Communities along the San Bernardino Freeway are some of the fastest-growing areas in the Inland Empire. Industry expansion and the use of trucks to transport goods throughout the state and country have created dangerous travel scenarios for commuters traveling between Los Angeles and San Bernardino, leading to severe and fatal injuries. Being involved in a San Bernardino Freeway accident is a daily concern for California motorists.
Injuries resulting from these crashes are often life-changing and may result in significant financial setbacks. Speak to a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer if you are involved in a San Bernardino Freeway accident. We understand the significant challenges accompanying truck accidents and are determined to sort through the complexities to help you receive the compensation available to you.
Are San Bernardino Freeway accidents common?
San Bernardino County and cities along the San Bernardino Freeway have witnessed a steady climb in traffic injuries and fatalities. Industrial growth along the I-10 corridor stretches highway capacity to a maximum, leading to continual road expansions and creating the potential for hazardous driving conditions. Truck accidents, which can contribute to traffic congestion, lead to drivers experiencing long waits and overwhelming commutes.
Recent truck accidents on the San Bernardino Freeway include:
- Semi truck crushes vehicle on 10 Freeway
- Semi and blue sedan involved in fiery crash on I-10
- Santa Ana winds topple 5 big rigs, with two of the accidents occurring at an I-10 interchange
What factors contribute to increased accidents on the San Bernardino Freeway?
Multiple portions of I-10 have been identified as a bottleneck (Table A.1) for truck traffic in California, resulting in significant congestion. Increasing traffic volume compounded by needed road improvements and ongoing construction contribute to truck accidents on the San Bernardino Freeway.
Poor weather conditions in recent semi-truck accidents noted above along I-10, and its interchanges create major road blockages. Mitigating truck accidents in California weather events emphasizes the significance of truck drivers and trucking companies taking the following precautions:
- Ensuring truck drivers in California operate at safe speeds for weather conditions
- Considering the impact of tractor-trailer loads, or the lack of cargo, during wind events
- Hiring experienced drivers with the capacity to navigate California’s complex roadways
Distracted driving is responsible for over 140 deaths on California highways. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), over 74% of drivers in California identify distracted driving as a highway safety challenge. Truck drivers along the San Bernardino Freeway must contend with internal and external distractions while navigating intense traffic, major construction, and natural events that compound driving dangers on The I-10.
Who may be responsible for an I-10 Freeway accident involving a truck near San Bernardino?
Truck drivers owe other commuters a duty of care as they travel the freeways. Additionally, parties that are responsible for a truck’s safe operation may also be found liable, including:
- The truck’s owner or trucking company
- Cargo loaders
- Maintenance and safety divisions
State and federal highway departments may also be found liable for your injuries in a truck accident due to the following reasons:
- Poorly maintained roadways
- Confusing signage in construction areas
- Poor routing directions on new roadways
- Decreased visibility
- Inadequate areas for pedestrians and bicycle riders
Who is responsible for roadway maintenance will depend on the accident location. Additionally, the laws governing a truck’s operation will vary depending on whether it operates intrastate or interstate.
How can a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer help me?
Determining who is responsible for a truck accident requires a comprehensive evaluation. Our goal is to uncover any contributing factors in a truck accident. We may collect, request, or review the following information as proof of negligence in an accident:
- A truck driver’s driving and medical records
- Blood and breathalyzer analyses, when collected
- A trucking company’s safety record
- Eyewitness interviews
- Accident photos
- Medical records as proof of your injuries
Injuries resulting in severe impairments, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), are a potential health hazard in truck accidents. Ensuring you receive the medical care you need will be a priority.
Can other drivers contribute to a San Bernardino Freeway truck accident?
Truck drivers in the San Bernardino region must maneuver large vehicles through some of the most congested traffic areas in the United States. These actions by other drivers may contribute to truck accidents:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Aggressive Driving
There are rarely simple answers in a San Bernardino Freeway truck accident. The Ernst Law Group is committed to answering complex questions in a San Bernardino Freeway crash.
Who do I contact following a San Bernardino Freeway truck accident?
Contact a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer at Ernst Law Group. We are a law practice experienced in the impact of truck accidents and the injuries they may cause, such as TBI. We offer a free consultation to discuss any damages you may be entitled to and how we can help. Contact us online or by calling (805) 541-0300.
