A trucking accident can happen anywhere, but collisions are often more likely under certain conditions or in certain environments. For anyone driving through mountainous roads, coming around a bend, or having the misfortune of having a large truck fail to brake on a steep decline can lead to serious injuries. In those situations, you may be wondering what to do if you’ve been injured in a trucking accident on San Bernardino County mountain roads.
Why Are Mountain Trucking Accidents So Dangerous in San Bernardino County?
The San Bernardino Mountains offer seemingly endless scenic drives. Routes like State Route 18, SR-330, and SR-138 feature steep grades, right curves, and narrow shoulders. If drivers need to swerve to avoid a collision, there may not be adequate shoulder space to veer into. This can create challenging driving environments, even for experienced drivers. Commercial trucks only add to the potential dangers if they experience brake failure or jackknife on the road.
Adding to the danger is the Inland Empire’s massive freight activity. San Bernardino County has grown into a major logistics hub. By 2023, the region contained over one billion square feet of warehouse space, and another 170 million is slated for construction in the near future. Thousands of freight haulers leave industrial zones in nearby Fontana, Bloomington, and Redlands as they take to mountain roads to reach their destinations.
With an estimated 950,000 daily semi-truck trips across Southern California, the risk spills into mountain corridors. In 2021, California recorded 4,285 traffic fatalities, and rural or mountain roads often lack the guardrails, visibility, and infrastructure needed to prevent disaster.
Steps to Take After a Mountain Trucking Crash
If you’ve been injured in a collision involving a semi-truck on a San Bernardino County maintenance road, your priority should be on your safety. Seek medical help, even if your injuries seem minor. Mountain crashes often involve delayed responses due to location, so call 911 immediately and stay visible if you’re near a curve or descent.
If you can do it safely, document the scene by taking photos of the road conditions, skid marks, truck signage, and other areas that help your attorney understand what caused the crash. This can be crucial in proving liability later, especially on winding routes like Rim of the World Highway or Crestline Cutoff, where terrain complicates crash reconstruction.
Request the truck driver’s company and insurance information, but do not discuss the accident with them. Commercial drivers must comply with state and federal regulations. They are required to inspect their vehicles and maintain service logs. If there are any witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information. Every statement can help. Avoid speaking to the insurance company until you have legal representation. Preserve your medical records as well.
What You’ll Need to Prove in a Legal Claim
Trucking claims are more complex than collisions that only involve automobiles. You’ll need to establish that the driver’s negligent actions caused the collision in order to receive compensation from their insurance carrier or the civil courts. If the truck driver works for a trucking group, that company may be liable for the collision.
Proving negligence requires reviewing black box data, logbooks, and other forms of evidence. Phone records may show that they were texting at the time of the collision or looking at their cell phones for another reason. Trucking companies may be liable for overloading trucks or failing to maintain the vehicle. They are also responsible for taking the time to hire qualified drivers who have been screened.
Many injured passengers and drivers rely on the services of a truck accident lawyer to help them navigate the claims process. Trucking groups and their insurance carriers often take steps to avoid liability following a collision. An attorney can ensure that you are treated fairly and taken seriously. They can also play a valuable role in maximizing your compensation so you do not have to live with the financial consequences of another driver’s negligence or misconduct.
FAQs
How Is Fault Determined in a Mountain Trucking Accident?
Investigators consider factors like speed, road grade, brake condition, and driver reaction time. On steep roads like Highway 18 or the Cajon Pass, faults may also involve overloading or mechanical failure. Evidence from dashcams, black boxes, and eyewitnesses is used to determine if the trucker, company, or another party contributed to the crash through negligence or poor maintenance.
How Soon Must an Accident Be Reported to Insurance in California?
Most insurance policies require prompt notification, often within 24 to 72 hours of the crash. Delays may affect coverage or claim processing. Even if you are not at fault, reporting the accident quickly protects your right to compensation. If you were injured on a San Bernardino mountain road, document the scene and notify your provider as soon as possible.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Settlement amounts vary widely based on the severity of injuries, medical costs, and long-term impact. Claims involving commercial trucks often result in higher compensation due to the size of the vehicles and the extent of damage. Mountain crashes in San Bernardino County may lead to greater losses because of high-speed descents and limited braking zones, which increase collision force.
Who Investigates Trucking Accidents on Mountain Roads?
Trucking accidents are typically investigated by local law enforcement, the California Highway Patrol, and insurance adjusters. In serious cases, federal agencies like the National Transportation Safety Board may also be involved. These investigations are detailed and may include inspections of the truck, trailer, brakes, and road conditions, especially in mountainous regions known for steep grades and tight curves.
Injured on a Mountain Road in San Bernardino County? We Can Help
Trucking accidents on San Bernardino County’s winding mountain roads can lead to catastrophic injuries. If you were hurt in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
At Easton & Easton, we have decades of experience holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable. Our trial-ready team of injury lawyers understands how mountain road conditions, cargo loads, and braking issues can all factor into these accidents. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
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