Riverside Truck Accident Lawyer
Riverside Truck Accident Attorney
The Riverside area is a busy metropolitan center in Southern California, and many commercial truck drivers navigate its local roads to make vital deliveries. If you drive in Riverside, you are likely accustomed to seeing various commercial vehicles on a regular basis, from local delivery trucks to large tractor-trailers. These large trucks can cause serious collisions that leave injured parties seeking representation from a Riverside truck accident lawyer.
While most drivers encounter such vehicles without issue, it is vital for all drivers to recognize the dangers they pose and the severity of the accidents they can cause. Any motor vehicle accident can potentially inflict severe injuries on those involved, some of which may be life-changing.
Truck accidents are especially dangerous due to the trucks’ large size and the difficulty victims often have proving liability. The first step in recovering from any vehicle accident in California is proving how the accident happened and who caused it. When it comes to truck accidents, this is typically far more challenging than it is in most other vehicle accident cases.
A Trusted Team of Injury Lawyers Serving Riverside
Easton & Easton can provide the reassurance and support you need when you are recovering from a serious truck accident that someone else caused. Our team has extensive professional experience handling all types of personal injury claims in Riverside, including those that implicate truck drivers and/or their employers.
To date, we have helped clients reclaim more than $2 billion through strategically negotiated settlements and favorable court verdicts. Regardless of the cause of your recent truck accident, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel you can trust as soon as possible. We can help you rest and recover from your injuries with peace of mind as we assist you in determining your ideal options for legal recourse.
How to Prove Liability for a Trucking Accident in Riverside
California upholds the fault rule for resolving vehicle accident claims. This means that any party responsible for causing an accident is liable for the damages it causes to others. You must establish liability before you can pursue any type of compensation through an auto insurance claim and/or personal injury claim.
You may be unsure how to prove fault for a truck accident you recently experienced. It is crucial that you speak with an experienced Riverside truck accident attorney as soon as possible. It can be difficult to legally establish liability for any type of motor vehicle accident in Riverside, but it is especially challenging when you face a truck accident case that implicates multiple defendants.
The legal issue of vicarious liability can arise at any time a trucking company or other employer is held liable for the actions of its employee.
For example, if the truck driver who caused your accident was drunk behind the wheel, and their employer never verified their criminal history, which would have revealed past convictions for driving under the influence (DUI), the employer would bear vicarious liability for your damages.
A Third Party Can Be Responsible
In some cases, a third party in another vehicle causes an accident with a truck. The resulting impact could damage your vehicle as well. Ultimately, there are many ways for liability to be difficult to prove in a truck accident claim, but having the right attorney assist you is the ideal way to overcome such challenges and reach the most favorable possible outcome for your case.
Commonly Reported Causes of Truck Accidents
A large commercial truck is vulnerable to all of the same risk factors that endanger other drivers. Truck accidents happen throughout California because of speeding, moving violations, and distracted driving every day. However, there are additional risk factors unique to trucks that all drivers must understand.
For example, improperly loaded cargo is a significant concern because an imbalanced cargo load can cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle. If the truck’s cargo isn’t secured correctly, a sharp turn could lead to a rollover or tip-over accident.
Large commercial trucks also experience greater wear and tear compared to other passenger vehicles due to the time they spend on the road. Cargo balancing issues, improper maintenance, and many other risk factors all contribute to the number of truck accidents reported in the US each year. Distracted driving is another potential cause of a collision, especially considering that 3,275 people lost their lives to distracted driving in 2023.
Mechanical Failure
When truck maintenance is not performed correctly, the truck can experience a mechanical failure that results in a devastating crash. Failure to adhere to applicable trucking industry regulations can also lead to accidents, and the parties responsible will face harsh penalties from the oversight agencies that regulate the industry.
When a truck accident occurs because of negligence, the plaintiff must prove the defendant failed to meet a specific duty of care that directly caused damages. The most commonly cited form of negligence responsible for causing vehicle accidents of all kinds is distracted driving.
When an at-fault driver breaks California law in a manner resulting in severe bodily injury or death, they not only face increased penalties for breaking the law but also liability for the victim’s civil damages.
Recovering Your Damages Through an Auto Insurance Claim
California’s fault system for resolving vehicle accidents means that an at-fault driver is liable for any damages they cause to others, and the victim has the right to file a claim against their auto insurance policy. Before they can do this, they must firmly establish the defendant’s liability, proving their damages did not result from another cause.
Truck drivers and their employers must have auto insurance coverage just like all other drivers, and most trucking companies maintain expansive insurance coverage. However, it is rarely easy or pleasant to deal with insurance carriers, and most look for any reason to deny claims outright or reduce the amount they pay out.
Understanding Insurance Claims
When you have an experienced Riverside truck accident attorney representing you in the insurance claim process, they can streamline the process of securing a fair insurance claim settlement. When you choose Easton & Easton to represent you in your recovery efforts after your truck accident, you will have experienced legal counsel readily available to address your concerns throughout the claim process.
Additionally, you will have the reassurance that our team has dealt with the major insurance carriers covering trucking companies and drivers throughout California, and we know the tactics they typically employ to avoid paying claim settlements. Once an insurance company realizes that a claimant has legal counsel advising them, it will be far less inclined to engage in bad-faith tactics.
Personal Injury Claim Damages in Riverside
Unfortunately, many truck accidents have devastating consequences, and the insurance settlement an injured driver secures may cover only a fraction of their total losses. If this applies to your situation, the next phase of your recovery will be filing a personal injury claim against the driver who caused your accident.
After establishing liability and securing as much compensation as possible through an insurance claim, your Riverside truck accident attorney will assess whether you have outstanding losses recoverable with a successful personal injury claim.
Most personal injury cases involve acts of negligence, but a personal injury can also arise from intentional misconduct. No matter the situation, your attorney will work to secure the greatest amount of compensation attainable under California law. Your attorney will assist you in proving the full extent of the damages caused by the defendant. They will also help you gather any documentation and supporting evidence you need to prove liability.
Economic Damages in California Personal Injury Cases
When you have proven a defendant is responsible for your recent injury, state law dictates that you have the right to seek full repayment of all the financial harm they caused. This includes not only immediately recognizable economic damages but also the projected future losses their actions are likely to cause.
Medical expenses are the most commonly cited economic damages in personal injury claims. The defendant who injured you is liable for the cost of any medical care you require to heal as fully as possible from your injury.
Additionally, you can hold them accountable for future medical expenses you face if you were seriously injured. Some personal injuries will demand emergency treatment immediately after they happen, and victims will go on to require ongoing therapy and other treatments until they reach optimal medical improvement from their injuries.
Seeking Compensation
Similarly, you have the right to seek lost wages and lost future earning capacity from the defendant who injured you. You may not be able to work for a long time after your accident, and if you are able to eventually return to work, the defendant is responsible for repaying you for all the income you lost during your recovery.
Further, if the accident left you permanently disabled and you cannot continue working at all, you may seek compensation for your lost future earning potential as well. Your Riverside truck accident attorney will be invaluable for proving the full extent of this lost future income, accounting for how much you would have reasonably expected to earn if you hadn’t been injured and could continue working until retirement.
You can also seek compensation for your vehicle repair costs and other personal property lost in the accident. While the defendant’s insurance policy may cover a portion of these losses, any remainder can be included in your civil action.
How We Can Help
Easton & Easton is experienced in handling complex personal injury claims, many of which involve extensive immediate and long-term damages. We are skilled at helping our clients uncover the full range of their economic damages, but a truck accident claim is likely to yield compensation for their non-economic damages as well.
Defining Non-Economic Damages in California Truck Accident Cases
California law allows a plaintiff to seek compensation for the non-economic effects a defendant’s actions have had on their life. Most people are familiar with the concept of claiming compensation for “pain and suffering,” but they may struggle to understand how one can assign a monetary value to intangible damages like physical pain and psychological trauma.
A skilled Riverside truck accident attorney can be crucial in this respect, helping their client assess a fair value that reflects the severity of their experience and their condition after the accident.
Pain and suffering may be sought on a “per diem” basis, which awards a specific amount every day until the plaintiff reaches optimal medical improvement. The per diem method applies when the plaintiff is expected to fully recover from their injuries and obtains suitable compensation for the time the victim spends recovering from painful injuries. Courts typically award a per diem with the expectation of a relatively short recovery time.
Determining Liability
When a plaintiff has suffered permanent harm of any kind, their attorney is more likely to seek a larger lump sum, calculated by multiplying the total of their economic losses by a factor that reflects the severity of the permanent harm they face. This is the more likely option for a plaintiff left permanently disabled by their truck accident, as state law does not cap or limit pain and suffering compensation in truck accident claims.
Remember that multiple defendants can share liability for a truck accident, in which case they will each receive fault percentages from the judge overseeing the case. If there are two defendants and one is found 40% at fault and the other 60% at fault, these percentages dictate how much of the plaintiff’s damages each defendant is responsible for paying.
Easton & Easton has the experience and resources necessary to help our clients through the most difficult personal injury cases. While you may feel distressed and uncertain following your recent accident, we can help you gain a clearer sense of the situation and determine the most suitable path to recovery.
Client Testimonials
We are proud of our average rating of 4.9 stars from former clients. Here are actual testimonials by our former clients.
After my own car accident, I experienced firsthand the care, dedication, and professionalism my husband, Aaron Sinfield, brings to every case at Easton & Easton. From the very beginning, he was attentive and knowledgeable, guiding me through each step with clarity and confidence.
Linda S.
I appreciate the services of Easton & Easton because they were timely in returning my calls and emails, they were truthful, and they followed through with each and every task. I was able to trust my case in their expert hands.
Lisa L.
As a past client of this firm, I can attest that they are AMAZING!! Travis Easton was able to settle with the other driver and then get me additional money through my own Underinsured Motorist Coverage. I am so grateful for the work they did for me!
*Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
Like many parts of our system of justice, civil claims operate under an adversarial model. This means that there are generally two parties to a claim, with each seeking a different outcome. When someone is injured by a truck driver, the injured party can become the plaintiff in an injury claim. The accused party, known as the defendant, then becomes a party to the claim.
Truck accident lawyers represent plaintiffs. As advocates for their clients’ interests, truck accident lawyers play a critical role in shaping the outcome of injury claims by gathering and presenting evidence, filing motions, and addressing the court when needed. Injury lawyers bring unique skills when supporting clients. They can investigate the cause of a collision, negotiate a settlement, or initiate litigation in court.
Injury lawyers also play an important role when it comes to advising and counseling clients. They can explain truck accident laws in simple terms and keep clients updated throughout the claims process. By advising clients and navigating the complexities of the court system, truck accident lawyers balance the scales of justice in favor of injured parties.
Challenges You May Face if You Do Not Have Legal Representation?
If you are seeking compensation for a car collision injury in Riverside, you are far from alone. Riverside saw 1,805 people injured or killed in 2023, and there were 1,037,118 civil court filings across the state in 2025. Injured clients rely on the support of injury lawyers due to the complexities of the injury claims process. Establishing liability can be one early challenge for anyone seeking compensation following a truck collision.
Any injury claim must be backed by strong evidence and sound legal arguments. Without legal representation, you may fail to gather the evidence that is needed to secure the compensation that you are owed. If the other party disputes liability, that could lead to a case where it is your word against theirs. An injury lawyer can play a critical role in those situations by relying on evidence to back their understanding of events.
Without legal representation, you could also run into challenges securing a settlement that accounts for the harm you suffered. Insurance companies are focused on protecting their profits. They may make a low-ball settlement offer to reduce their financial liability.
Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a truck accident, your top priority should be to hire a Riverside truck accident attorney who understands the state’s truck accident laws and how to manage your truck accident case. When you work with a Riverside truck accident attorney, you gain the support of an unwavering advocate who understands how the local courts operate and how to secure a settlement that fully compensates you for the harm you endured.
Attorneys are skilled at both negotiating and litigating. Their top priority is making sure you recover what you lost after a truck collision in Canyon Crest, Orangecrest, Arlington, or another Riverside neighborhood.
Riverside Truck Accident FAQs
Why Should I Hire a Riverside Truck Accident Attorney?
It is technically possible to file a truck accident claim on your own, but you have a much better chance of securing the favorable results when you have a Riverside truck accident lawyer representing you. Even if you are concerned about the cost of hiring your attorney, the difference they can make in your case’s outcome can be tremendous. They will make every aspect of your case easier to manage and more likely to yield positive results.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Riverside Truck Accident Lawyers?
Easton & Easton accept personal injury clients on a contingency basis, meaning it costs you nothing to hire our firm, and there is no risk to you if we cannot secure compensation on your behalf. A contingency agreement means the client pays no upfront fees for representation and only pays a percentage of the case award if the attorney secures a settlement for the case.
While you may be hesitant to part with a percentage of your recovery, remember that even after you account for your contingency fee, they are likely to recover far more compensation on your behalf than you could manage alone.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim in California?
Some truck accident claims can be resolved relatively swiftly, especially when fault is readily apparent, and the plaintiff has legal counsel. It behooves the defendant in such a situation to settle the case as quickly as possible. However, if the defendant denies liability or refuses to settle, the case will proceed to litigation. Any civil litigation related to a truck accident could take several months or longer to resolve.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth in Riverside, CA?
California law allows you to seek full repayment of all the economic losses you sustained in your truck accident, including your lost income, medical expenses, and vehicle repair costs. You could claim compensation for immediate and future economic damages if you suffered severe injuries that have diminished your earning capacity and require ongoing care.
When you combine the total of your claimable economic damages with the pain and suffering compensation you seek from the defendant, you may be surprised to learn that your case is worth much more than you expected at the outset of your case proceedings.
What Happens if I Share Fault for a Truck Accident?
If you bear partial liability for the truck accident you recently experienced, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot seek compensation for your damages. California’s pure comparative negligence statute allows a partially at-fault plaintiff to recover compensation from the defendant who injured them.
In that case, their percentage of fault for causing the incident in question will be deducted from their case award. For example, if a plaintiff is discovered to be 25% at fault for their personal injury, they lose 25% of their case award.
Speak to Our Riverside Truck Accident Lawyer
Easton & Easton have helped many Riverside clients with all types of personal injury cases, including truck accident cases. We understand the uncertainty and pain that can follow any serious accident, especially in legally complex cases like truck accidents.
Whatever your case entails, you have the right to seek full compensation for the damages inflicted on you by the defendant. The sooner you connect with our team, the sooner we can begin working on your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Riverside truck accident attorney you can trust for your recovery efforts.
Riverside, CA Truck Accident Resources
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The superior client service Easton & Easton provides has earned the firm an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen anew each year since 2014 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the "Best Law Firms" for the Southern California Metro Area.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen by OC Register Voters as "The Best Law Firm in Orange County” each year since voting began in 2022.
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been selected as Top 100 Trial Lawyers for California by the National Trial Lawyers — a membership organization limited to less than 1% of attorneys.
Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis and Gabe have each been selected to "Best Lawyers" for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers selects the Top 5% of attorneys based on peer voting and client reviews.
We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as the #1 Bicycle Accident Settlement in California in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have each been selected by Super Lawyers, an honor given to less than 5% of attorneys. Travis, Gabe and Brenda have all been selected among Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars in Southern California.
Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a Top 10 Personal Injury Settlement in California in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.
Easton & Easton received the “People Love Us On Yelp” award in 2016 due to the exceptional client satisfaction reviews given by our clients over the years.
Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.
Brian, Matt, and Travis Easton have each earned lifetime appointment to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — The Top Trial Lawyers in America™ through the results achieved for their clients (an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys in the United States).
Doug Easton has held the “AV Preeminent” Rating for over 30 years and Matt Easton received this prestigious distinction in 2015. The "AV Preeminent" rating is the highest possible rating for both legal ability and ethical standards, and is based on the legal profession’s oldest peer review rating system, dating back to 1887.
We were recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a the #1 Personal Injury Settlement in Los Angeles County in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.
Brian Easton was selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2015. ABOTA is one of the most premier associations of trial attorneys and judges, requiring a certain number of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board.
Matt, Travis, Gabe and Brenda have all been selected at some point as one of the Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40 for California by The National Trial Lawyers — an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Easton & Easton was honored for securing a $20,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2019 by TopVerdict.com.
Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 based on their skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews.
Easton & Easton was honored to have been chosen by the LA Times Reader's Choice Poll as "The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" for 2018-2020 (each year the voting took place).
We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California in 2016 by TopVerdict.com.
Awards/recognitions noted are from organizations recognized within the legal profession as bona fide.
No purchase was required for selection. Selection methodologies available upon request.
“We look for the human story behind every injury or wrongful death. We prepare our cases for trial; reaching out to the jury with the most compelling evidence possible for the best verdict possible. Insurance companies know this and come to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. Call us to see how we can turn your story into fair compensation.”
Partner W. Douglas Easton
What Our Clients Say
“Client testimonials reflect individual experiences; results vary. No guarantee of outcome.”
Coming out of my first auto accident as an adult, a very difficult and scary time to navigate and understand, I was so incredibly thankful to have been put in contact with Easton & Easton. I honestly was lost with how to handle paperwork, doctors, medical costs and what next steps were, and from the moment I spoke with Travis Easton and my case manager Katie, my mind was put at ease. They have made the entire process stress free for me as I recovered, and I am so grateful for them and their genuine care for my case. Communication from the start has been fantastic, especially making clear what my expectations for the entire process would look like, and I truly believe they have my best interest at heart. 100% I would recommend their firm for anyone that is needing representation! Read more…
My experience with Easton & Easton has been amazing! Gabriel Mendoza and my case manager Katie have been so helpful and taken so much stress off my plate. They’ve been super informative and honest and given me very clear expectations. They’ve taken such a terrible experience (my accident) and eased my mind about the outcome. I can’t thank them enough!! Read more…
Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…
The Easton & Easton Law Firm is amazing! The entire team is very helpful and caring. They were always there to answer all my questions. They directed me through the entire process and stayed with me every step of the way. This team is outstanding and were wonderful to work with. Because of the tremendous effort they put on my case they were able to win my difficult personal injury case. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to handle my case. They are the Best! Thank you for your patience, professionalism, & guidance! I definitely recommend this firm to handle your case. They go out of their way to fight for your rights. THANK YOU… Read more…
I could not be more pleased with the services provided by the Law Offices of W. Douglas Easton. The senior partner Mr. Easton took the time to meet with me and my wife while I was still in the hospital, where he gave my family hope that there was light at the end of a very long, and very dark tunnel. Matt Easton then worked my case, and because of his dedication, experience and expertise I received a settlement that was larger than I EVER thought possible. It was truly astounding! Matt and the entire team at Easton & Easton looked out for me throughout my recovery, and in the end they gave me my life back. Five stars is not enough. Thanks Matt! Thanks Easton & Easton! Read more…
Brian and everyone at Easton and Easton are simply the BEST at what they do. Brian is thorough, easy to talk to, and truly cares about his clients. If you want a family of attorneys with perseverance and determination to fight for you, give Easton and Easton a call. I am glad I did. Read more…
What an amazing law firm, talk about going above and beyond to make such a painful experience go so well. I have referred a co-worker and a family member to them as well and everyone had such a great experience as I had. Read more…
I can’t say enough amazing things about my experience with Travis Easton at Easton & Easton. Travis and his entire team (Katie, Amy, Dee, Michelle, & Araceli) are phenomenal. It provided me a lot of comfort to know I was being so well taken care of. I was especially impressed that every document for the case was perfectly written and specific to me. Nothing was generic, which shows the level of care and attention they put into each individual case. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend Travis Easton and his firm to anyone going through a personal injury. Travis took a bad situation and made the best of it for me. Thank you again, I’m forever grateful!!
-Allee
Retaining Easton and Easton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From the initial consultation to our final meeting, they were nothing short of exceptional. I was forced to retain their services after firing my previous attorney for not handling the case properly. I dealt with Gabriel and Brian (partner) exclusively throughout the case. They did as promised and were great communicators throughout the entire process. I will recommend them to anyone I know going through a personal injury case. They were ultimately able to untangle the mess caused by my previous lawyer and get a result that I was extremely happy with. Their staff is exceptional as well and provided top notch customer service. Amera was also extremely helpful and easy to deal with as well.
I was in a pretty bad car accident and decided to have Easton & Easton represent me, Travis Easton to be specific. Travis Easton and his paralegal made the whole process effortless. They were so understanding and helpful! The entire thing was a gigantic mess, yet Travis managed to make it run like clockwork. I would HIGHLY recommend Easton & Easton! If you are ever in need of a personal defense attorney Easton & Easton is the firm to represent you!
They are the best law firm in Orange County period. Choosing them to represent me was the best decision of my life.
My life changed in a matter of seconds after a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left me disabled. Brian Easton and his team worked on my case non stop for 3 years and provided me the justice I deserved. I couldn’t have been more content.
I was treated with utmost respect and I felt like I was being represented by a close family member. The responses to my questions were quick and clear. What E & E has done for me is phenomenal.
My sincere thanks to Brian, Matt, Travis, Doug, Gabriel and Amera. They are what they are because of their dedication to provide high quality and professional service to their clients.
Brian Easton and his team, Gabe Mendoza and Amera Hajali, helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I had a significant injury from a car accident, and wound up seeking out Easton & Easton when I was having difficulties getting help from my doctors. The Easton team took a lot of stress off of me while acting as my advocates to help me get the care I needed, and saw my case all the way through to a healthy settlement.
They are the BEST!
I have nothing but good things to say about Easton and Easton. Brian handled my case professionally and communicated with me effectively throughout the process. He made sure that the process was effortless and as hands free as possible. This was super important for my busy schedule. I highly recommend Easton and Easton if you are ever found in a situation that you need an attorney.
I would highly recommend Easton & Easton.
I was rear ended on my home and pushed into a semi-truck. I was not sure how to go about even using an attorney.
Brian, Gab and Amera were so good about helping me thru the process and representing me.
I was able to concentrate on getting myself better knowing they had my back, taking care of the details and keeping me informed along the way
The best Law firm by far. I would highly recommend Easton & Easton, LLP and ask for Gabriel Mendoza and staff. He and his colleagues did and exceptional service. Thank you for everything. Job well done!
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