Ontario 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Get the Legal Support You Need After an Ontario 18-Wheeler Accident

Because of their size and potential to cause massive destruction in a truck accident, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues strict regulations regarding commercial vehicles. Despite these efforts, statistics from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reveal that almost 11,000 people are killed or injured in truck accidents every year. Southern California is home to many of these incidents because of its proximity to the Inland Empire, a major trucking hub and home to numerous trucking companies. Almost 10 percent of all fatalities and injuries from truck crashes occur in San Bernardino County.

As you can guess, 18-wheelers are among the largest of all commercial trucks traveling US highways. Not only are they the most dangerous, but the legal process for recovering compensation after a truck accident is also highly complex. With more than 30 years of experience in these cases, the team at Caruso Law Offices, P.C. is ready to overcome challenges. 

Attorneys at Caruso Law Offices are active members of The Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, the largest association of plaintiff attorneys specializing in commercial truck accidents. Please contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with an Ontario 18 wheeler accident lawyer today. Some background information may also be helpful.

Risk Factors with California Truck Accidents and Claims

Any truck crash case operates under the negligence theory of liability, which means you need to prove that the operator of the 18 wheeler did not exercise reasonable care behind the wheel. Still, even with solid evidence of the essential elements of a truck accident claim, there are some challenges to note:

• Fully loaded, a tractor-trailer configuration can outweigh the average size passenger vehicle by thousands of pounds. By far, the occupants of the auto are subjected to a far more violent impact.
• Some commercial vehicles haul chemicals, explosive materials, and other hazardous substances. When the cargo is breached, the injuries are more severe and may include burns.

As with other traffic collisions, the legal process after an 18 wheeler crash starts by filing an insurance claim. However, a trucker’s policy is far more than the insurance coverage for the average motorist. Because they risk losing thousands of dollars, insurance companies assign truck accident claims to their most experienced employees. Their goal is to find reasons to fight your claim from every angle.

All key legal concepts of California personal injury laws apply to a truck collision claim, including the two-year statute of limitations. Plus, you should keep in mind the rule of contributory negligence. If you failed to exercise reasonable care while driving and your actions were a causation factor, your monetary damages will be reduced.

Compensation for Severe, Catastrophic Injuries

Damages in an 18 wheeler accident are measured by your losses and how the incident impacts your life. The most immediate, urgent losses are the medical costs you incur for treatment. Knowing that severe, catastrophic injuries are more common in truck collisions, your bills could skyrocket. It is possible to seek compensation for medical expenses, including surgery, hospitalization, long-term care, physical therapy, and more. In addition, you should review some unique issues related to other monetary damages in a truck accident:

• You could be entitled to recover amounts for lost wages, which might be significant if you are unable to work for a length of time. Some 18 wheeler collision victims suffer permanent disability.
• Severe injuries, disability, and being unable to enjoy your favorite activities can lead to pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Though these losses are subjective and personal to your experience, you can still seek this type of noneconomic damages.
• In a fatal truck crash, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation through a wrongful death claim.

The first step for our team at Caruso Law Offices, P.C. will be filing a claim with the truck driver’s and/or trucking company insurer. We are aggressive in dealing with insurance companies and will not accept a settlement that does not fully compensate you for your losses. If the insurer refuses to pay a fair, reasonable amount our Ontario 18 wheeler accident lawyers are prepared to take your case to court. We have extensive trial advocacy skills to develop a solid litigation strategy.

Trust an Ontario 18 Wheelers Accident Attorney for Help with Essential Tasks

Large truck crashes are always more serious, and the claims process for these collisions is significantly more complicated than other vehicle crashes. To learn more about your rights, please contact Caruso Law Offices, P.C. to set up a consultation with an Ontario 18 wheeler accident lawyer. Whether you choose to consult by phone or in person at our Ontario office, the consultation is always free. You can reach our firm by calling (909) 937-4480 or checking out our website.