The Inland Empire—home to Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Fontana, and other growing cities—is one of the busiest commercial transportation corridors in the country. With its proximity to major ports, warehouses, and distribution centers, the region is a critical hub in the national supply chain. Every day, thousands of big rigs, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers flood the freeways like I-10, I-15, SR-60, and SR-91, hauling everything from consumer goods to heavy industrial equipment.
While this industrial growth drives economic opportunity, it also brings increased risk to everyday drivers. The Inland Empire consistently reports some of California’s highest rates of large truck collisions, many of which result in life-changing injuries or fatalities for the occupants of smaller vehicles. Unlike truck drivers, who are often protected by reinforced cabs and safety equipment, the average motorist or pedestrian stands little chance in a crash involving a fully loaded 80,000-pound big rig.
The physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families can be overwhelming—and insurance companies representing trucking corporations often move quickly to limit their liability. Without legal representation, you risk being outmatched by corporate attorneys and pressured into accepting a low settlement that doesn’t cover your true losses.
To successfully navigate this legal landscape, you need a lawyer who understands commercial trucking laws, liability strategy, and how to fight back against powerful insurance carriers. That’s where we come in.
Truck drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and following both state and federal trucking regulations. A driver may be liable if they:
Trucking companies can be held accountable if they:
Sometimes the truck is owned by one company, driven by another, and loaded by a third-party contractor. If cargo is:
…it can cause the truck to tip over, jackknife, or become uncontrollable, especially on high-speed routes like I-15 or SR-60 in the Inland Empire. In these cases, cargo handlers may share fault.
If a truck crash was caused by a defective part—such as faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering failure—the manufacturer or supplier of that part may be liable under product liability law. These cases require technical analysis and expert testimony to prove that a defect caused or contributed to the accident.
In rare cases, a government entity may be responsible if the accident was caused by:
Claims against public agencies require specific notice and filing deadlines, so it’s vital to act quickly if hazardous road conditions played a role in your crash.
Determining liability in a truck accident isn’t always straightforward. In many cases, more than one party is at fault, and uncovering that truth requires:
Your health comes first. Call 911 immediately—even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not be obvious right away. Emergency responders will document your condition and ensure you receive prompt medical care, which also helps establish a record of your injuries for your claim.
Unless you’re taken away by paramedics, stay at the scene and collect the following:
Use your phone (or ask someone nearby) to take photos and videos of:
Also, gather names and contact information for any witnesses who saw the crash occur. Their statements can support your version of events and counter the trucking company’s defense.
Even if the crash seems straightforward, always make sure a police report is filed. It serves as an official record of the incident and may include valuable details such as citations issued, driver statements, or initial fault assessment. Ask how to obtain a copy of the report from the responding agency.
You may be contacted by the trucking company or its insurance representatives within hours or days of the crash. Do not give a recorded statement, sign any documents, or accept a settlement offer without legal counsel. These companies are trained to limit their liability and may try to shift blame or undervalue your claim.
The sooner you involve a qualified attorney, the better protected your rights will be. At Tim D. Wright Law, we take immediate steps to:
We know how to hold trucking companies accountable—and we don’t back down when your future is on the line.
You shouldn’t have to pay for the medical care caused by someone else’s negligence. We pursue compensation for:
In cases involving catastrophic injury, we work with medical experts to estimate your lifetime care costs so you’re never underpaid.
If your injuries force you to miss work—or prevent you from returning to your job entirely—you may be entitled to recover:
We calculate these losses thoroughly, often working with financial professionals to present a clear picture of your economic harm.
Not all damages are financial. You also deserve to be compensated for:
After a collision with a big rig, your vehicle is likely severely damaged or totaled. You can recover compensation for:
Severe injuries may require:
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, we can pursue a wrongful death claim on your family’s behalf. Damages may include:
After a big rig accident, time is not on your side. Trucking companies and their insurers often move quickly to protect themselves—sometimes even dispatching investigators to the scene within hours. Critical evidence like black box data, maintenance logs, and witness statements can disappear or be altered if not preserved promptly.
That’s why it's essential to act fast. The sooner you contact a skilled truck accident attorney, the better your chances of recovering maximum compensation and building a strong case that holds all responsible parties accountable.
Personal Injury Office:
📍 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
✉️ Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: https://www.timwrightlaw.com
