlights the importance of seeking proper medical attention and legal guidance from a San Bernardino truck accident lawyer to assist in recovery of both your health and financial compensation.

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are unfortunately a common consequence of San Bernardino truck accidents, particularly when flammable cargo is involved. Trucks transporting hazardous materials like gasoline or petroleum products pose a significant risk of injury, as any collision could lead to fires or explosions that often cause devastating outcomes. However, even in accidents where such materials aren’t present, fires can still erupt due to the impact force. The resulting burn injuries can range from physical scarring to profound mental anguish such as PTSD, underscoring the gravity of truck accidents and the urgent need for legal assistance and emotional support for those affected.

Internal Injuries

Due to the high intensity and sheer force of truck accidents in San Bernardino, they frequently result in internal injuries, which pose significant challenges for victims and medical professionals alike. The powerful blunt trauma generated by these types of crashes can lead to internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the:

Bladder
Liver
Kidney
Pancreas
Spleen
Heart

These types of internal injuries make treatment exceptionally complex, and often require emergency surgery to repair. Additionally, lacerations sustained in these accidents can cause excruciating pain and often result in extensive scarring that may never go away. Internal injuries to the ribs and torso from truck crashes can be particularly severe as well, given the protective role of the rib cage in safeguarding vital organs. Even safety measures like seat belts, while crucial for protection, can sometimes cause significant injuries such as whiplash, which further complicate the aftermath of these traumatic incidents.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in San Bernardino

Were you recent injured in an accident and are wondering “What should I do after an accident with a commercial vehicle in San Bernardino?”. Here’s what you need to know: After being involved in a truck accident in San Bernardino, it’s important to take certain protective steps to safeguard your right to compensation, and ensure you are keeping your health a top priority. Acting promptly and appropriately can significantly impact the outcome of any potential legal claim you make to receive compensation for injuries and property damage, and ensure that you receive the support and reparation you deserve.

Move To Safety & Help Others – Here’s the absolute first thing you should do: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If you are able, your first step after a commercial vehicle accident in San Bernardino should be to assess the scene for anyone who may be injured or in need of assistance. If it is safe to do so, move yourself and others to a safer location, away from the flow of traffic. Staying in the middle of the road can be extremely dangerous, so if possible, move your vehicle to a safer spot too. If the vehicle can’t be moved, use reflective triangles or flares to alert oncoming traffic.However, if you or others are severely injured, avoid moving to prevent worsening any injuries that may be present. Call 911 to report the accident and get medical help if there are injuries, even if they seem minor or inconsequential. Remember that injuries may not be immediately obvious, so checking for other individuals who might be hurt is essential to ensure everyone gets the medical attention they need.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention – After being involved in a truck accident, even if symptoms of injuries are not immediately apparent, seeking medical attention promptly is the most important step. Sometimes symptoms of injuries can be masked due to adrenaline, and they won’t present themselves until later. Being examined by the paramedic on scene, or seeking emergency medical treatment, is an important to protecting your health and preserving your claim for compensation.
Gather Information from Other Parties – Make sure to gather essential details pertaining to the accident from all involved parties, including their:
- Contact information
- Insurance provider
- Policy number
- Any witnesses’ names and phone numbers
This information will be an important part of insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Document the Accident Scene – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, making sure to capture details such as:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Any relevant signage or traffic signals
These visual forms of evidence serve as compelling proof for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Document Your Injuries – Make sure to capture photos and videos of your injuries that are clear and detailed. Documenting any visible bruising, cuts, or swelling resulting from the accident will help to substantiate your claims to compensation for your injuries. Visual evidence strengthens the case, particularly if it goes to trial.
Do Not Admit Fault in Any Way – Another important step to take after being involved in a large truck accident in San Bernardino is to avoid admitting fault. Even if you feel you might share some responsibility, it’s essential not to make statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt by police officers or insurance companies.

Instead, focus on sticking to the facts when speaking with law enforcement or the other driver, and describe what happened without making assumptions or apologies. For example, rather than saying, “I didn’t see you coming,” you can say, “The commercial truck hit my vehicle as I was driving straight.” Let the police conduct their investigation and determine who was at fault, which is the most unbiased way to determine liability. Any early admission of fault on your behalf, even a casual comment, could be used against you by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim for compensation. Always be cautious with your words and consider consulting with a truck accident lawyer in San Bernardino before providing detailed statements to insurance companies.
Contact Law Enforcement – Promptly notify the police and remain at the scene. If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, you can call San Bernardino non emergency line at 909-384-5742, however if there are significant or life threatening injuries, you must call 911 immediately. By contacting the police, you are ensuring everyone’s safety and legal compliance. The police report that is generated from them responding to the scene will provide an objective account of the accident, and can be used to support your claims with essential details and evidence. Learn more about:
Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer – Seeking guidance from a knowledgeable California truck accident lawyer at the Gold Firm will provide you with assistance in:
- Collecting evidence
- Building a solid case
- Pursuing fair compensation for your losses, including:
  - Vehicle repairs
  - Medical expenses
  - Lost wages
  - Pain and suffering
A San Bernardino truck accident lawyer from our will have the legal knowledge and experience that is invaluable in navigating the complexities of truck accident claims and advocating for your rights effectively. If you have been in a hit and run accident with a truck, contact our San Bernardino hit and run lawyer to help you through your case.

Can I Get Compensation if a Commercial Vehicle Hit My Car?

Yes, you may be entitled to compensation if a commercial vehicle hit your car, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the laws in your jurisdiction. Here’s what you need to know:

Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

If the driver of the commercial vehicle was at fault (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws), their employer or their insurance company may be responsible for compensating you.
In many cases, the company that owns the commercial vehicle is liable for the actions of their employees under a legal doctrine called “vicarious liability.”

Types of Compensation

You may be eligible for the following types of compensation:

Property Damage: To repair or replace your vehicle and any damaged belongings.
Medical Expenses: For injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital bills, therapy, and medications.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently.
Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Other Expenses: Such as car rental fees or transportation costs while your car is being repaired.

Insurance Considerations for Commercial Vehicles

The commercial vehicle may have higher insurance coverage limits than standard vehicles, which could make it easier to recover compensation for serious damages.
However, commercial insurance companies may aggressively defend against claims, so legal representation is often helpful.

It’s important to talk to an attorney first and ensure you have the best chance at obtaining a fair settlement. An experienced commercial vehicle attorney can collect crucial evidence, such as the police crash report, to establish the commercial truck driver’s negligence and strengthen your claim for appropriate compensation.

Contact a San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorney Near You

If you have experienced an accident with a truck in San Bernardino or elsewhere in California, contact the experienced truck accident attorneys near you at Gold Firm.

Contact our truck accident lawyers today to receive full compensation for your damages.