Pomona Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney in Pomona, CA

Large commercial trucks are essential components of the US economy, and many California communities rely on trucking for the goods and materials they need. While most drivers are accustomed to driving near large trucks on California roads, and most reach their destinations without issue, truck accidents can and do occur for a number of unpredictable reasons. In addition, due to the large size of these vehicles, truck accidents are highly likely to result in catastrophic damages to anyone involved. If you are in a personal injury accident, you may need a Pomona truck accident lawyer.

Legal Representation for Victims of Truck Accidents in Pomona

Approximately 7,777,406 vehicles were registered in Los Angeles County in a single year, including 1,123,162 trucks. If you or a loved one recently experienced a truck accident in the Pomona, area, it’s natural to have lots of questions when it comes to recovering from your losses and holding the at-fault party accountable for the damage they’ve caused.

Unfortunately, liability isn’t always immediately clear after a serious accident, and trucking accidents, in particular, tend to generate very complex disputes over liability. Whatever your case entails, you will be much better prepared to face it with the help of an experienced Pomona truck accident attorney.

In 2024, 12,188 vehicles were involved in crashes with large trucks in California. This number has been on a slight decline since 2021, when there were 15,100 vehicles involved in truck accidents across the state. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt have years of experience helping clients through all manner of vehicle accident claims.

Truck accidents can easily result in life-changing injuries followed by extensive economic losses. If you are unsure what to do following your recent truck accident in the Pomona area, we can help.

Determining Fault for a Trucking Accident in Pomona, California

Truck drivers have a higher duty of care than most other drivers due to the inherently dangerous nature of their vehicles and the fact that safe driving is their primary job duty. Unfortunately, some truck accidents occur due to the fault of truck drivers, but it’s also possible for third parties to cause truck accidents that injure truck drivers and other nearby motorists caught in the collision.

The aftermath of any truck accident can be devastating, and a victim must know the steps necessary for holding the at-fault party accountable. Whether you intend to file an insurance claim, a personal injury claim, or both following a recent truck accident in Pomona, determining fault will be the first crucial step toward recovery.

You must identify the party responsible for causing your recent truck accident and determine the full scope of your claimable damages. Many trucking companies and other businesses that hire commercial truck drivers have extensive liability insurance, but insurance may only go so far after a truck accident resulting in catastrophic losses.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Pomona, CA

Some of the most commonly cited causes of truck accidents that generate personal injury claims in California include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. It is illegal for any driver to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. Any driver who causes a truck accident due to impaired driving faces criminal charges in addition to liability for any victims’ civil damages. If a truck driver is under the influence and causes an accident, they will likely lose their commercial driver’s license for an extended period.
• Distracted driving, which is responsible for most of the vehicle accidents throughout the United States each year. All drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles attentively at all times.
• Trucking industry regulation noncompliance. The commercial trucking industry is a crucial component of the transportation and supply chain systems of the United States. When truck drivers or trucking companies fail to abide by applicable regulations, they face fines and other penalties in addition to civil liability for resulting damages. It’s also possible for a truck driver’s employer to face vicarious liability for their employee’s actions if a driver intentionally disregards applicable regulations.
• Improperly loaded truck cargo. Large trucks stand higher off the ground than most other vehicles and therefore have higher centers of gravity. This leaves many large trucks susceptible to balance problems. If cargo is not loaded, balanced, and secured correctly, the truck driver could lose control of their vehicle around sharp turns or in difficult traffic conditions.

Driver error is the most common reason for motor vehicle accidents in California, with distracted driving as a leading cause. However, other factors like poor road conditions can impact driver safety, too. Approximately 79 percent of all major roadways in Los Angeles are considered to be in poor or mediocre condition. When it comes to proving fault, it’s important to discount these other factors to secure the maximum settlement amount.

Your Pomona truck accident lawyer can help you determine fault for your recent accident. Once fault is assessed, an insurance claim is likely to be your first step toward recovery. When available insurance cannot fully compensate your losses, you have the right to proceed with a personal injury suit against the party who caused your accident.

Compensation for a Truck Accident Injury in Pomona, CA

Truck accidents can easily result in devastating injuries such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain damage, internal organ injuries, and much more. Many victims face very expensive immediate medical expenses as well as ongoing treatment costs for managing their conditions. Your Pomona trucking accident attorney can assist you in calculating the full scope of economic damages you can seek in your claim.

Most personal injury plaintiffs seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. Insurance may cover some initial losses, but it is unlikely to provide much compensation for long-term damages. A personal injury plaintiff can seek compensation for ongoing medical expenses and lost future earning potential when they have suffered a catastrophic injury posing long-term or permanent complications. Additionally, state law permits the plaintiff in a personal injury claim to seek compensation for their pain and suffering.

It’s common for a personal injury plaintiff to undervalue their claim initially, not realizing the full scope of their claimable damages until they secure legal counsel to advise them. A Pomona trucking accident attorney can assist their client in accurately calculating their claimable damages and gathering the evidence they may need to prove fault for those damages. Therefore, the sooner you connect with an experienced Pomona truck accident lawyer after an accident, the better your chances are of maximizing your final recovery.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt have the professional resources and experience you need on your side when you are struggling in the aftermath of a serious truck accident. We have helped many past clients secure fair insurance claim settlements and personal injury case awards for truck accident claims. We know the challenges victims of these incidents often face as they seek compensation for their losses.

If you are unsure what to do after a truck accident in the Pomona area, our team can help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with a Pomona truck accident attorney you can trust.

Special Safety Rules For Truck Drivers In California

Trucks pose a unique danger on the road because of their size and the long hours that companies demand of their drivers. It is no wonder that there are special safety rules for truck drivers, both at the state and federal level. These laws are frequently violated, unfortunately. If you have been involved in a trucking accident, it is possible that the truck driver violated one of these rules, which would strengthen your case. With decades of experience with these incidents, here are the most common violations our attorneys see at The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt.

Truckers Exceed Their Drive Time Limit

Trucking is a grueling occupation, and truckers routinely log long hours behind the wheel. However, because of the danger posed by sleep deprivation, federal law restricts commercial truck drivers to 14 hours of driving per day. No more than 11 of those hours can be consecutive. Additional restrictions apply to total hours over a seven-day period.

Unfortunately, there are financial incentives for drivers who disregard these trucking precautions. Sleep-deprived operators are all too common on the road.

Truckers Use Illegal Routes

Certain roads in California are unsafe for trucks. The road surface may not be strong enough to support the loads involved or the terrain may not be suitable for navigation. Thus, the California Department of Transportation has certain approved routes that trucks can use to haul their loads.

However, these routes are not always the most direct, so some truck drivers will illegally drive their rigs on roads not designed for them. This puts other motorists at risk, along with the drivers themselves.

Trucks Exceed Weight And Size Restrictions

Weight and size limits for trucks are not just to preserve the roadways — they are also intended to keep other drivers safe. When a truck’s trailer is too long, it runs the risk of colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians when turning. Trucks that are overloaded can have trouble stopping on steep inclines or when they need to avoid an accident. If they are involved in an accident, these heavy loads can cause significant injuries to other motorists.

Many truckers work hard to follow these rules. However, the reality is that companies make more money when they can move more products on the same trip, so some drivers will break these laws.

FAQs About Pomona, CA Truck Accident Laws

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in Pomona?

Truck accident settlements can vary from small payouts to exorbitant amounts of money. The biggest factor that impacts the settlement for these types of cases is how serious the accident was, as well as the injuries you sustained.
Things like property damage, pain, and suffering can also be taken into account. A skilled Pomona truck accident lawyer can help you secure a larger settlement amount by navigating California law and putting their skills and resources to work for you.

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to File a Case Against a Trucking Company in Pomona?

Typically, you can expect to work with a personal injury attorney if you’re in a truck accident in Pomona. Your Pomona truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine the right course of action to build your defense and get you the highest amount of compensation. It’s important to do your research and work with someone you trust and who has the right experience to handle your unique situation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Pomona?

Generally speaking, you can expect to have two years to file a personal injury claim or even a wrongful death claim from a truck accident in California. However, if you plan to file against a vehicle that is owned by the government, you must file within six months of the accident instead.

How Do I Choose the Right Pomona Truck Accident Lawyer?

Finding the right Pomona truck accident lawyer goes beyond a simple search. It can be tempting to go with the least expensive option, but this could end up costing you in the long run. Instead, it’s important to look for a professional who has experience working on cases similar to yours and has a proven track record of success.

Contact An Experienced Pomona Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a trucking accident, you need someone who knows the law and the rules in California for truck drivers and companies. Navigating the aftermath of a truck incident can be incredibly challenging, especially if you’re trying to recover from severe injuries. By working with a Pomona truck accident lawyer, you can focus your energy on healing.

At The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt, we have the experience needed to properly evaluate your case and secure you the compensation you’re owed for your losses. If you’re ready to talk about your situation with a legal professional, we’re the team to call. Contact us through our online form or call our offices at 909-403-5071.

We serve clients in Pomona and throughout Southern California.