Trucking & Big Rig Accident Attorney in Ontario
Involved in Truck Accident in Ontario? We Can Help.
Semi-truck collisions can be horrifying events that can change the lives of many people in an instant. These types of accidents can also result in complicated events when all hurt individuals bring forth injury claims since big rig accidents often involve numerous vehicles.
There are countless reasons as to why a big rig driver can lose control on the roadways in Southern California. Some of these reasons can include a blown-out tire, or even strong winds which are very common in the Inland Empire trucking routes.
When a semi-truck driver loses control of his or her vehicle, every driver in close proximity of the big rig could be in danger. This is because almost all other involved motorized vehicles are drastically smaller in comparison to semi-trucks. Under unfortunate events, even unknowing pedestrians can be injured or even killed.
While big rig accidents can happen just about anywhere the vehicle is located, the most severe accident collisions can happen on public highways, at great rates of speed. If a big rig accident takes place during rush hour, collisions have the potential to produce significant numbers of injuries and even casualties. An accident occurring during heavy amounts of traffic can be problematic when demonstrating who is at fault. Being knowledgeable of how these types of accidents are handled can benefit your case, as the personal injury claimant. It can help you understand who could be held accountable for the injuries you sustained.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Semi-Truck Accidents
Unbeknownst to many drivers, the state of California practices what is known as the comparative negligence law. Comparative negligence was passed by the California Supreme Court, which asserts that most accidents do not involve the direct culpability of one single actor. It determines that each driver is given a percentage of the comparative fault. This percentage is then used to deduct accident claims after the total reparations for damages have been calculated. As a result of this law, while there can be numerous negligent drivers, injured individuals can only collect restitution according to his or her percentage of fault. In semi-truck accidents, however, the transportation company that employs the driver could be held accountable if a personal injury attorney can prove that the company has been negligent in properly managing the driver and the requirements that he or she must comply with as a big rig driver. The company can also be held accountable if it failed to meet the required inspections of the semi-truck in question.
Common Accidents Trucking Accidents – Common accidents involving a big rig could regularly include singular or multiple vehicles. The amount of vehicles involved, however, does not reflect that fact that catastrophic injuries can nonetheless transpire due to the size difference of the vehicles. Casualties are another devastating consequence that can easily happen from any big rig accident. This can result in not only a personal injury claim but could also include wrongful death claims that could provide punitive damage awards to the victim’s loved ones.
Justin King – Truck Accident Attorney Serving Injury Victims in Ontario.
Trucking Accidents – Multiple Negligent Parties
Semi-truck collisions involving several vehicles can be complicated to manage and are often vigorously defended by the transportation companies that employ the big rig drivers. Even in cases where the negligence is obvious, insurance company attorneys will attempt to discredit the victim’s claims.
Although not frequent, they do occasionally succeed in having cases dismissed during a hearing based on technicalities. This means that even seemingly unimportant factors can have a dramatic impact on the accuracy of a claim.
It is important to note that personal injury claims involving a big rig are not only difficult to manage, they are also stressful and complex. Further, insurance companies representing the big rig driver have expert negotiators who often deny claims regularly as part of their workplace obligations. If you are a victim to a roadway accident involving a big rig, seeking support from an experienced personal injury attorney can help benefit your case. The attorney will not only bring ease to your accruing levels of stress but he or she will also champion for your rights and see that you obtain the compensation for which you are owed as a victim.
The Importance of Your Safety and That of Other Drivers
The fundamental rule for everyone is to be considerate of other drivers. If you abide by the safety tips you will be dutifully equipped to be a safer commuter. While you can actively practice safer driving methods around big rigs, however, you can never eliminate the probabilities of being in an accident involving a semi-truck.
A collision with a big rig can easily result in serious injuries or even death. Understanding the implications of filing a claim can be complex. An experienced and qualified attorney can fight on your behalf and champion for the compensation to which you are owed. If you or someone you know has been injured due to an accident involving a big rig, you may be able to claim restitution for the injuries received. Being a victim to a big rig accident can not only bring stress to you and your loved ones, it can also leave you with tremendous amounts of pain and potentially permanent and irreversible physical damages. Additionally, it can hinder your ability to work, leaving you with the expense of your medical bills.
Safeguarding Yourself From a Potential Big Rig Accident
While pursuing the filing of a claim can be a complicated matter without the help of an expert attorney, there are several actions you can take immediately to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring.
According to the National Traffic Safety Institute, over 200,000 accidents occur every year that involve at least one automobile and one semi-truck. Big rig drivers are obligated to follow federal safety rules and regulations to minimize truck-related collisions from occurring on roadways. There are several key steps you can practice regularly in order to ensure you are doing your part for a safer commute for all.
Be mindful of a semi-truck’s blind spots. – Large semi-trucks need a generous amount of space when making turns. A big rig’s blind spots are significantly larger than that of regular vehicles. This commonly causes a visibility problem for big rigs. Often, big rigs will have a statement printed on the vehicle’s body claiming that if you cannot see the truck driver in his or her side view mirror, there is a high probability that he or she cannot see you either. For this reason, you want to stay visible to a truck driver as best as you can.
Wait for the appropriate time to pass a big rig. – When a semi-truck is attempting to make a turn, do not attempt to speed past it in order to avoid waiting for it to make its turn. There is a high probability that the truck driver did not see you. Gaining a few seconds of time is not worth being hit by the big rig, much less being killed for it.
Do not attempt to shift into the truck driver’s lane if there is not enough space. – Switching lanes directly in front of a semi-truck and not giving the driver enough space when passing has the potential to result in the using of your breaks unexpectedly in front of a big rig. Semi-trucks inability to quickly slow down or stop can be a major hazard for you and other nearby drivers. A sudden brake can produce a serious accident that can involve numerous vehicles.
Contact Justin H. King: No Obligation – Always Confidential
If you or someone you know has recently been involved in a truck accident we are here to help. Contact us today and learn more about how we can help you. Our no obligation and confidential case evaluation provides important details about your rights and responsibilities after an accident. Use our case evaluation form here to get in touch and learn what you need to know now. Truck accident cases are time sensitive so understanding your rights sooner may make all the difference. Even if you were a victim of a car accident involving a truck, you can still recover damages. Regardless of the accident, if serious or traumatic injuries occur, we can help. Click to view all the common areas of personal injury claims we assist with.
