San Bernardino Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents involve legal issues that are not present in auto accident cases. For this reason, if you or a family member were injured in a truck accident, it is important to select an attorney who regularly handles these types of cases.
For more than three decades, Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation has successfully represented the victims of truck accidents in San Bernardino and throughout the state of California. Scott J. Corwin is one of fewer than 700 attorneys nationwide who are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
With over 30 years of experience, Scott J. Corwin has represented more than 3,000 personal injury victims and obtained recoveries totaling over $175 million. Scott J. Corwin is a distinguished member of the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America (APITLA).
Call (310) 683-2300 now for a free consultation.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
A truck accident refers to any collision involving a large commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other large freight carriers, with another vehicle, pedestrian, or object. These accidents can have severe consequences due to the size and weight of trucks, often resulting in significant property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities.
Common types of truck accidents include:
- Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front of it. Due to the truck's heavy weight, even a low-speed rear-end collision can cause substantial damage and injury.
- Jackknife Accidents: This happens when the trailer of a truck swings out to form an angle with the cab, resembling a folding jackknife. This usually occurs when the driver brakes suddenly or loses control on a slippery surface.
- Rollovers: Trucks have a high center of gravity, making them prone to tipping over, especially during sharp turns, abrupt maneuvers, or when cargo is improperly loaded.
- Underride Accidents: These are particularly deadly incidents where a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck, often leading to severe or fatal injuries due to the lack of impact protection.
- T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions: These occur when a truck hits the side of another vehicle, often at intersections. The impact can be devastating due to the height and force of the truck.
- Head-On Collisions: This type of accident happens when a truck and another vehicle collide front-first. These are often fatal or result in serious injuries due to the combined speed and mass of the vehicles involved.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots on all sides. Accidents can occur when a truck driver changes lanes or makes a turn without seeing a vehicle in their blind spot.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to turn, especially right turns. If the driver misjudges the space needed or if a vehicle is in the truck’s path, an accident can occur.
- Cargo-Related Accidents: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced and leading to rollovers or spills, which can create hazards for other road users.
- Brake Failure: Due to their size and weight, trucks rely heavily on their braking systems. Mechanical failure or poor maintenance can lead to brakes failing, resulting in an inability to stop and causing collisions.
Determining Liability After a Truck Accident
In a truck accident, several parties can potentially be held liable depending on the circumstances of the incident. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who might be held responsible:
- Truck Driver: The driver can be held liable if their actions directly caused the accident. This could include:
- Negligent Driving: Speeding, distracted driving (e.g., texting), or driving under the influence.
- Violation of Traffic Laws: Running red lights, illegal lane changes, or other traffic infractions.
- Fatigue: Driving beyond the hours-of-service regulations, leading to driver fatigue.
- Trucking Company: The company that employs the driver can be held liable under several conditions:
- Negligent Hiring or Training: Failing to properly vet or train drivers.
- Pressure to Violate Regulations: Encouraging or requiring drivers to break hours-of-service regulations or other safety laws.
- Improper Maintenance: Failing to maintain the truck adequately, leading to mechanical failures.
- Truck Owner: If the truck is owned by a party other than the driver or the trucking company, such as a leasing company, they can be held liable for:
- Maintenance Issues: Not performing proper maintenance or repairs.
- Faulty Equipment: Allowing the truck to be used despite known equipment issues.
- Cargo Loaders:The party responsible for loading the truck can be liable if:
- Improper Loading: Cargo is not secured properly, causing the load to shift and contribute to the accident.
- Overloading: Exceeding the truck’s weight limits, which can affect braking and handling.
- Truck or Parts Manufacturer: Manufacturers can be held liable if a defect in the truck or its parts contributed to the accident:
- Defective Parts: Brakes, tires, or other components that fail due to manufacturing defects.
- Design Flaws: Issues in the truck’s design that make it inherently unsafe.
- Third Parties: In some cases, other parties may share liability:
- Other Drivers: If another vehicle's actions contributed to the accident.
- Municipalities: If poor road conditions, lack of signage, or faulty traffic signals played a role.
- Freight Broker: A freight broker, who arranges transportation of goods, can be liable if:
- Negligent Selection: They hire a trucking company or driver known to have a poor safety record.
The investigation of a truck accident is a search for the truth. Attorney Scott J. Corwin will take immediate steps to investigate your accident and preserve evidence that can prove substantial liability on the part of the trucking company and the driver.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Bernardino
Federal regulations prohibit semi-truck drivers from driving more than 10 hours per day, and the regulations require eight hours off for every 10 hours of driving. Unfortunately, many drivers violate these regulations. Our attorneys will collect driver logbooks, fuel and food receipts, and evidence that can determine whether driver fatigue was a factor in your case.
Speed is also a factor in many accidents and can result in devastating jackknife and rollover accidents when a driver loses control of a tractor-trailer.
Other examples of negligence include:
- Driving overloaded trucks
- Driving with unsecured loads
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Defective brakes or lights
- Defective tires
- Hiring unqualified drivers
Your case will be personally handled by our founding San Bernardino truck accident attorney, Scott J. Corwin. He will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight on your behalf to obtain the highest possible compensation for your injuries.
Get a free case evaluation by calling Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation. The best way to contact us is to call (310) 683-2300. You can also contact us online today.
Making Things Right
Over $175 Million Recovered on Behalf of Our Clients-
Brain Damage $3,407,752
Boy sustains brain damage from trip and fall in pothole.
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Bus Accident $2,782,954
Passenger injured when bus driver falls asleep and rolls bus.
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Motorcycle Accident $2,300,000
City employee causes collision with police motorcycle.
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Motorcycle Accident $2,100,000
Motorcyclist suffers brain injury in collision.
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Motorcycle Accident $1,250,000
Vehicle turns left in front of motorcycle, causing collision.
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Car Accident $1,250,000
Driver injured in collision with vehicle that crossed over into his lane.
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Car Accident $1,000,000
Rear-end collision exacerbates pre-existing back condition.
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Car Accident $1,000,000
Driver injured in nighttime collision with overturned big rig on highway.
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Brain Injury $1,000,000
Rider injured on ferris wheel when struck in head by seat rack.
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Car Accident Injury $850,000
Eight-year-old boy struck and killed by vehicle while crossing busy thoroughfare.
What Sets Us Apart
Quality Legal Representation Your Case Needs-
Fast, Favorable Resolutions
At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we understand the importance of securing a favorable outcome in your case, fast. More than 95 percent of our clients’ cases settle within 5 to 9 months, and our clients are very satisfied with the results (see our client reviews!). We only file lawsuits when absolutely necessary, such as in cases where the defendant disputes liability or refuses to pay for the full extent of our client’s damages.
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Renowned Reputation
With more than 30 years in practice and over $175 million recovered for his clients, Scott is known for his aggressive approach to litigation. Some of his accolades include:
- Inclusion in the Southern California Super Lawyers® list since 2007, a distinction reserved for only the top 5 percent of all personal injury lawyers in the region
- Named a “Top 100 Super Lawyer”
- Named a Top 25 Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in California by the National Trial Lawyers Association since 2010
- Maintains a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo
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Personal Attention
At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we believe in developing strong attorney-client relationships built on honesty, trust, and communication. As a client, you will always receive direct, personal attention from Scott; your case will never be passed off to an associate or paralegal. Instead, you can always rely on dedicated representation from a highly experienced and award-winning attorney who is ready to fight for you.
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Zero Upfront Fees
Our firm offers all personal injury and wrongful death legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront or out-of-pocket fees or expenses. Instead, we only get paid if and when we recover compensation for you. In the unlikely event that we do not win your case, you do not pay a dime. We also offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose in reaching out to our team today. Contact our firm 24/7 and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
Client Reviews
Here What People Have to Say About Scott-
Needed help with a 4-car collision. He took care of everything on his end.
- Earon Bagunu -
I am not one to write reviews but after an unfortunate car accident, I am so glad I called Scott Corwin.
- Catherine Lenke -
A month ago, I was involved in a car crash and broke my right wrist. The process with this attorney was pretty fast. Scott was able to help me and also Julie was always super nice and very professional. I’m very glad everything was easy and fast.
- Sabrina Guna -
Scott got the personal injury settlement amount I expected to get (actually a few percent more). He was quiet and efficient, not a time-waster. Perfect fit for a working person.
- Carl Hoppe -
Thanks again Scott and Staff for your great work. My family and I are fortunate to have you all by our side in times of need.
- Maria Mejia