If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident in Jurupa Valley, you have the right to hold the wrongful party accountable. Our Jurupa truck accident lawyer will protect your rights, investigate the crash, and pursue the compensation you deserve under California law. Call (951) 688-0006 or send Hanson & Mouri a message online today to arrange a free consultation.
Jurupa Valley sees significant truck traffic due to its location near major highways that connect to major shipping hubs in Southern California, including the Inland Empire distribution centers. With this heavy truck activity, accidents are common and often caused due to:
Each of these factors can lead to devastating accidents that leave victims with life-changing injuries or are fatal.
The force of a truck collision often results in severe injuries that require long-term medical treatment. For example:
These injuries not only create immediate medical expenses but also lead to ongoing therapy, lost earning capacity, and permanent disability.
Unlike standard car accidents, commercial trucking involves multiple parties, each of whom may share responsibility for the crash. Potentially liable parties include:
Truck Driver
Drivers can be held liable for negligence such as distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or operating under the influence. Driver error remains one of the most common causes of trucking accidents.
Trucking Company
Companies may be liable for pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, failing to enforce safety regulations, or hiring and retaining unqualified drivers. Employers can also be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees under California law.
Cargo Loaders and Shippers
Improperly loaded or overweight cargo can cause trucks to tip, jackknife, or lose control. Those responsible for loading the truck may share liability if their negligence contributed to the accident.
Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers
A defective part, such as faulty brakes or tires, can lead to catastrophic crashes. Manufacturers and mechanics who fail to provide safe equipment or proper maintenance may be held accountable.
Other Third Parties
In some cases, liability may extend to contractors, subcontractors, or even government agencies responsible for maintaining safe road conditions.
Identifying all liable parties is critical since injury victims have the right to pursue compensation from everyone who contributed to the crash.
Under California law, truck accident victims may recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. These may include:
Because damages in truck accident cases are often substantial, insurance companies fight aggressively to limit payouts.
Truck accident claims in California are governed by several important laws:
Comparative Negligence
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule (California Civil Code Section 1714(a)). This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the crash and your damages equal $500,000, you can still recover 80% or $400,000.
Statute of Limitations
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
Federal Trucking Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules on driver hours, truck maintenance, and cargo limits. Violations of these regulations may establish liability.
Handling a truck accident claim without legal help is overwhelming. Insurance companies use teams of adjusters and attorneys to limit payouts. A skilled attorney is invaluable because they will:
Truck accident claims involve higher stakes than many other personal injury cases. Victims face medical costs that can last a lifetime, while trucking companies and their insurers use aggressive defense strategies to avoid liability. Taking swift action is critical. Evidence such as driver logs, surveillance footage, and maintenance records can be lost or destroyed. With legal representation, you significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation and protecting your long-term financial stability.
Most truck accident lawyers in Jurupa Valley, including Hanson & Mouri, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs and no hourly fees. The attorney only gets paid if they recover compensation for you, usually as a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This arrangement allows injured victims to pursue justice without financial risk.
Our firm has the experience, resources, and commitment to stand up against trucking companies and insurers. Call (951) 688-0006 or message Hanson & Mouri online today to arrange a free consultation.