Corona Truck Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in California

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Corona, CA, the legal team at Alvandi Law Group, P.C. is here to help. Our experienced truck accident attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to providing compassionate and aggressive representation to help you seek the compensation you deserve. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to our clients, we are your trusted advocates during these challenging times.

Call (951) 322-4046 or contact us online today to request a free case evaluation with our truck accident attorney in Corona.

Truck Accident Hotspots in Corona

Truck accidents can happen anywhere in Corona, but some hotspots based on traffic patterns and accident reports include:

• Interstate 15 (I-15): I-15 is a major thoroughfare in Corona, carrying heavy traffic daily, including a substantial number of large trucks traveling through the region. This highway is notorious for rush hour congestion and seemingly endless construction. Areas where the I-15 meets other highways, such as the intersection with the 91 Freeway, are particularly prone to truck accidents due to merging lanes and high-density traffic.
• State Route 91 (Riverside Freeway): The 91 Freeway is another high-risk area for truck accidents in Corona. It connects neighboring cities to Corona, making it one of the busiest freeways in the region. Intense commuter traffic, combined with commercial vehicles delivering goods, creates a high risk for truck accidents, especially when there are traffic bottlenecks, construction zones, and abrupt stops along the route.
• Magnolia Avenue at McKinley Street: This busy intersection is a hub of activity with multiple lanes and a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial traffic. Trucks delivering goods to local businesses often traverse this area, which can lead to unusual or unexpected traffic maneuvers. The complexity of this intersection, with its heavy congestion and turn lanes, makes it prone to accidents, especially those involving larger vehicles like semi-trucks.
• Temescal Canyon Road: Temescal Canyon Road runs alongside the I-15 for a good length through Corona. When the I-15 is busy with traffic, some commercial truck drivers will change course and try to use Temescal Canyon Road instead. However, this decision can clog both routes with commercial truck traffic and put motorists at risk of collisions.

What are the Dangers Associated With Truck Accidents?

Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more, while the average passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. This stark difference in size and weight can result in a much greater force of impact during a collision.

The sheer mass of trucks means they have more inertia and momentum. This makes it harder to change direction or stop suddenly, which can contribute to the severity of accidents.

Lastly, trucks have large blind spots or "no-zones" around them where other vehicles become difficult to see. This increases the risk of collisions when smaller vehicles are in these blind spots and the truck driver may not be aware of their presence.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Corona

After being in a truck accident in Corona, try to follow these basic steps:

1. Prioritize safety: Move to a safe location if possible, away from oncoming traffic, and check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
2. Call emergency services: Dial 911 to report the accident and request emergency responders and EMTs. Police will also create an official report, which is important for your case.
3. Remain at the scene: Do not leave the accident site until it is appropriate or instructed by authorities.
4. Exchange information: Collect the truck driver's details, including their name, license number, insurance information, employer or trucking company name, vehicle license plate number, and trailer number.
5. Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damages, road conditions, traffic signs, and any skid marks that the truck might have left behind.
6. Gather witness information: Get contact details from anyone who saw the accident and ask them to write down a basic statement while their memories are fresh.
7. Seek medical attention quickly: Even if you don't feel hurt immediately, see a doctor who can look for hidden or delayed injuries and also document any harm caused by the accident.
8. Avoid admitting fault: Do not apologize or make statements that could be interpreted as admitting guilt. Simply provide factual information to law enforcement officers.
9. Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the accident promptly, but avoid giving a recorded statement without consulting an attorney.
10. Contact Alvandi Law Group, P.C.: Consult a skilled truck accident lawyer from our firm to get guidance throughout the claims process and to understand your legal options if you need to seek compensation beyond what might be initially available through insurance.
11. Keep records: Don’t forget to save any medical bills, repair estimates, lost wage documentation, and communications related to the accident for your case.

Understanding the steps to take after a truck accident is crucial, as is knowing the legal rights and options available to you as a victim. Consulting with an attorney early in the process helps preserve evidence and strengthens your position as you navigate the complex legal landscape. It is also important to be aware of California's statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims, which impacts the timing and manner in which you must act following an accident.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

The following are the common types of truck accidents:

• Rear-End Collisions: Trucks require more time to stop, so they can easily collide with a slower or stopped vehicle in front of them.
• Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when a truck's trailer swings out to the side, resembling the angle of a folding pocket knife. It can happen due to sudden braking or skidding.
• Rollover Accidents: Trucks are more prone to tipping over, especially during sharp turns or on uneven roads.
• Underride Collisions: These occur when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped under the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in severe damage to the smaller vehicle and its occupants.
• Cargo Spills and Hazardous Materials Incidents: Accidents involving trucks carrying hazardous materials can lead to environmental hazards and additional dangers for first responders and nearby residents.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to make wide turns, and they can collide with vehicles that attempt to pass or maneuver alongside them during turns.
• Blind Spot Collisions: Smaller vehicles can end up in a truck's blind spots, leading to accidents when the truck changes lanes or makes turns.
• Tire Blowouts: Tire blowouts on trucks can cause the driver to lose control, potentially resulting in a collision.

Local Trucking Regulations & Safety Measures

In Corona, truck drivers must adhere to state and federal regulations to promote road safety. These include hours-of-service rules, which limit the number of hours a driver can work to reduce fatigue. California also mandates specific inspection and maintenance standards that carriers must comply with to ensure their vehicles are safe to operate. Failure to adhere to these laws can result in significant penalties for trucking companies and drivers. By understanding these requirements, victims of truck accidents can better identify potential areas of negligence when pursuing their claims against responsible parties.

Local measures in Corona aim to enhance safety within high-traffic areas, especially along major highways like the I-15 and SR-91. The implementation of smart traffic management systems and increased truck signage aids in managing the flow of large vehicles. Community awareness campaigns about the dangers of truck blind spots and tailgating highlight the importance of safe driving practices among residents. These efforts and rigorous enforcement of trucking laws significantly contribute to making Corona's roads safer for everyone.

Who is Considered Liable for Causing a Truck Accident?

Liability in a truck accident can involve various parties, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the factors that contributed to it. Determining liability is a complex process that may require investigation, legal expertise, and an understanding of relevant regulations. 

Here are some parties that can potentially be held liable in a truck accident:

• Truck Driver: The truck driver is often the first party considered for liability. If the driver was negligent, such as driving under the influence, speeding, texting while driving, or driving while fatigued, they may be held responsible for the accident.
• Trucking Company: The company that employs the truck driver can be held liable if their policies, practices, or negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if the company encouraged unrealistic delivery schedules that led to driver fatigue or if they failed to properly maintain the truck, they could share liability.
• Truck Owner: Sometimes, the truck driver and the truck owner are not the same entity. If the truck owner failed to maintain the vehicle properly or provided a truck with known mechanical issues, they might be held liable.
• Cargo Loaders: Those responsible for loading and securing the cargo onto the truck can be held liable if an accident occurs due to improperly loaded or secured cargo. Shifting cargo can lead to accidents like rollovers or spills.
• Manufacturers: If a defective truck part or component (such as brakes, tires, or steering) contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of that part could be held liable through a product liability claim.
• Maintenance Contractors: If a third-party company was responsible for maintaining the truck and their negligence in maintenance or repairs caused the accident, they may share liability.
• Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or road hazards can contribute to accidents. In some cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance might share liability.
• Other Drivers: Other drivers on the road who acted negligently and contributed to the accident may also be held liable. For example, if a passenger car swerves suddenly in front of a truck, causing an accident, that driver could share liability.
• Third Parties: Sometimes, factors beyond the control of drivers or trucking companies, such as extreme weather conditions or road construction, can contribute to accidents. Liability might extend to third parties responsible for these conditions if they were negligent.
• Insurance Companies: In some cases, insurance companies might be held liable if they act in bad faith by denying legitimate claims or not providing adequate coverage.

Identifying liable parties involves a thorough examination of the accident circumstances, including skid marks, electronic data from truck systems, and eyewitness testimony. Insurance adjusters and legal professionals often conduct in-depth investigations to attribute fault accurately. Additionally, understanding federal and state trucking regulations can be vital, as violations of these laws often play a significant role in determining liability. Working with knowledgeable legal counsel can aid in identifying all possible defendants to ensure a comprehensive approach to your claim.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Corona Today

At Alvandi Law Group, P.C., we recognize the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a truck accident can take on victims and their families. Our team is committed to providing personalized attention to each client, tailoring our legal strategies to meet their specific needs. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you are informed and empowered throughout your claim.

Contact us today at (951) 322-4046 to let our Corona truck accident attorney protect your rights, health, and best interests inside and outside the courtroom.