Truck Accident Attorney in Riverside

If you were injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, a Riverside semi-truck accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim to obtain the financial security you need to rebuild your life.

A collision with a commercial truck on Riverside’s busy freeways is a catastrophic event. In fact, few accidents produce injuries as serious as those seen in 18-wheeler collisions. Your recovery should be as easy as possible, which can be a challenge when you are faced with mounting medical expenses, household bills, and the care of your family. You need a specialized Riverside truck accident lawyer with the experience to fight and win.

At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, our aim is to ease this burden by handling the details of your case. We understand the complex federal regulations and aggressive tactics used by powerful trucking companies.

Whether your accident was on the 91, 60, or I-215, a dedicated Riverside truck accident lawyer from our firm will launch an immediate investigation to determine what caused the crash, who should be held responsible, and the amount of compensation you will need to support your standard of living.

We are committed to securing the maximum compensation you deserve. Don’t face these corporate giants alone. Contact us for a free consultation.

A Strategic Guide After a Commercial Truck Wreck in the Inland Empire

The aftermath of a truck wreck is chaotic and overwhelming. While you are dealing with devastating injuries, the trucking company’s legal team is already at work, building a defense to protect their profits. This is why you need a strategic guide immediately. A dedicated Riverside truck accident lawyer from Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys levels the playing field. We launch our own rapid-response investigation, sending spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence like driver logs and black box data. We handle the complex legal battle against powerful corporations and their insurers, allowing you to focus completely on your physical and emotional recovery. We bring the strategy and the strength; you focus on healing.

The Kohan & Bablove Difference: Our Commitment to Riverside’s Injured

A Legacy of Winning Tough Cases Against Powerful Trucking Companies

Our firm has built a legacy of winning tough cases against powerful trucking companies. We have a proven record of securing multi-million dollar results by holding negligent corporations fully accountable for the devastation they cause.

Your Case is Handled Directly by a Partner Attorney, Not a Case Manager

Unlike other firms, your case is handled directly by a partner attorney. This ensures you receive senior-level expertise and personalized attention, guaranteeing your case gets the priority and strategic insight it deserves.

We Engage Premier Trucking Industry Experts to Build an Unbeatable Case

To build an unbeatable claim, we engage premier trucking industry experts. This includes accident reconstructionists who can scientifically prove fault and medical experts who detail the full, lifelong cost of your injuries.

A Reputation as Trial-Ready Litigators Insurance Companies Respect

We have a reputation as trial-ready litigators insurance companies respect. We prepare every case for a Riverside courtroom, a strategy that forces insurers to offer maximum compensation because they know we are not afraid to fight and win.

Protecting Your Claim: Immediate Steps After a Riverside Truck Accident

In the chaotic moments after a collision with a large commercial truck in Riverside, it can be difficult to think clearly. However, the actions you take immediately are critical for protecting your physical health and your legal right to fair compensation. The trucking company’s legal team starts building a defense against you instantly; these steps help you build your case for the truth.

Prioritize Your Health by Seeking Prompt Medical Evaluation

Before anything else, your well-being is the absolute priority. You must prioritize your health by seeking a prompt medical evaluation. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, the shock of a high-impact truck crash can mask serious conditions like internal bleeding, concussions, or spinal injuries. Seeking immediate care at a local hospital, like Riverside Community Hospital, not only begins your physical recovery but also creates an official medical record. This documentation is the most powerful evidence linking your injuries directly to the accident, forming the undisputed foundation of your claim.

Create an Official Record by Reporting the Incident to the CHP or Riverside Police

An official, unbiased account of the event is essential. For any car accident involving a commercial truck, it is vital to create an official record by reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities—usually the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for crashes on the 91, 60, or I-215 freeways, and the Riverside Police Department for city streets. An officer’s report will contain critical details, diagrams, witness statements, and often a preliminary assessment of fault. This document becomes a cornerstone of your personal injury claim and is a powerful tool for your attorney.

Preserve Key Evidence: Photos of All Vehicles, Debris, and Injuries

If your injuries permit, your smartphone is your most important investigative tool. You must preserve key evidence by taking extensive photos and videos. Document everything: the final positions of all vehicles, the damage to your car and the truck, the truck’s license plates and any company logos, the debris field on the road, skid marks, and your visible injuries. Crucially, get the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident, as their impartial testimony can be invaluable in countering the trucking company’s narrative.

Defer All Communication with Insurers and Trucking Company Representatives

This is your most important legal shield. You must defer all communication with insurers and trucking company representatives. Their adjusters and investigators are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. They will try to get you to give a recorded statement to use against you. You are not obligated to speak with them. Politely decline and state that your Riverside truck accident lawyer will be in contact.

Why You Need a Lawyer: Countering the Trucking Company’s Advantage

After a truck accident, you are not just recovering from an injury; you are facing a well-funded corporate opponent. Trucking companies and their insurers have rapid-response teams of investigators and lawyers whose sole purpose is to minimize their financial liability. A Riverside truck accident lawyer from Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys is your most crucial ally in leveling this uneven playing field.

The Critical Mistake of Giving a Recorded Statement Without Legal Counsel

The trucking company’s insurer will contact you immediately, sounding sympathetic. They will ask for a recorded statement about the accident. This is a strategic trap. They are trained to ask leading questions designed to get you to downplay your injuries or inadvertently admit partial fault. Any statement you give can and will be used to deny or drastically reduce your claim. Your attorney acts as your shield, handling all communications and ensuring you never make this critical error.

We Act Quickly to Preserve “Black Box” Data and Driver Logs

Commercial trucks contain a wealth of evidence that is crucial to your case but can disappear quickly. This includes the driver’s electronic logbooks (proving Hours-of-Service violations) and data from the truck’s “black box” or Electronic Control Module. This evidence is the property of the trucking company. A skilled personal injury attorney acts immediately, sending a legal spoliation letter to demand that this critical evidence is preserved before it can be “lost” or destroyed.

We Manage All Complex Legal Procedures and Critical Deadlines

A personal injury claim involves a mountain of complex paperwork, procedural rules, and non-negotiable deadlines, including the statute of limitations. While you are recovering from serious injuries, the last thing you need is the stress of navigating this confusing system. Your attorney flawlessly manages every filing, every form, and every deadline, ensuring your case is protected and moves forward efficiently.

Providing Objective Advice During a Stressful and Emotional Time

An injury is an emotional and stressful experience, making it difficult to make clear, rational decisions about your future. Insurance companies know this and may pressure you into accepting a quick, inadequate settlement. We provide the calm, objective advice you need during this turbulent period. We are your strategic partner, focused solely on protecting your long-term interests.

Blame in 18-Wheeler Collisions

Unlike a simple two-car crash, liability in a commercial truck accident is rarely limited to the driver alone. A thorough investigation often reveals a chain of negligence involving multiple parties. An experienced Riverside truck accident lawyer knows how to identify and pursue claims against all potential defendants, which is critical for securing the full compensation your catastrophic injuries demand.

The Negligent Truck Driver

Perhaps the most common cause of semi-truck accidents in Riverside is the truck driver. Simply because of the size of the vehicle, driving a semi-truck carries a greater obligation to practice safe driving. Commercial vehicles can be more than twenty times bigger than cars and will cause significantly more serious injuries than those sustained in run-of-the-mill car accidents.

The truck driver is the most obvious potential defendant, with liability often stemming from direct negligence.

For example, Distracted driving often contributes to these collisions. This happens when the driver is preoccupied with something other than the road, such as changing the radio station, fiddling with the navigation system, or using a cell phone.

Another commonly seen cause is driving while impaired. Getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal, and truckers can face criminal charges if they cause a crash while operating a vehicle under the influence.

Fatigued driving, aggressive driving, speeding, and making poor driving decisions during inclement weather are also ways a trucker can cause a crash. Truck drivers are held to an even higher standard than those operating non-commercial vehicles, and when they ignore this responsibility, they should be punished accordingly.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company itself is frequently a primary defendant. They can be held liable for their own negligence, such as negligent hiring (hiring a driver with a poor safety record), inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate Hours-of-Service rules to maximize profits.

They are also typically held responsible for their driver’s actions under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability.

The Cargo Owner or Shipper

The company that owned or loaded the truck’s cargo can also be held liable. Federal regulations strictly govern how cargo must be loaded, balanced, and secured.

If an unbalanced or overloaded trailer causes the driver to lose control, or if improperly secured cargo falls onto the roadway causing a crash, the cargo company can be held responsible for its negligence.

The Truck or Parts Manufacturer

Sometimes, the accident is not caused by human error but by mechanical failure. If a crucial component like the truck’s brakes, steering system, or a tire fails due to a design or manufacturing defect, a product liability claim can be brought against the manufacturer.

A skilled personal injury attorney will investigate all possibilities to ensure every liable party is held accountable.

Other Potential Liable Parties

While the truck driver is the most commonly at fault in trucking accidents, numerous individuals can play a role in ensuring safety. If any one of these people has been irresponsible in the care of the commercial vehicle, they can and should be held liable for their negligence and the harm they have caused.

Vehicle parts manufacturer and technicians have a duty to install quality parts. If faulty parts are used or parts have become defective, and the manufacturer failed to notify the proper authority that the parts needed replacing, the manufacturer could be found negligent.

Other liable parties could include the trucking company itself for overworking the driver and failing to schedule based on industry standards, which include shifts that don’t exceed thirteen hours, a minimum of thirteen hours between shifts, and no more than six working days in a row.

One of the leading causes of truck crashes is a trailer disconnecting from the bed of the truck or cargo in the trailer getting loose and falling onto the roadway. The cargo loaders are responsible for making sure the trailer is secured properly so this doesn’t happen. When it does, those responsible have put the safety of thousands of drivers and passengers who encountered the truck in jeopardy.

In any case, your truck accident lawyer in Riverside will investigate the extent of the involvement each of these parties had in causing your crash and hold them accountable for their actions.

California & Federal Trucking Laws That Matter to Your Case

Collisions involving large commercial trucks are governed by a complex web of both state and federal laws, primarily the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA). These laws are designed to prevent accidents by setting strict safety standards. Proving a violation of these regulations is a powerful way to establish negligence. An expert Riverside truck accident lawyer uses these laws to build an undeniable case.

Federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations and Driver Fatigue

To combat the immense danger of driver fatigue, the FMCSA strictly limits the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road without rest. These are known as Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules. When trucking companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, it often leads to HOS violations. By securing and analyzing a driver’s electronic logbooks, we can prove they were driving while dangerously fatigued, which is clear and powerful evidence of negligence.

Strict Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Rules

An 80,000-pound truck requires constant, meticulous maintenance to be operated safely. Federal law mandates that trucking companies follow strict maintenance schedules and that drivers perform daily pre-trip inspections to check for issues like worn tires or faulty brakes. When a crash is caused by a mechanical failure, we investigate the maintenance records. Proving a pattern of negligent maintenance can shift liability directly to the trucking company.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements

Operating a large commercial truck requires a high level of skill and training, which is why drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The law requires companies to ensure their drivers are properly licensed and qualified for the specific type of truck they are operating. If a company knowingly allows an unqualified or improperly licensed driver behind the wheel, it is a clear case of corporate negligence.

Cargo Weight and Securement Regulations

The way cargo is loaded and secured is critical to a truck’s stability. Federal regulations set specific standards for weight distribution and cargo securement. An overloaded or improperly secured load can shift during transit, making the truck difficult to control or even causing it to tip over. If a cargo shift contributes to an accident, we can identify and pursue claims against the company responsible for loading the trailer.

Building a Powerful Case: Our Evidence-Gathering Strategy

In high-stakes truck accident litigation, the party with the strongest evidence wins. Trucking companies and their insurers know this, and they have teams dedicated to controlling the evidence from the moment a crash occurs. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, our Riverside truck accident lawyer team launches an immediate and aggressive counter-investigation designed to uncover the truth and build an irrefutable case on your behalf.

Issuing Immediate Spoliation Letters to Prevent Evidence Destruction

This is our critical first move. We issue immediate spoliation letters to the trucking company and all other potential defendants. This is a formal legal demand that they preserve all crucial evidence related to the crash, including driver logbooks, maintenance records, post-accident drug tests, and electronic data. This legal maneuver prevents them from lawfully “losing” or destroying evidence that is vital to proving your case and can lead to court sanctions if they fail to comply.

Securing and Analyzing the Truck’s “Black Box” (ECU) Data

Modern commercial trucks are equipped with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or “black box.” This device is a treasure trove of objective data. We are experts at securing and analyzing data from the truck’s ECU, which can reveal the truck’s speed leading up to the crash, braking patterns, steering inputs, and other critical information. This digital evidence provides an unbiased account of the seconds before impact and is a powerful tool for proving a driver’s negligence.

Reviewing Driver Logs, Maintenance Records, and Hiring Files

The paper trail often tells the real story. A skilled personal injury attorney from our firm will meticulously review the driver’s logs for Hours-of-Service violations, the truck’s maintenance records for a history of neglected repairs, and the driver’s hiring file to uncover any evidence of negligent hiring by the trucking company. This deep dive into the company’s own records frequently exposes a pattern of safety failures.

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Take On in Riverside

Not all truck accidents are the same. The physics of a massive commercial vehicle leads to unique and particularly devastating types of collisions. An experienced Riverside truck accident lawyer must understand the specific mechanics and common causes behind each type of crash to effectively prove liability. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we have deep experience handling a wide range of complex truck wreck scenarios in the Inland Empire.

18-Wheeler and Big Rig Collisions

These are the most common and often most devastating types of truck accidents. We handle all types of collisions involving large tractor-trailers, from high-speed rear-end crashes on the 91 Freeway to sideswipes and lane-change accidents on the I-215.

Jackknife and Rollover Accidents

A “jackknife” occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to a 90-degree angle with the cab, often caused by sudden braking or a loss of traction. A “rollover” happens when a truck, due to high speed, a sharp turn, or a cargo shift, tips completely over. Both are incredibly dangerous, often involving multiple vehicles.

Underride and Override Crashes

An “underride” collision is one of the most catastrophic, occurring when a smaller passenger car slides underneath the side or rear of a truck’s trailer. An “override” crash is when a truck’s height allows it to run over the top of a smaller vehicle. Both often result in fatal or life-altering injuries.

Cargo Spill and Lost Load Incidents

When cargo is not properly secured, it can fall from the truck bed onto the roadway, creating a sudden and unavoidable hazard for other drivers. This can lead to chain-reaction collisions or direct impacts with heavy debris. We identify and pursue claims against the company responsible for the negligent loading.

Delivery Truck and Commercial Van Accidents

It’s not just 18-wheelers. We also handle numerous cases involving smaller commercial vehicles, like Amazon, FedEx, or UPS delivery vans, as well as box trucks and other commercial vehicles. The same principles of corporate negligence often apply to these cases.

The Insurance Company and Your Riverside Truck Crash Claim

Once you are medically stable, it will be important that we inform the insurance company of your involvement in a Riverside truck crash. Expect the insurer to initially offer you the bare minimum for your claim. As for-profit businesses, insurers do not routinely make fair first offers.

In addition to making unfairly low settlement offers, insurers will often try to make it seem like the truck accident was your fault. Placing more fault on you relieves the insurer’s obligation to pay you as much.

Working with a Riverside truck wreck lawyer can ensure that no unnecessary blame is placed on you for the collision and that you are able to walk away with a reasonable compensation award to support you while you heal.

njuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents

The injuries most often seen in 18-wheeler accidents are usually serious, often resulting in death or permanent disability. A truck accident claim is not just about paying today’s bills; it is about securing your entire future. The catastrophic nature of these collisions means the damages are often immense and lifelong. A dedicated Riverside truck accident lawyer at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys is an expert at identifying, documenting, and calculating the full value of your claim, ensuring no aspect of your loss is ever overlooked.

Economic Damages (Medical Bills, Lost Income, Future Care Costs)

Economic damages represent the tangible financial losses resulting from the crash. Our team meticulously documents every single expense, including all past and future medical bills. This is crucial for victims of severe truck crash injuries.

For instance, Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have devastating long-term effects, such as problems forming memories, cognitive and behavioral consequences, and even lead to disorders like epilepsy. Similarly, Spinal cord injuries can result in a loss of sensation, muscle weakness, or even paralysis, requiring lifelong care. Other severe outcomes, like Amputations of the extremities, are a significant possibility and will have a tremendous effect on your everyday life, requiring prosthetics and significant home modifications. We also account for the profound effects of Damage to the organs, which can forever change your ability to digest food properly or fight infection.

This category also covers all lost wages and, critically, your diminished future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous career. We work with economic experts to project these lifetime costs accurately.

Non-Economic Damages (Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress)

Non-economic damages are designed to compensate you for the profound, non-financial ways the injury has impacted your life. While there is no price tag for human suffering, these losses are very real and deserve significant compensation.

This covers your physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, PTSD from the traumatic event, permanent scarring, and the loss of enjoyment of life. A skilled personal injury attorney is essential to powerfully articulate the depth of these intangible losses to a jury.

Punitive Damages (When the Trucking Company Shows Gross Negligence)

In cases where the trucking company or driver acted with extreme recklessness or a conscious disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not intended to compensate you but are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

This could apply if a company knowingly falsified logbooks or deliberately skipped critical maintenance. We always investigate if the defendant’s egregious conduct warrants pursuing these additional, punishing damages.

These injuries are not the only injuries we see in big-rig crashes, and each has a significant impact on the lives of those affected. To increase your chances of successfully winning the compensation you need to pick up the pieces of your life, seek the help of a Riverside 18-wheeler accident attorney.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover?

Unexpected serious injuries can have a significant impact on your life. The magnitude of this impact will determine the extent of the compensation you receive in your claim. We will examine each of the ways your injury could be affecting your life. Some items we will assess include the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Medical expenses
• Hospital bills
• Costs of prescription medications
• Home healthcare costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Rehabilitation or occupational therapy
• Replacement or repair of your vehicle

Your seasoned Riverside truck collision lawyer at Kohan & Bablove, Injury Attorneys will be well-versed in the process of calculating the value of truck accident injuries. Once we’ve done that, we will set out to make sure you are compensated accordingly.

Your Free Consultation: Making an Informed Decision

Your free consultation is the most critical step in choosing your legal advocate. It is your opportunity to interview a potential law firm and ensure you feel confident in their ability to handle your high-stakes truck accident case. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we believe in complete transparency. We encourage you to ask tough questions of any Riverside truck accident lawyer you consider, and we are prepared to answer them.

What is your firm’s success rate with cases like mine in the Inland Empire?

This question tests a firm’s relevant experience. You need an attorney with a proven track record of winning cases, specifically in the Inland Empire. An experienced lawyer should be able to discuss their familiarity with the local Riverside and San Bernardino County courts, judges, and the tactics employed by local defense attorneys, which provides a significant strategic advantage.

Who are all the potential parties we can hold liable in this case?

This question tests their strategic thinking. An experienced lawyer will immediately look beyond just the truck driver. Their answer should include a discussion of potential liability for the trucking company (the motor carrier), the owner of the trailer, the company that loaded the cargo, maintenance contractors, and even parts manufacturers. Identifying all potential defendants is crucial for maximizing your financial recovery.

What is your strategy for preserving critical evidence?

A proactive and aggressive attorney will have a clear answer. They should immediately mention sending a “spoliation letter.” This is a formal legal demand that the trucking company preserve all crucial evidence, such as the truck’s “black box” data, driver logs, and maintenance records. This immediate action is non-negotiable and shows the firm is prepared to act decisively.

Can you explain your fee structure in detail?

There should be no ambiguity about legal fees. A reputable firm will operate on a contingency fee basis and provide you with a clear, written agreement. They should explain the percentage, how case costs are handled (they should be advanced by the firm), and reiterate their “no win, no fee” promise in plain language.

Who will be my primary point of contact at the firm?

Client communication is paramount. At some firms, you may be handed off to a case manager or paralegal after you sign up. A client-focused firm will guarantee that you have direct access to the attorney handling your case, ensuring your questions are always answered by an expert who is intimately familiar with your file.

Our Financial Pledge: You Pay No Fees Unless We Win Your Case

At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we firmly believe that every person injured in a devastating truck accident deserves access to elite legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Our “No Win, No Fee” pledge is our unwavering commitment to you, designed to remove all financial burdens and risks from your pursuit of justice. We want you to focus on your recovery, not on how to pay for a lawyer.

A Clear Breakdown of Our Contingency Fee System

Your dedicated Riverside truck accident lawyer operates on a contingency fee system. This is a simple and powerful arrangement: our legal fee is entirely contingent on us securing a financial victory for you, whether that comes from a negotiated settlement or a verdict at trial. We are only paid a pre-agreed percentage of the funds we recover on your behalf. If we are not successful in winning your case, you owe us absolutely nothing in attorney fees.

We Assume the Financial Risk of Your Litigation, Including Expert Fees

Truck accident cases are expensive to litigate properly. They often require hiring costly accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and economists. We assume the financial risk of your litigation by advancing all of these necessary expenses. You will never have to pay a single dollar out-of-pocket to build a powerful case. If we don’t win, you are not responsible for repaying these advanced costs.

No Hidden Costs or Surprise Charges—Ever

We guarantee complete transparency from the moment you hire us. You will receive a clear, written agreement that explains our fee structure in plain, easy-to-understand language. Our contract has no hidden costs or surprise charges—ever. Our pledge is simple and unwavering: we only get paid when you do.

The Statute of Limitations: A Critical Deadline for Riverside Truck Accident Claims

In California, the law sets a strict and non-negotiable time limit, the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury claim. For most truck accident cases in Riverside, you have just two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, this critical window can be much shorter—claims against government entities often require formal action within only six months. If you miss this deadline, you permanently forfeit your right to seek any compensation. Do not delay. It is crucial to contact a dedicated Riverside truck accident lawyer at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys immediately to protect your claim.

Speak with a Riverside Semi-Truck Accident Attorney

When commercial truck crash injuries are preventing you from reclaiming your life, the qualified attorneys at Kohan & Bablove, Injury Attorneys can assist you as you seek maximum compensation for your suffering.

To schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a Riverside truck accident lawyer, call us today at 949.535.1341 or fill out our online contact form at the bottom of this page.