Commercial trucks play a vital role in San Bernardino’s economy. However, while these large vehicles keep products and services moving throughout the city, they also put other drivers on the road at risk of major injury.
When you are hurt in a collision with a truck driver, our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can help. Additionally, when a trucker, their employer, or other parties caused your crash, they are liable for your damages. A San Bernardino truck accident lawyer will help you through the legal process and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Who Could be at Fault for a Tractor-Trailer Accident?
Truck drivers are frequently at fault in collisions involving other vehicles. However, it is important to carefully review the facts of a case before pursuing an injury lawsuit. Multiple parties could share fault in these cases; in some instances, truckers are not always at fault.
Truck Drivers
There is a reason why many people might assume a semi operator is at fault for a crash. For example, most collisions occur due to human error, and truck drivers are not immune to these mistakes. Additionally, truck drivers often cause accidents when they are distracted or impaired. Other collisions occur when truck operators speed or fail to yield the right-of-way.
Trucking Companies
The companies that employ semi drivers could also be liable for a collision, especially when a truck driver negligently causes a crash while within the scope of their employment. In addition, trucking companies are frequently at fault when their negligent hiring or training practices lead to a wreck.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers that develop truck parts might also be responsible for tractor-trailer accidents. These parts are often defective, and defects can lead to collisions. When faulty parts—like braking systems or tires—cause a crash, injured victims can hold the manufacturer accountable through a personal injury claim. A hardworking lawyer in San Bernardino can identify the parties responsible for causing a tractor-trailer collision and file a lawsuit against them.
Timeframe for Pursuing a Truck Accident Lawsuit
There are legal deadlines that apply to every personal injury claim. The most important deadline to be conscious of is the statute of limitations. Under state law, a plaintiff must file an injury lawsuit before the deadline expires. Unfortunately, if an injured victim waits longer than two years, they will lose the ability to pursue their claim in the future.
In San Bernardino, the statute of limitations typically expires two years from the day of the accident. The court will enforce these deadlines outside of a limited number of exceptions, which usually results in a case dismissal with prejudice.
A dismissal with prejudice means more than just having a case dismissed temporarily. For example, plaintiffs will also lose their right to file a lawsuit or negotiate a settlement. A tenacious attorney can help avoid this outcome concerning truck accident claims.
Call a Truck Accident Attorney in San Bernardino Right Away
When a truck crash causes you to suffer from injuries, you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable. Often, this means pursuing a personal injury lawsuit with the help of legal counsel.
Let our San Bernardino truck accident lawyers advocate for you. Reach out now to schedule a consultation.