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If you were recently in a crash involving a commercial vehicle in Riverside, you’re not alone, and the challenges don’t stop at the scene. In early 2025, state officials uncovered a large insurance scam across Southern California. Victims were tricked into handing over their damaged cars to tow truck drivers who claimed to be helping. Instead, their vehicles were held for ransom, and fake repair bills were sent to their insurers. Several of these incidents happened in Riverside County.
At the same time, the number of serious crashes remains high. In April, one person died and six others were hospitalized after a multi-vehicle wreck in downtown Riverside. In a separate case, an ambulance crash in Home Gardens claimed the life of a 90-year-old patient.
If you’ve been involved in this type of crash, you need someone who knows what to watch for and how to help. Our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers are ready to take the pressure off you and start building your case right away.
Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
If you were injured in a crash with a commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. This can include:
Every case is different, and the amount you can recover depends on your injuries and the circumstances of the crash.
Contact our commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Riverside, CA today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
At Thompson Law, we do more than just file paperwork. We build each case step by step using proven strategies. This includes:
We stay focused on results and fight for the best outcome from start to finish.
Contact our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
As one of the best commercial vehicle law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated commercial vehicle 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 commercial vehicle injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law’s Riverside personal commercial vehicle lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.
Crashes involving commercial vehicles tend to cause more serious injuries than other types of accidents. This is because trucks, delivery vans, and utility vehicles are often much heavier than passenger cars. Victims can suffer long-term damage that affects their ability to work, care for themselves, or enjoy life like they used to.
Some of the most common injuries include:
Contact our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
We provide injury accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Riverside Commercial Vehicle lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence for injured victims so that you recover the money that you deserve.
The sooner you act after a commercial vehicle crash, the stronger your case will be. Evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and traffic camera footage can disappear quickly. Witness memories can fade, and companies may delay handing over records. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. That deadline can come faster than you think, especially if you’re focused on recovery. Acting quickly allows your attorney to gather records, secure evidence, and build a solid case.
Reach out to our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Under California law, a commercial vehicle is defined by how it is used, not just by its size or appearance. According to California Vehicle Code §260, a commercial vehicle is any vehicle required to be registered that is:
This includes:
Even smaller trucks, such as pickups, can fall under the commercial classification. If a pickup truck weighs more than 8,000 pounds unladen or has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 11,500 pounds, it is no longer treated as a personal-use pickup. Also, trucks modified with a utility box or used for specific tasks like towing must be registered as commercial vehicles.
This classification matters after a crash because it affects how insurance coverage is handled and who may be responsible for damages.
Contact our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION.
In Riverside, crashes involving delivery vans, utility trucks, and company cars often involve more than just the driver. Responsibility may fall on the company that owns the vehicle, manages the employee, or sets the schedule.
California follows the legal principle of respondeat superior, which means employers can be held liable for their employees’ actions when the employee is doing their job. If a delivery driver runs a red light while making a scheduled delivery, the employer may be financially responsible for the crash.
Responsibility becomes more difficult to determine when a worker is an independent contractor. Companies like courier services or utility providers may try to limit their liability by contracting work out, but courts will still look at how much control the company has over the driver’s work.
Other responsible parties may include:
Understanding who’s responsible in a commercial vehicle accident requires a close look at contracts, employment records, and how the crash happened.
Contact our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Company oversight (or the lack of it) plays a big role in many commercial vehicle crashes across Riverside. When a business fails to train its drivers properly, ignores safety checks, or pressures workers into unsafe routines, serious accidents can follow.
Examples of company negligence include:
Commercial drivers often operate heavy or specialized vehicles. Without full training on vehicle control, safety rules, and city traffic patterns, they pose a serious risk.
Companies must inspect and service their vehicles regularly. A worn-out brake line or faulty light can turn dangerous fast.
Drivers pushed to meet tight delivery windows may speed, skip rest breaks, or cut corners in traffic.
Companies should screen applicants for driving records, safety history, and valid commercial licenses.
In California, a company that puts profit ahead of safety can be held responsible for the harm its actions cause. Victims may be entitled to compensation for the pain resulting from these preventable collisions.
Protect your rights by contacting our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Many commercial trucks and vans today are equipped with onboard technology that records what happens on the road. This includes dashcams, GPS, and tools that track things like speed, braking, and hours on the job. After a crash, this kind of data can help show who was at fault.
Dashcams can record traffic conditions and show if a driver ran a red light, was following too closely, or looked away from the road. GPS and tracking systems can show how fast the vehicle was going and if the driver made any sharp turns or hard stops. If a driver was breaking safety rules, this information can help prove it.
This kind of technology gives solid proof. It doesn’t rely only on what people remember. When used the right way, it can help victims and their legal teams tell the full story and show that a company or driver made a mistake.
Let our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers review your case for FREE.
When insurance companies look at a commercial vehicle crash, they often try to lower what they have to pay. But onboard data can make it harder for them to deny what happened.
If the data shows the driver was speeding, braking too late, or breaking other safety rules, the insurance company is more likely to accept fault. That can speed up the settlement process and may lead to a better offer. It also gives your lawyer a strong tool during negotiations, since the evidence supports your side of the story.
This kind of data can also help if the case goes to court. Insurance companies know that if they delay or deny a fair payment, the facts from the onboard tech may be used against them in front of a jury.
Speak with our commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Riverside for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Commercial vehicle accidents happen more often in areas with busy intersections, high traffic, and fast-moving vehicles. In Riverside, several major roads like Van Buren Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue are known for frequent crashes. These locations are used daily by delivery drivers, service trucks, and company vehicles, which adds to the risk for everyone on the road.
While updated crash counts for each intersection aren’t always available, past data and traffic reports show that these intersections remain among the most accident-prone:
These areas are heavily traveled by both personal and commercial vehicles. Sharp turns, stop-and-go traffic, and merging issues make them common sites for crashes.
The 2022 city data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) shows how serious the crash problem is:
Looking county-wide, the risks grow even larger:
Talk with our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Both Riverside County and the City of Riverside enforce specific rules that restrict commercial vehicle use to keep neighborhoods safer and reduce damage to roads. These laws can have a major impact on liability after an accident. Knowing the rules can make all the difference when it comes to proving fault or defending your rights.
Riverside County limits commercial vehicle operations based on size, weight, and purpose of travel:
Commercial routes that are restricted include:
Approved detours include Van Buren Boulevard, Temescal Canyon Road, and I-15.
Not sure if a violation contributed to your crash? Reach out to our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’re here to help you get answers and support.
The City of Riverside enforces added restrictions to keep local streets safe and traffic flowing smoothly:
These laws affect dozens of major streets, including:
If a crash involved a vehicle that shouldn’t have been there, we can help you build a stronger claim. Call our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
The City of Riverside is taking steps to make its roads safer for everyone. Through its Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP), the city is focusing on high-crash areas and finding ways to prevent serious accidents, especially in places where commercial vehicles often travel.
Here are some of the key improvements the city is working on:
These changes are being rolled out over time, with the most dangerous spots being fixed first. The city is also working to improve safety in areas where residents face more risks due to poor road conditions or lack of infrastructure.
If you were hurt in a crash on a road the city knows is dangerous, your case may be even stronger. Contact our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
After a crash involving a commercial vehicle, getting medical help should be your top priority. In Riverside, several hospitals offer emergency care 24/7.
Riverside Community Hospital is one of the largest trauma centers in the area and is equipped to handle serious injuries. Other nearby facilities include Parkview Community Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center. If the accident is life-threatening, call 911 immediately and let first responders take you to the nearest emergency room. Quick treatment not only protects your health but also helps support your injury claim later.
Contact our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
A police report can be a critical piece of evidence in a commercial vehicle accident case. If you were involved in a crash within Riverside city limits, you can request a copy of the accident report from the Riverside Police Department. You can do this in person, by mail, or online. Reports are typically available within 10 business days of the crash. To file a new report, contact the non-emergency line at (951) 787-7911 or visit the department’s website. Be ready to provide the report number, the date of the crash, and your ID.
Contact our Riverside commercial vehicle accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Choosing the right law firm matters, especially when you’re up against a company with deep pockets and strong legal teams. At Thompson Law, we bring years of experience handling commercial vehicle crash claims throughout Riverside.
We understand the local laws, know the courts, and have built strong relationships in the area. Our clients appreciate our honesty, quick responses, and results. We take care of everything so you can focus on healing, not paperwork.
Talk to our commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Riverside today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
If a tow truck arrives before you’ve called for help or your insurer hasn’t dispatched one, be cautious. In Riverside, scams involving unauthorized tows are on the rise. Politely decline service, avoid signing anything, and contact your insurance company or the police to confirm the tow is legitimate.
Yes, but it’s important to act quickly. Delays in treatment can hurt your case because insurance companies may argue your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash. If you’re in pain days later, visit a doctor and let your attorney know.
Liability can still fall on the contracting company, especially if they controlled the driver’s schedule or equipment. We look at contracts, training records, and how much control the company had to determine who is responsible.
Yes. Don’t give recorded statements, admit fault, or downplay your injuries. Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Let your lawyer speak on your behalf.
You may still qualify for compensation. This is known as an “aggravation of a pre-existing condition,” and it’s common in vehicle accidents. Medical records can show how your condition changed after the crash.
Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.
