Fontana Truck Accident Lawyers

Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer After a Crash in Fontana

Trucking companies act fast to protect themselves. Their insurers often try to shift blame or offer low settlements that don’t cover long-term costs. Without legal help, it’s easy to accept less than you deserve or miss key deadlines.

Hiring a truck accident lawyer means you’ll have someone to:

• Investigate the crash and gather critical evidence
• Deal with the trucking company and their insurers
• Handle paperwork and meet legal deadlines
• Prove fault and calculate full damages
• Maximize your compensation without added stress

If your injuries are serious, if there’s property damage, or if fault is being disputed, it’s in your best interest to talk to a lawyer before signing anything.

What Sets Thompson Law Apart from Other Fontana Firms

If you’ve been hit by a commercial truck, you need a lawyer who knows how to handle trucking cases. You need someone who understands what matters most to you right now: results, support, and peace of mind.

Here’s why people across Fontana trust Thompson Law after a serious truck crash.

• Focused experience:  We’ve handled hundreds of complex trucking cases involving national carriers, local haulers, and commercial fleets. We know how to investigate, negotiate, and win.
• Local knowledge:  We’re familiar with Fontana’s roadways, intersections, logistics zones, and courts. It allows us to act quickly and strategically.
• Real results:  We don’t just talk about success, we deliver it. From six-figure settlements to high-stakes litigation victories, we fight for maximum compensation every time.
• No fees unless you win:  Only when we secure financial recovery for you do we receive payment.
• Client-first support:  You’re never just a case number. We keep you informed, handle the difficult aspects of your case, and give you space to focus on healing.
• 24/7 availability:  We’re ready to help whenever you need it.

Choosing a lawyer is a big decision. With Thompson Law, you get a team ready to stand up to trucking companies and help you move forward with confidence.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best Truck Accident law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a Truck Accident case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law’s Fontana Truck Accident lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Who’s Liable? Understanding Trucking Laws in California

Who is to blame for a truck accident? It’s not always as simple as it seems. Unlike a two-car collision, a truck crash can have multiple layers of liability, including the driver, their employer, and companies not even present at the scene.

In California, truck accident claims are governed by state negligence laws and federal trucking regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Investigation is key, especially when companies try to shift the blame or deny responsibility.

Here are the most common parties that can be held liable in a truck accident:

• The truck driver may be held liable if they were speeding, driving distractedly, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigued, or breaking safety regulations.
• The trucking company may also be at fault if they didn’t do background checks, pushed drivers to violate hours of service limits, or skipped regular vehicle maintenance.
• A maintenance provider or repair contractor if a truck’s brakes, tires, or other safety systems failed due to poor maintenance.
• The manufacturer or supplier of a defective part that caused the accident may also be liable.
• A cargo loading company may be liable if it overloaded or improperly balanced the cargo, which caused a rollover or jackknife accident. The claim may include a separate logistics company responsible for securing the load.
• In multi-vehicle crashes, another driver might have contributed to the collision by cutting off the truck, stopping abruptly, or making unsafe lane changes.
• Government entities if poor road design, lack of signage, or inadequate maintenance was involved.

California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that multiple parties, including the injured person, can share responsibility. For instance, if a jury determines that you are 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage. This is why it’s crucial to have an experienced truck accident lawyer who can identify every source of liability and fight back against unfair blame.

Collecting Evidence: How Your Lawyer Builds a Strong Case

In truck accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Skid marks fade, damaged vehicles are repaired or scrapped, and trucking companies may erase or withhold critical data. That’s why building a strong case requires acting quickly and knowing what to look for.

A skilled truck accident lawyer will swiftly protect and gather the necessary evidence to prove fault and maximize your claim. Here’s how they do it:

Obtain police and crash reports

The official report from the Fontana Police Department or the California Highway Patrol provides an initial summary of the crash, the parties involved, and any citations issued.

Secure black box and ELD data

Most commercial trucks have electronic logging devices (ELDs) and event data recorders (black boxes) that capture information such as speed, braking, and driver activity before the crash.

Preserve driver logs and maintenance records

Trucking companies are required by law to maintain records of driver hours, inspections, and repairs. Your lawyer will send legal notices to ensure that these records aren’t destroyed.

Collect photos and surveillance footage

Video evidence, such as dash cams, traffic cameras, or nearby business security systems, can be powerful proof of how the crash happened.

Interview witnesses

Statements from people who saw the crash can clarify fault and support your version of events.

Hire expert witnesses

Accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and trucking safety consultants can explain how the crash occurred and the extent of your damages.

Without this evidence, the trucking company will vigorously defend their financial interests. Your attorney will ensure that the playing field is level and that the full story is told.

How Thompson Law Fights for Maximum Compensation

After a truck accident, you only have one chance to secure the compensation you need. Insurance companies know this and will do everything possible to settle quickly and cheaply. At Thompson Law, we ensure that you are not taken advantage of.

Our team takes a strategic and aggressive approach to maximize your claim while supporting you throughout the entire process.

Here’s how we do it:

Build Your Case from Day One

We immediately start gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, securing trucking records, and preserving all documentation that can strengthen your claim.

Calculate the Full Value of Your Losses

We don’t settle for emergency room bills alone. We consider your entire medical care, lost income, future treatment, pain and suffering, and long-term effects. Then, we fight to recover all of it.

Handle Insurance Tactics

We deal directly with the trucking company and their insurers, so you don’t have to. When they delay, deny, or offer a low settlement, we push back hard.

Bring in Experts When Needed

From accident reconstruction to financial projections, we work with professionals who can support the technical aspects of your case.

Prepare Every Case Like It’s Going to Trial

Most cases settle, but insurance companies only offer fair payouts when they know we’re ready and willing to take them to court.

At Thompson Law, our objective extends beyond mere victory, aiming to provide you with the reassurance of fair treatment, a heard voice, and a secure future.

What to Expect from the Legal Process After a Truck Crash

Here’s what to expect when you start your truck accident claim with Thompson Law.

Free Consultation

We begin with a no-obligation phone call or meeting. We’ll listen to your story, ask a few questions, and let you know if you have a case. If you do we’ll explain what’s next.

Thorough Case Investigation:

We get police reports, black box data, medical records, and witness statements. We may also consult trucking safety experts or accident reconstruction specialists.

Claim Filing and Documentation

We handle all the legal paperwork, including demand letters and claims with the truck driver’s insurer, the trucking company, and any other parties involved.

Negotiation with Insurers:

We work to get you a fair settlement for all your losses. Our lawyers manage all the communication with the insurance companies so you can focus on getting better.

Litigation (if needed):

If the other party doesn’t offer a fair settlement, we’ll take your case to court. From day one, we build your case for trial, so you’re always in the strongest position.

Case Resolution and Recovery

Once we resolve your case, we will guide you through the final steps, such as the distribution of funds, and offer any additional assistance you may require.

We know the legal process is foreign to most people. That’s why we keep you informed, explain your options and move at a pace that works for you and your recovery.

Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Fontana

Fontana’s busy highways and industrial traffic make it a crash hotspot for big rigs. Many of these accidents are preventable and are caused by

• Driver fatigue:  No rest for long periods of time means no focus and no reaction time.
• Distracted driving:  Phone use, GPS, and other distractions mean missing signals and unsafe maneuvers.
• Speeding or aggressive driving:  Trucks take longer to stop and more space to do so; reckless driving is extremely dangerous.
• Improperly loaded cargo:  In some cases, the reason behind rollovers or jackknife accidents.
• Mechanical failure:  Worn-out brakes or tires or other neglected maintenance.
• Driving under the influence:  Even if rare, commercial drivers under the influence are a big threat.
• Poor road or weather conditions.

Each of these causes points to different liable parties. A lawyer will investigate the root cause and build your case around the facts

Most Dangerous Intersections for Truck Accidents in Fontana

Fontana’s location in the heart of the Inland Empire logistics corridor means truck traffic is a constant presence. With major highways and busy industrial zones, certain areas see more crashes than others.

• Here are some of the most common truck accident hotspots in Fontana:
• Interstate 10 and Interstate 15 Interchange
• Valley Boulevard
• Sierra Avenue at Slover Avenue
• Cherry Avenue near the Fontana Distribution Hubs
• Etiwanda Avenue and Arrow Route
• Baseline and Almeria Avenues

If your crash happened in one of these areas, you’re not alone. These zones are known problem spots, and experienced local attorneys know how to investigate crashes that occur there.

Common Injuries and Damages in Truck Collisions

Truck accidents often result in far more severe injuries than typical car crashes. Due to their size and weight, even low-speed impacts involving commercial vehicles can lead to lasting harm.

Below are some of the most common injuries victims face:

• Traumatic brain injuries may result in memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and long-term disability.
• Spinal cord damage may result in chronic pain, loss of mobility, or permanent paralysis.
• Broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs, are common in high-impact crashes.
• Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, may not be immediately visible, yet they are often life-threatening.
• Burns and deep cuts may result from fires, chemicals, or shattered glass during a collision.
• Emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, often follows a severe truck crash.

These injuries affect every part of a victim’s life. That’s why it’s important to work with a lawyer who understands the full scope of your damages.

Where to Get Medical Attention in Fontana After a Truck Accident

If you are hurt in a serious truck crash, getting the right medical care is one of the most important things you can do for your health and your legal claim. Getting treatment right away makes it easy to connect your injuries to the accident in your medical record, which helps your case.

Here are some of the main hospitals in the Fontana area that help injured people:

• Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center is one of the biggest and best-equipped hospitals in the area and is located on Sierra Avenue. It provides emergency services and trauma care.
• Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is a Level II trauma center that treats many serious injuries from truck and highway accidents. It is located in Colton, just outside of Fontana.
• Sierra San Antonio Medical Plaza is growing to meet the urgent care needs and rehabilitation services in Fontana.
• Clínica Bienestar provides non-emergency treatment and walk-in medical care every day of the year.

Even if your injuries don’t seem too serious at first, they can get worse over time. Seeking immediate medical attention ensures comprehensive coverage and provides your lawyer with the necessary documentation to construct a robust case.

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation with Thompson Law Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck crash in Fontana, know that you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The pressure adds up fast, from medical bills and missed work to dealing with aggressive insurance companies.

Thompson Law is here to take that burden off your shoulders. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and take immediate steps to protect your rights at no upfront cost to you.

Whether you’re in the hospital, recovering at home, or unsure of what to do next, we’re ready to help.

Contact our Fontana team for truck accident cases for a FREE CASE REVIEW and take the first step toward recovery and justice.

FAQs About Truck Accident Cases in Fontana

What makes truck accident cases more complex than regular auto collisions?

Truck accidents often involve multiple layers of liability, such as the driver, the trucking company, and third-party contractors. These cases require a more profound understanding of federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and types of evidence such as black box data and maintenance logs, which are not applicable to typical car accidents.

How much time do I have to file a truck accident claim in California?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if the accident involves a government entity, such as a city-owned vehicle, the deadline may be as short as six months. To protect your rights, it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What if the truck driver wasn’t the only one at fault?

Liability may be shared among multiple parties. For instance, the trucking company, cargo loader, or another driver may have contributed to the crash. California’s comparative fault system allows you to recover compensation even if more than one party is responsible.

Can I get compensation if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?

Yes. While it’s best to seek medical attention right away, many injuries from truck crashes develop over time. Delayed treatment may still be considered valid in a claim, especially if the symptoms were not obvious at first. Be sure to document your care and speak with a lawyer.

Is it really free to hire Thompson Law for my truck accident case?

Yes, Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. The consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs.