Ontario Moving Truck Accident Lawyer

Legal Help is Crucial After an Ontario Moving Truck Accident

From the traditional 18-wheeler configuration down to the box truck, or cargo van, moving trucks are a familiar sight around California. Unfortunately, due to lax regulations regarding the size of the vehicle, accidents are also far too common. According to rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), any motorist with a driver’s license can rent up to a 26-foot long moving truck. At under 26,000 pounds, these vehicles fall under the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratingthreshold that would require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This means there is a high number of drivers traveling California roadways with little to no experience, education, or training in how to operate a large moving truck.

The threat of moving truck accidents is concerning in San Bernardino County and Southern California, home to the trucking industry center known as the Inland Empire. Not only are inexperienced motorists driving these massive, unfamiliar vehicles, but they are also trying to maneuver around hundreds of commercial vehicles sharing the road. If you were hurt or lost a loved one, please contact Caruso Law Offices, P.C. to learn about your legal remedies. We can schedule a no-cost case review with an Ontario moving truck accident lawyer, but some background information regarding your rights is helpful.

Common Causes of Moving Truck Accidents

There are numerous specific reasons these incidents occur, but the underlying cause of motor vehicle crashes is negligence. As a form of legal liability, this concept requires you to prove that the collision occurred because the other motorist failed to exercise reasonable care while driving. Traffic accidents are often the result of negligent drivers who:

• Speed or travel too fast for conditions;
• Drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Run red lights and stop signs;
• Disregard other traffic rules and controls;
• Text, talk on the phone, or post to social media; and
• Engage in other forms of distracted driving, such as eating, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS.

However, there are some unique considerations with Ontario moving truck accidents. The combination of factors mentioned above enhances the risk of fatal and injury-causing collisions, particularly the lack of experience handling a large truck. The length reduces visibility, and the weight of a fully-loaded moving truck means the operator needs more time to slow and/or stop.

Complications with Moving Truck Crashes

Any motor vehicle accident carries challenges, but the legal issues associated with moving truck collisions are extremely complex. The vast majority of these vehicles are rentals, subject to a contract between the operator and rental company. The specifics of insurance are covered in these agreements, encompassing multiple potential parties that you may need to pursue compensation. Examples include:

• The individual operating the moving truck;
• That person’s insurance company, as some policies cover the insured even when operating a rental vehicle;
• The rental company that leased the moving truck, especially where improper maintenance or failure to make proper repairs is a factor in causing the accident;
• The insurer that provides coverage to the rental company; and
• A company that manufactures parts and components on the moving truck, if a defective product was behind the crash.

Seeking Compensation for Your Losses

With these complications in mind, you can see the importance of retaining a skilled Ontario moving truck accident lawyer for assistance. Your first step will be filing a claim with all respective insurance companies, but there is more to the process than filling out forms. Insurers typically deny these claims or make a lowball counteroffer to settle, since they are for-profit businesses. If the company refuses to pay a fair amount to cover your losses, the next step is initiating litigation in court.

Our team at Caruso Law Offices, P.C. is aggressive in negotiating with insurance companies, and we will never settle for less than what you deserve. We are ready to pursue a lawsuit to obtain full compensation for:

• Your costs for medical treatment;
• Lost wages, if you missed work because of your injuries;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress; and
• Losses that impact your relationships and quality of life.

Set up a Free Consultation with an Ontario Moving Truck Accident Lawyer

This overview of your rights is helpful, but it also reveals the complications of moving truck crashes in California. For more information, please call Caruso Law Offices, P.C. at (909) 937-4480 or via our website. We can schedule a complimentary case assessment with an Ontario moving truck accidents attorney who will advise you on what to expect.