Working with our Riverside truck accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase is the best way to ensure you are fully compensated after a crash.
We’ve handled countless accident cases involving semi-trucks and big rigs, so we know just how dangerous they can be. Even low-speed collisions can have catastrophic consequences when a large, heavy truck is involved.
These trucks have heavy steering, slow braking, and giant blind spots. When a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist is injured in a truck accident, they need the right legal team behind them.
The Best Truck Accident Attorneys Near You
At Bisnar Chase, our personal injury team focuses on the client experience. We are here for you when you need us most, providing unparalleled support during this challenging period and maximizing the value of your personal injury claim.
- We have a 99% success rate.
- Our team has recovered over $900 million for our clients.
- We have an office in Riverside and take pride in representing our community.
- In business since 1978, with decades of experience.
- Offering a free consultation – no win, no fee.
Contact us now for a free case review with no obligations – call (951) 530-3711, email us, or send us a message through our 24/7 website live chat.
Legal Resources for Riverside Truck Accident Victims
Commercial Trucking Accidents in Riverside
Riverside County has significant truck traffic compared to other areas, including other major cities across the Inland Empire. For one thing, the county has nearly 2.5 million residents, creating massive trucking and transportation needs.
The Riverside area has also become a hub for giant industrial distribution centers. More than 700 industrial warehouses are in and around Riverside, including a 1-million-square-foot Amazon distribution center.
These massive demands have left Riverside and the surrounding cities with masses of truck traffic. Thousands of commercial trucks rumble through the area daily, including semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and more.
Commercial truck accidents in Riverside can be deadly. Big rigs are colossal vehicles and are more challenging to control than regular cars. When involved in a collision, a semi-truck will cause immense damage. The chances of a victim in a smaller vehicle suffering catastrophic injuries are high.
When you are involved in a crash, you can maximize your compensation by working with the best Riverside truck accident lawyers in your area.
Contact a Riverside trucking accident attorney at Bisnar Chase as soon as possible. We will handle every aspect of your claim to secure compensation for you while you focus on recovery. Call (951) 530-3711.
Types of Riverside Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents in and around Riverside can cause severe injuries and even fatalities. Because these vehicles are so large and difficult to control, they require special licenses for drivers to operate them. But major accidents still happen. These are just some of the most common types of truck wrecks in Riverside:
Lane Change Crashes
One of the most dangerous aspects of truck driving is its blind spots. It can be challenging for truck drivers to identify when cars are alongside them or approaching quickly. That can make changing lanes extremely dangerous and significantly increase the chance of a semi-truck sideswipe collision.
Rear-end Truck Crash
18-wheelers and other large trucks are extremely heavy. That means that their braking distance is enormous. A truck driver cannot slam on the brakes and stop quickly. Sudden blockages or driver inattention can result in a large truck crashing into another vehicle from behind, known as rear-ending.
Jackknife Truck Accident
When a semi-truck jackknifes, the trailer part swings out to one side rather than being pulled straight behind the truck cab. Jackknifing might occur due to sudden braking, icy conditions, or improper loading, and it can be almost impossible for the truck driver to regain control.
Head-on Collisions
If a truck driver veers across lanes because they are tired or distracted, they could be involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle.
Tire Blowout
Everyone has seen the shredded remains of large truck tires at the side of the freeway. Large trucks carry heavy cargo, and it is not uncommon for their tires to fail. Tire issues may include a puncture, tire blowouts, or tire separation. When it happens – even with 18-wheelers – it can be difficult for the driver to keep control.
Truck Rollover Accident
A rollover crash occurs when a truck leaves its wheels and tips over onto its side or roof. These massive commercial trucks have a high center of gravity, especially when loaded incorrectly. Improper loading can leave the trailer unbalanced and prone to rolling, particularly at high-speed corners.
Underride Accidents
Underriding refers to a smaller vehicle crashing into a truck trailer and becoming caught underneath it. An underride accident will usually cause severe damage to the smaller car and put the truck at risk of losing control. These types of major accidents often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Auto Defect
Auto defects can contribute to a commercial trucking accident, including seat-back failure and roof crush.
No matter how your accident happened, you should contact our Riverside truck accident lawyers, who will fight for your rights. You need to work with an attorney who will put you first. At Bisnar Chase, we are here to help in any way we can. Call (951) 530-3711.
Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents in Riverside
A crash involving a passenger car and a semi-truck can be deadly for those in the car due to the massive size and weight disparity between the vehicles. There are many potential causes for a truck wreck in Riverside, from driver error to terrible road conditions. Below are just some of the top reasons:
Speeding: Everyone is in a hurry, especially commercial truck drivers with a tight schedule. If a truck exceeds the speed limit or cars around a trailer are speeding, it dramatically increases the chances of a crash.
Driver fatigue: Although truck drivers’ hours on the road are strictly regulated, commercial truck drivers can still suffer fatigue after long road hours. Exhaustion can lead to reduced attention or reflexes.
Improper loading: If a truck trailer is not loaded correctly, it may result in an unbalanced and unsafe truck or even unsecured cargo spilling into the roadway.
Driving under the influence: When truck drivers (or other motorists on the roads) drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it can put everyone around them at risk, these substances significantly affect reflexes and decision-making.
Distracted driving: Drivers who use their phones or eat and drink while driving, causing them to look away from the road, can put all road users at risk.
Semi-truck defects: Sometimes, an accident will result from a fault with the vehicle rather than a human error on the roads. Some examples include brake failure, defective truck trailer hook-ups, tire separation, etc.
Road issues: In some cases, trucking accidents result from problems with the road itself. Road issues could include everything from a poorly designed intersection with low visibility to a highway covered in dangerous potholes that cause a truck to veer out of control.
Weather conditions: We do not often get adverse weather conditions in Riverside. But when it rains, it can cause severe problems on the road. Visibility issues and skid risks can lead to severe truck accidents.
Maintenance: Negligence in completing proper inspections or truck maintenance can cause extreme dangers for large commercial vehicles. For example, a broken turn signal or tail light on a tractor-trailer rig could be deadly.
If you or a family member have been involved in an accident involving large trucking vehicles in Riverside, contact our personal injury lawyers for a free case review.
We will discuss the details of your case and give free legal advice on whether you could have a claim and the amount we could aim to recover for you in compensation. Call (951) 530-3711.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Truck Crash Claim?
We always advise potential clients to work with an attorney. We know that sounds biased, but we genuinely believe that it is the best course of action. The period in your life immediately after an accident will be a stressful whirlwind.
You may have to get your vehicle fixed, get to appointments with a doctor or physical therapist, and much more. The last thing you need on top of that is to deal with the insurance companies and legal system.
Working for You
Skilled Riverside County truck accident lawyers will take the burden from you and make sure every aspect of your truck accident claim is handled on time so that you can focus on your recovery.
- We will handle all filings, deadlines, and negotiations.
- Our team will build your case, collecting evidence, conducting depositions, and working with expert witnesses.
- We act as a buffer between you and the insurance or defense teams, shouldering the burden.
- There will be no upfront costs because our firm will advance any expenses required to win your case. Our fees come from the final settlement, so you are never left out of pocket.
- While many firms avoid going to trial, we are happy to do so if it is the best move for your case.
- Your legal team will keep you updated on all developments, and will always be available to you.
Serious Injuries
Hiring a lawyer for a truck accident in Riverside is even more critical when you have been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle and sustained a significant injury.
The truck driver is likely to be represented by their trucking company, with endless resources to fight against your claim. If they have professional negotiators on their side, you should have the same.
Our experienced truck accident lawyers in Riverside County will either secure a maximum value fair settlement or will be able to escalate your case and take it to trial if necessary.
Choosing the Right Truck Accident Law Firm in Riverside
As shown above, you must hire a personal injury attorney to maximize your chances of success. But there are tons of truck accident lawyers across the Inland Empire. How do you know which law firm to choose?
We believe that Bisnar Chase stands apart from the competition. Below are just a few of the qualities that we can bring to your case:
- We have won millions of dollars for injury victims in truck accident cases
- We have a 99% success rate
- Extensive experience
- Available 24/7 through phone, chat and email
- Our law firm has been in business for more than 45 years
- Bisnar Chase has a national reputation for auto defect cases
- We maximize the value of cases, with more than $900 million won to date
- Our team includes trial lawyers who are just as comfortable fighting for you in the courtroom as they are at the negotiating table
- We offer a fee structure on a contingency basis. There are no upfront fees
But it is not just about the numbers. We pride ourselves on offering compassion, support, and the best client experience possible. We are dedicated to doing right by you and will keep in regular contact to provide claim updates.
At Bisnar Chase, we have the skill, experience, and resources to take your case. We will not rest until we recover the compensation you deserve. Trust us to fight for you. Call us today, (951) 530-3711.
Common Injuries Sustained in Riverside Truck Accidents
A truck accident in Riverside, CA, can be fatal. The massive size and weight of trucks make them capable of crushing smaller vehicles. Many of the most devastating injuries result from high-speed collisions on the highway, but serious injuries can also occur even in low-speed collisions.
Truck accident victims often incur significant medical expenses as well as hospitalization and rehabilitation costs. They may also lose their income due to taking time off to heal from their serious injuries.
Car occupants involved in these accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries, including:
- Bone fractures
- Amputations
- Serious lacerations
- long-term back injuries
- Neck and head injuries
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Truck Accident Wrongful Death
In some instances, truck accidents result in tragic fatalities. When a death is caused by negligence, the family of the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
When an injury victim files a legal action after a truck accident, they will receive compensation for medical expenses and other damages. But in a wrongful death case, the victim’s family will seek compensation for funeral expenses and the loss of financial support. More importantly, they will be able to seek compensation for the love, companionship, and emotional support that they have lost.
No amount of money can bring a loved one back. But filing a wrongful death lawsuit against a trucking company can force them to take accountability and act as a measure of justice.
It’s important to note that you have rights when it comes to these types of injuries as an accident victim. Our truck accident attorneys in Riverside can help inform you of your rights and seek compensation for your injuries. Call (951) 530-3711.
The Value of Your Truck Accident Claim
Everyone wants to know how much they could win if their personal injury lawsuit is successful. The truth is that every case is different, and the amount that we recover for you will depend entirely on the circumstances of your accident and the extent of your truck accident injuries.
However, we can say that we have won hundreds of millions of dollars through settlements and jury verdicts for victims of motor vehicle accidents. Some of the factors that impact the amount recovered include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damage
- Compromised quality of life
- Lost ability to work in a chosen profession
- Emotional trauma
What are Economic and Non-economic Damages?
Economic damages refer to the monetary losses caused by an injury. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages refer to the non-monetary losses associated with an injury, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
It is never just about economic damages. Being involved in a truck crash can be traumatic. Aside from their physical injuries, this type of crash can leave victims with PTSD, stress, and anxiety that impacts their everyday lives for a long time.
Is There a Maximum Compensation?
There is no maximum compensation, but the amount you receive will depend on various factors. California drivers must carry liability insurance with limits of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per incident, and $5,000 for property damage. These limits can be much higher for commercial truck insurance policies, often up to a million. Most commercial truck companies carry a very high insurance premium to protect the companies’ assets, and a truck accident claim or lawsuit could be worth millions of dollars, depending on the incident.
An attorney who wants to settle your case quickly should raise red flags. We are detail-oriented, top-rated trial lawyers who will work very hard to get the best outcome for your case, including continued negotiations and using experts.
Fight Back Against the Insurance Company
Most truck accident lawsuits start with settlement negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. We cannot stress enough that you should consult with an attorney before making any statements or accepting any offers from insurers.
The insurance company does not care about you. Their sole motive is to close out your case while paying out as little as possible, and they have all manner of tactics to get that done.
Your first call should be to Bisnar Chase. Let us protect your legal rights and ensure that you are not lowballed by the insurance company.
What to Do After Being Injured in a Truck Crash in Riverside
If you and your passengers were involved in a truck accident, you must remain calm. Your party’s actions after being injured in a truck accident can affect your ability to receive compensation from the at-fault party. After a truck accident, it is essential to:
Seek medical attention: A vital part of the truck accident claims process is establishing the extent of your injuries. If you see a doctor that same day, it establishes when you were hurt and documents the severity of your injuries. You should visit a doctor even if your truck accident injuries are minor. If you fail to see a doctor immediately, the insurance adjuster may claim that you were not truly injured.
Collect evidence: You or someone on your behalf will need to gather evidence. Besides license and insurance information, you should collect the name of the trucking company and the Department of Transportation numbers on the truck and the trailer.
Locate witnesses: In addition to the contact information for the truck driver, you may want the contact information for anyone who witnessed the crash. It would also help if you noted any nearby businesses that may have captured the crash on video surveillance cameras.
Take photos: If you have a phone that can take photos, immediately photograph the crash scene. Take shots from different angles and perspectives. Show the vehicle damage and take photos of your truck accident injuries to better assist your truck accident attorney in Riverside with your case. It may prove useful to photograph your injuries as they heal as well.
Contact a Riverside Truck Accident Attorney
Perhaps the most crucial step is getting an expert representative. The best advice we can give is to contact us as soon as possible after an accident.
Don’t worry if the severity of your injuries or the trauma of the accident prevents you from carrying out any of the steps above. Your lawyer will work with you to build a case. We know how hard the aftermath of an accident is, and we’re here to help.
Give Bisnar Chase a call at (951) 530-3711 and let us fight for your rights.
In the News: Riverside Truck Fatal Crashes
No one goes out at the beginning of the day expecting to be involved in an accident. But truck accidents happen every day across California. Here are just a few incidents that have hit the headlines in Riverside County recently:
Man Died After Crash Near Riverside Involving Two Semi-Trucks
A 49-year-old man died when his car collided with two trucks on Interstate Freeway 215 near Central Avenue. Four freeway lanes were closed as emergency services tended to the victim after the accident in September 2020. He tragically died from his injuries.
Fatal Accident Involving Riverside County Firetruck
A crash between a Riverside firetruck and a pickup truck left one man dead and two others injured. The collision happened at the intersection of Etiwanda Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard. The pickup driver died at the scene, while two firefighters were injured.
One was Killed and Several Injured in a Collision Between a Car and Box Truck
A van veered across lanes into the path of a large box truck, causing a crash that sent the van spinning out of control. The accident happened on the southbound 215 freeway near the Moreno Valley interchange. The van driver died in the collision, while six others – including children – were injured in November 2021.
Truck Accident Statistics US & California
Truck accidents are common in California, including across the Riverside and Inland Empire areas.
California
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin (FMCSA), there were almost 350 trucks involved in fatal accidents in one year alone. California had over 100 fatal truck accidents and over 3000 non-fatal truck accidents.
Truckers killed in these accidents were around 850 in 2020, and almost 5000 fatal accidents. In California, over 4000 fatal truck accidents involved commercial vehicles.
Nationwide
The statistics show precisely how dangerous commercial truck accidents can be.
- A big rig with a trailer full of cargo weighs about 80,000 pounds – roughly 25x the weight of a mid-sized sedan.
- There are about 500,000 truck accidents across the U.S. every year.
- In 2019 there were more than 5,000 deaths resulting from fatal truck accidents.
- The annual truck accident fatalities have risen by more than 36% in the last decade.
- Of those involved in truck wrecks, 67% of fatalities were the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident involving a big rig or box truck, contact a Riverside truck crash attorney at Bisnar Chase for a free consultation.
Riverside Truck Accident Lawsuit FAQs
We want you to be fully informed when you decide whether to take legal action and which law firm to work with.
We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions below. If you have a question not answered on this page, give us a call.
Who do I file my claim against?
There are several potentially liable parties in Riverside truck crash cases. The accident might have been caused by the negligence of the truck driver, truck manufacturer, operators of other vehicles involved, or even city authorities if poor road conditions contributed to the accident. We can name multiple parties in accident lawsuits. Contact a Riverside truck accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Can I file a truck accident lawsuit if I was partly to blame?
Yes, you can still file a lawsuit if you were partly at fault for an accident involving a truck, according to California’s comparative negligence laws. The court will account for your actions and reduce the financial recovery, according to how much blame you share. But you can still win significant compensation.
When should you file a truck accident claim?
We need to file your claim with the Riverside courts within two years of the accident. It is better not to wait too long, as that can make it harder to assemble evidence and build a strong case. Contact us now to get started.
Will your truck accident case be settled or go to trial?
Most cases are settled before trial, either with the at-fault party’s insurance company or their defense team. That is because it is safer for both sides, eliminating the unpredictable nature of a jury and guaranteeing compensation. However, it is necessary to go to trial to make sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve in some cases. Bisnar Chase has an excellent courtroom record.
How long will a truck accident claim take?
The length of time it takes to resolve a truck accident claim will vary from case to case. Some can be settled quickly out of court, while others can take longer, especially if they go to trial. Do not be put off by the timeframe. Put your case in the hands of an experienced attorney and let them handle it.
Commercial Trucking Regulations Help with Safety
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established regulations to ensure commercial truck drivers’ safety and the public’s well-being. Regulations require drivers to maintain a commercial driver’s license, register with the FMCSA, obtain a US Department of Transportation (DOT) number, and carry mandatory minimum insurance.
There are also extensive laws on the maximum size and weight of commercial truck shipments, as well as loading laws and much more.
Additionally, hours of service requirements are in place to help combat driver fatigue, and new training requirements have been established to ensure all commercial truck drivers are thoroughly trained and knowledgeable of their vehicles.
These regulations are essential to combating the high number of daily commercial truck accidents. More oversight is still needed.
No Win No Fee Riverside Truck Accident Attorneys
It is best to work with a law firm that protects you from the massive out-of-pocket costs that are often associated with filing a personal injury lawsuit. To do this, Bisnar Chase offers a no win no fee promise to all clients.
The no win no fee guarantee is a well-established system for injury law firms. Essentially, you do not pay unless we win for you.
We advance all the costs and fees necessary to win your case, including filing fees and the costs required to build a body of evidence to prove your case. These costs might involve paying for investigators, expert witnesses, and more.
If we recover compensation for your injuries, a percentage goes to our firm to cover those costs. Before you sign with us, we agree upon that percentage, which is subject to California law.
Anyone can afford to take legal action under our no-win, no-fee agreement. This risk-free payment option protects you financially, saving you from any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. We shoulder all of the risk for you, and our fees come from the final settlement. Call our Riverside truck accident attorneys today at (951) 530-3711 to see if we can help you.
Top-Rated Riverside Truck Accident Lawyers Near You
It is important to remember that trucking companies have defense attorneys, and insurance companies protect their best interests at all times.
These companies have the potential to have their people at the crash site shortly after the crash, collecting evidence and gathering information that will help protect them against a personal injury lawsuit.
Victims must get someone on their side who will offer that same protection and peace of mind while keeping their best interests in mind. This is our mission at Bisnar Chase.
Bisnar Chase Riverside truck accident attorneys know what it takes to stand up and fight on behalf of our injured clients and win. Our personal injury attorneys have more than three decades of experience, and during this time, our firm has provided the following:
- A 99% success rate
- Over $900 million won for our clients
- Serving Riverside since 1978
- Served over 14,000 clients
- Seasoned trial attorneys
- No upfront fees – all costs are advanced
We are here to make sure you are fully compensated for your injuries. We have the skill and resources to take on even the largest companies and win for you. We have 5 locations throughout California so that we are near you when you need us.
Contact a Riverside truck accident attorney at Bisnar Chase now. Call (951) 530-3711 to set up your free consultation and case evaluation. Alternately, use our website to send us an email or chat to someone 24/7 through the live chat feature. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you, and you don’t pay unless we win.
Brian Chase
Articles and blogs have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $900M for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered nearly $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
