Riverside Truck Accident Attorney

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in California

Even a slow-speed truck accident can leave people in other vehicles with life-changing injuries. If this happened to you or a loved one while driving on the streets and highways of Riverside, California, reach out to Alvandi Law Group, P.C. for legal counsel who genuinely cares about your recovery. We understand that truck accident cases are particularly complex, often involving federal regulations, multiple parties, and substantial damages, so we devote our full time and attention to every truck accident case we accept. When you want to pursue financial compensation after a wreck involving a commercial truck, choose our firm first for legal guidance and in-court representation if necessary.

Why should you hire our Riverside truck accident attorneys for your case?

• Experience in truck accident claims: With years of experience handling complex truck accident cases, our team has the knowledge and resources needed to prepare a strong claim for you.
• Proven track record: We’ve successfully recovered significant settlements for truck accident clients, and we have secured more than a billion dollars through settlements and awards for all our clients when totaled together.
• Comprehensive case management: From investigating the accident to attempting to negotiate with insurance companies and litigating in court, we handle every aspect of your case.

Call (951) 322-4046 for more information about how our legal counsel can help. Schedule a free consultation with our Riverside truck accident lawyers.

Highways in Riverside with Truck Accidents

Where your truck accident happened plays a big part in how your truck accident claim develops. Commercial truck accidents tend to happen on highways and freeways, where big rigs, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks transport freight and cargo at all hours of the day. Our attorneys are familiar with Riverside and the highways that cross it, and our familiarity can help us more easily prepare a case for a client.

In Riverside, the risk of a truck accident can be higher on these freeways and routes:

• CA-91
• I-215
• CA-60

What to Do After a Truck Accident 

Knowing what steps to take after a truck or big rig accident can protect your right to pursue compensation and make the legal process smoother. If you’re involved in a crash with a commercial truck in Riverside, start by making sure everyone is safe. Call 911 right away to get medical assistance and law enforcement on the scene. If you’re able, collect vital evidence at the accident location, such as taking photographs, noting the truck’s license plate number, recording company markings on the vehicle, and gathering the contact information of any witnesses.

Requesting an official accident report from the responding Riverside Police Department or California Highway Patrol officer will provide a formal record of the incident—something most insurers and attorneys rely on when reviewing your claim. Seek prompt medical care by getting checked by emergency personnel onsite or visiting a local hospital in Riverside, as even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into more serious health concerns. Keep copies of all medical records and expenses linked to the collision.

Do not discuss fault or sign any admission of responsibility at the scene. Instead, contact a qualified commercial truck accident attorney in Riverside who can communicate with the trucking company’s insurance representatives on your behalf. By acting quickly, you help preserve critical evidence and ensure your best chance at a fair resolution. At Alvandi Law Group, P.C., our attorneys guide local clients every step of the way, aiming to reduce your stress and help you make informed decisions after a commercial truck accident.

Liability for Trucking Accidents

Unlike typical car accidents, assigning liability in a trucking accident can be far more complex. While the truck driver may seem directly at fault, in many cases, trucking companies are held liable instead. The legal rule of respondeat superior allows the liability of an employee to be passed up to an employer when the employee causes a work-related accident or injury. In this way, if you were hit by a truck driver who was employed by a trucking company, it might make more sense to name the trucking company as the primary liable party.

If the truck driver was an independent contractor, though, liability might remain solely on them. In that case, our Riverside truck accident attorneys can prepare to go head-to-head with the insurance company that insured the trucker.

Mistakes Commercial Truck Drivers Make

Different types of truck driver negligence that can cause a wreck include the following and more:

• Distracted driving: Activities like texting, eating, or using onboard systems divert attention from the road.
• Speeding and aggressive driving: Excessive speeds or reckless behavior jeopardize safety, especially when operating massive vehicles. Some truck drivers may feel compelled to drive dangerously to try to complete routes faster because they are paid by the mile, not the hour.
• Driving while fatigued: Long hours behind the wheel without adequate rest lead to slower reaction times and impaired decision-making. It isn’t uncommon for truck drivers to drive for more than 11 hours in a single shift.
• Improper cargo loading: Unsecured or unevenly distributed cargo can cause a truck to jackknife or roll.
• Failure to account for blind spots: Trucks have massive blind spots. Motorists need to try to stay out of a big rig’s blind spots, but truck drivers always have the responsibility to do what they can to prevent blind spot-related collisions, too.

Types of Truck Accidents

Alvandi Law Group, P.C. has been standing up for injured clients for many years. As a result, we’ve worked on cases involving all sorts of truck accidents. Based on the type of truck accident you were in, we can adjust our approach to the investigation and casework, all aimed at getting you the most compensation possible. 

Truck accidents vary widely in their causes and impacts, such as:

• Jackknife accidents: Jackknives occur when a truck’s trailer swings uncontrollably, forming an “L” shape with the cab, often caused by sudden braking or unbalanced trailers.
• Rollover accidents: A high center of gravity makes trucks susceptible to rolling over during sharp turns or when improperly loaded.
• Rear-end collisions: Truck brakes require significantly more distance, and rear-ending smaller vehicles can have catastrophic results.
• Underride accidents: When a smaller vehicle slides or drifts under the trailer of a semi-truck, it can cause an underride accident, which is extremely dangerous.
• Wide-turn collisions: Trucks making wide right-hand turns may hit smaller vehicles in adjacent lanes that were unseen in the truck driver’s blind spot.
• Lost cargo accidents: Poorly secured or overloaded cargo can spill onto the road, putting other motorists in danger.

Why Truck Accidents Are Worse Than Car Accidents

Truck accidents are usually far more dangerous than car accidents because of a truck’s size and weight. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Collisions with smaller vehicles are devastating due to this weight gap, which greatly increases the collision’s force. Because of this, even trucks traveling below highway speeds can cause severe or fatal injuries in a crash.

The aftermath of a serious truck crash often involves complicated recovery and long-term medical care for those injured. Common injuries caused by truck accidents—such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, and multiple fractures—can drastically change an individual’s ability to work, engage in daily activities, or provide for loved ones. The higher forces involved in a truck collision also mean more challenging vehicle extractions and greater risks for first responders and medical providers. In a region like Riverside, where major arterial roads handle thousands of commercial trucks daily, local hospitals and emergency services remain prepared for the complex injuries these accidents can cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is generally two years from the date of the accident. Filing within this period is critical; missing the deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation. There may be exceptions, such as when a government entity is involved, which could shorten the timeframe, so act quickly.

Who can be held liable after a commercial truck or big rig accident?

Liability in a truck accident may fall on several parties—such as the truck driver, the trucking company, contractors responsible for cargo loading, or even manufacturers if faulty equipment played a role. Determining liability often involves careful investigation of maintenance records, employment status, and compliance with safety regulations.

What are common injuries seen in truck accidents?

Truck accidents frequently cause severe injuries including broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ trauma. Many victims also experience emotional distress and may require long-term rehabilitation or adjustments to their daily routines as a result of their injuries.