Riverside’s Catastrophic Truck and Big Rig Accident Lawyer
[Updated 01/28/2025]
Derek Pakiz and Robert Reeves at the Reeves Law Group are premier Riverside Truck/Commercial Vehicle Accidents Attorneys that have helped many victims of catastrophic crashes.
Confronting the physical agony and emotional upheaval following a serious commercial truck crash can leave you wondering: Why select our firm?
The rationale is straightforward: Derek stands among California’s foremost experts on truck accident injury claims.
He offers both vast courtroom experience and hands-on knowledge—particularly important given that, out of over 250,000 practicing attorneys in California, he is one of the very few with dual certification in Civil Trial Law and Truck Accident Law.
The Reeves Law Group has long been trailblazers in addressing catastrophic injuries tied to large commercial trucks and other heavy vehicles.
One of their standout accomplishments is a precedent-setting $8.75 million settlement in Southern California. Their approach is thorough and innovative, ensuring clarity and reassurance in complex legal settings—whether it’s a massive multi-vehicle trucking case or a less-publicized but still life-changing collision.
For over 30 years, they’ve honed a proven blend of strategic insight and genuine compassion when tackling commercial vehicle claims, solidifying their track record of exceptional wins. Their client-focused mindset has consistently guided their success across a wide spectrum of truck and commercial vehicle incidents.
If you or a loved one has suffered a life-altering accident involving a commercial truck—such as collisions between a big rig and a passenger car—contact Riverside’s top-tier injury team now. You may be eligible for substantial financial recovery related to your injuries and hardships.
Recognized by Newsweek among the Top 10 Trial Lawyers, The Reeves Law Group has championed the rights of those injured by big rigs, tractor trailers, and other heavy-duty vehicles in Riverside and throughout Southern California for more than three decades.
They also tap into cutting-edge accident reconstruction technology and collaborate with leading safety experts, reinforcing their position at the forefront of truck accident litigation.
For a Free Consultation – Call (800) 644-8000
Why Hire The Reeves Law Group?
If you’ve been involved in a tractor trailer or semi truck accident, The Reeves Law Group is a strong contender to hire for your legal representation. They have spent over three decades focusing on clients struggling with severe injuries or mourning the loss of loved ones, and have amassed a notable record of recovering upwards of $250 Million for those they serve.
Their success extends to defeating well-funded insurance carriers such as State Farm, Nationwide, Progressive Commercial, Travelers, GEICO commercial, and Allstate. They’ve also prevailed against major trucking and shipping organizations, including newer challenges posed by large delivery operators like FedEx and UPS and Sysco.
Worried about expenses and legal fees? You only pay them if they secure compensation on your behalf. Their contingency-based approach ensures you won’t face attorney’s fees unless they win.
Derek Pakiz, our firm’s lead attorney at The Reeves Law Group, was featured as Newsweek’s Top 10 Trial Lawyers in the Country. He is also recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States.
The Reeves Law Group
3890 11th St
Riverside
CA 92501
(951) 324-5174
A testimonial for the Reeves Law Group
“When looking for an attorney, I wanted someone local! It was really a personal experience from the start. They even had an attorney (Blaise) drive out to our house. Blaise made us feel important throughout the case. He would even personally call us to give us status updates. I really appreciate how the firm would go above and beyond.
Going above and beyond was very evident. Even after the firm had received their fee, our attorney, Blaise, continued to negotiate our bills down so that me and my husband could achieve maximum recovery. To be honest, we had another attorney working on our case prior to Reeves Law, and we are so happy that we made the decision to hire the correct and worthy firm to handle our case from start to finish. We have referred a family member to Reeves Law.
Allie D. via Yelp
Review Rating: 5 / 5
Do I Need an Attorney for Suing a Trucking Company?
Yes, you might need legal counsel if you’ve been hurt by an 18-wheeler or another commercial truck. Having a caring attorney can improve your chances of fair compensation, better medical support, and a more complete recovery.
Truck-related accidents can inflict devastating injuries, crippling expenses, and lingering emotional trauma. The physical agony and financial burden can feel overwhelming.
The Reeves Law Group is here to guide you with compassion and determination. As a focused personal injury firm in Riverside, we understand how catastrophic commercial vehicle crashes—whether with a big rig, semi-truck, or FedEx and UPS delivery van—can shatter lives.
Our legal experts know these cases often involve many parties, from the truck driver to the rig’s manufacturer, and even the owner of the cargo on board. With thorough investigation, we piece together who is truly responsible and work tirelessly to seek the compensation you deserve.
We support clients suffering from life-changing conditions, such as severe brain trauma or debilitating spinal injuries. We believe in showing deep empathy while taking strong action on your behalf.
If you need a compassionate, skilled attorney after a serious accident with an 18-wheeler or other large commercial vehicle, contact The Reeves Law Group. Our dedicated team will stand by your side, fighting for justice, better healing, and the financial recovery you need.
How Can The Reeves Law Group Help Me?
The Reeves Law Group can help you because we understand how devastating a tractor-trailer collision can be for you and your loved ones. Our compassionate team has years of experience handling truck and tractor-trailer crashes and the resources to pursue a fair resolution on your behalf.
Or Riverside team will begin by offering you a free consultation to explore your legal options. We will never settle for a payout that disregards the true value of your claim.
Big commercial rigs can cause life-changing injuries, and you have the legal right to seek economic, non-economic, and punitive damages if you were harmed in an 18-wheeler accident. Establishing negligence on the part of a truck operator or the company is central to these cases, holding employers liable for their driver’s actions.
Unfortunately, trucking companies often employ aggressive tactics to limit or deny responsibility. We counter their strategies by conducting in-depth investigations with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to emphasize the severity of your losses.
Although negligence claims against trucking corporations can be complex, partnering with a knowledgeable plaintiff’s attorney offers your best chance at full compensation. We will protect your rights and advocate for you against all accountable parties, including the driver, the carrier, and any insurers involved.
Start with a free consultation to assess your case.
How Much Might You Recover?
No two commercial truck collisions in California have a fixed or “average” payout. We’ve seen amounts from $20,000 up to $30 million in the Riverside area.
Crashes resulting in devastating harm often lead to the highest sums. If a collision is fatal, the claim may turn into a wrongful death lawsuit that can yield even greater damages.
To learn the possible value of your tractor-trailer case, consult a law firm such as the Reeves Law Group that has experience in litigation on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations and California’s laws. An experienced attorney can fight for the full amount of both economic and non-economic damages you deserve.
What Affects Settlement Amounts After a Big Rig + Passenger Car Wreck?
Each 18-wheeler accident has unique facts—like the severity of injuries to the passenger vehicle occupants that were victimized, the trucking company’s level of insurance, and whether the driver violated safety rules.
The quality of your legal representation also matters, as a skilled team will work with accident reconstruction experts and claims adjusters to strengthen your case.
Below are types of compensation a truck crash victim may pursue:
- Medical Expenses – Past, current, and anticipated medical treatment costs.
- Property Loss – Damage to your vehicle and personal items.
- Pain and Suffering – Discomfort, trauma, and ongoing physical challenges.
- Lost Earnings – Income you’ve missed while recovering or visiting healthcare providers.
- Reduced Earning Capacity – Diminishment of your future ability to earn a living.
- Lifestyle Changes – Loss of enjoyment in normal activities due to serious injuries.
- Life-Care Needs – Ongoing home or non-medical care if you’ve suffered severe harm.
- Punitive Damages – Extra compensation if the trucking company’s reckless conduct contributed to the collision.
Don’t settle for an insurance payout without talking to a proven personal injury attorney with a track record in trucking accident recoveries. Your lawyer can help ensure you don’t accept less than you rightly deserve.
Why Are Heavy-Duty Truck Collisions So Hazardous?
Riverside, CA is a major transit corridor in the Inland Empire. The 60, 91, and I-215 freeways see a high volume of semi-trucks every day, traveling to and from local warehouses and distribution centers.
Big rigs from Swift Transportation or J.B. Hunt have huge mass and can move at highway speeds. When they lose control, the resulting damage is often worse than crashes between standard vehicles. These trucks can’t stop quickly or maneuver as easily, making collisions with a large vehicle especially dangerous.
Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents in the Area
- Driver Fatigue – Long-haul routes to Riverside often lead to overworked drivers who risk falling asleep at the wheel.
- Speeding – Tight delivery schedules can push truckers to speed, increasing the chance of a major collision on local freeways.
- Distracted Driving – Using a phone, eating, or fumbling with a GPS takes the driver’s focus off traffic.
- Impaired Driving – Drug or alcohol use—even prescription misuse—can reduce alertness and reaction time.
- Poor Maintenance – Brake issues, steering failures, and worn tires can cause wrecks if the trucking company ignores upkeep.
- Insufficient Training – New drivers may not be fully prepared to handle an 18-wheeler in busy Riverside traffic.
- Unsecured Cargo – Improperly loaded freight on Amazon or FedEx trucks can shift and tip the vehicle.
- Unsafe Lane Changes – Large blind spots on big rigs demand extra caution. Merging incorrectly can be catastrophic.
- Tailgating – Trucks need more room to stop. Following too closely can lead to rear-end collisions.
- Weather Hazards – Rain or fog along I-215 makes it harder for heavy-duty vehicles to maintain control.
- Aggressive Driving – Reckless behaviors like weaving or red-light running endanger everyone.
- Equipment Failure – Defective parts such as faulty brakes or steering components can trigger disastrous accidents.
Regardless if a crash involves one of the larger trucking firms like Swift, Knight Transportation, or UPS, or a smaller owner operator with a single insured truck, your attorney will examine whether these companies followed California and federal safety regulations.
Frequent Injuries from Truck Wrecks
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Brain trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Wrongful death
Some injuries, like head or spinal trauma, remain unnoticed for days or weeks. If a loved one passes away after a commercial truck crash, the family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
Common Vehicles Involved include
Many large vehicles traverse Riverside’s busy roads each day, including semi-trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, FedEx and UPS delivery trucks, Amazon vans, box trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks, and cement trucks.
Because of Riverside’s high volume of truck traffic and distribution routes, collisions involving these heavy-duty vehicles can be especially devastating. If you find yourself in a crash with one of these commercial trucks, consult an experienced Riverside attorney who understands truck accident litigation to safeguard your rights.
Who Could Be Liable? Is It the Truck Driver or the Trucking Company?
Truck driver error or trucking company negligence can both lead to liability. These claims often involve substantial costs and complex legal hurdles that smaller law firms may not be willing or able to handle.
Many Potential Defendants
Various entities may be on the hook for your injuries and financial losses. Identifying each one requires swift investigation and precise liability assessment.
Who Could Be Liable?
- Drivers Involved: The truck operator and any other motorists whose conduct contributed to the crash.
- Manufacturers & Retailers: Defects in tires, engines, or other parts can stem from flawed production or sales.
- Truck Employers: The driver’s company may be accountable for negligent hiring or supervision.
- Maintenance & Repair Services: Faulty fixes or poor upkeep of the truck can create hazardous conditions.
- Government Agencies: A city, county, or state could be liable if its road conditions were unsafe or ignored.
If a commercial vehicle accident injured you or a loved one, consult a seasoned law firm for a free case review. A knowledgeable lawyer can help maximize your recovery of both economic and non-economic damages.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Serious Crash?
Seek professional medical care right away, even if you think you’re fine. A thorough exam can uncover hidden injuries you might not notice at first.
Preserve Vital Evidence
Keep records of your injuries and the accident scene itself. Trucking companies often dispatch rapid response teams to gather photos and measurements before everything is removed.
If you can, ask law enforcement to take pictures, or take your own if you’re safely able. Subtle details in these images may help accident reconstruction experts figure out how that tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler collided with your vehicle.
Secure Your Vehicle
If the crash caused significant injury, store your damaged car until you hire a lawyer. The wrecked vehicle can be crucial evidence if questions arise about how the crash occurred.
Contact an Attorney
Major trucking firms employ skilled defense lawyers to limit liability. You’ll need a personal injury attorney with deep experience in commercial vehicle cases.
Trial lawyers from a reputable PI firm must be able to hire investigators, preserve evidence as needed, and communicate effectively with truck companies, insurance companies, police, witnesses, and medical care providers.
In the case of a fatality, personal injury attorneys may even pursue a potential wrongful death case.
Truck Traffic and Accident Statistics in Riverside, CA
Riverside, located within California’s Inland Empire, serves as a major logistics hub due to its proximity to key ports and transportation corridors. The city’s infrastructure, including routes like I-215, SR-60, and SR-91, supports substantial daily truck traffic, contributing to both economic activity and roadway congestion.
Accident Data Specific to Riverside
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), in 2018, Riverside reported 1,989 traffic incidents resulting in injuries or fatalities. Of these:
- 174 were alcohol-related
- 85 involved motorcyclists
- 100 involved pedestrians
- 91 involved bicyclists
- Over 300 crashes were attributed to speeding
- 165 were hit-and-run incidents
Additional details can be found in the full report from OTS.
Contributing Factors to Truck-Related Accidents
Several factors increase the likelihood of truck accidents in Riverside:
- Driver Fatigue – Long hours on the road may lead to drowsiness, impairing reaction times and decision-making abilities. Violations of FMCSA Hours of Service regulations often contribute to fatigue-related incidents.
- Infrastructure Challenges – Aging roadways, construction zones, and traffic bottlenecks heighten accident risks.
- Traffic Congestion – The high volume of heavy trucks mixed with passenger vehicles, especially during peak hours, raises collision potential.
- Environmental Conditions – Factors such as nighttime driving, dense fog, and adverse weather conditions further complicate truck operations.
Safety Initiatives & Prevention Efforts
To mitigate trucking accidents, authorities implement enforcement strategies, infrastructure improvements, and public safety awareness campaigns. Agencies like the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provide oversight and safety regulations.
For more in-depth accident statistics and safety measures, refer to:
What to look for when choosing an attorney to hire For Your Case
Choosing a specific type of accident attorney experienced with commercial insurance for trucking involves a careful evaluation of several attributes:
1. Experience and Commercial Insurance Knowledge
- Look for an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable attorney who specializes in trucking accidents and understands commercial insurance complexities.
- A trustworthy personal injury law firm will analyze liability by examining driver logs and evaluating electronic logging device data.
- Ensure your attorney can interpret trucking regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and communicate effectively with insurance adjusters.
2. Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection
- A responsive attorney should investigate the accident scene, research critical evidence, and review police reports and eyewitness statements.
- They must document your case meticulously and gather accident reconstruction details with expert witnesses.
- By consulting specialists and retaining relevant records, a meticulous professional can prove your claim with strong support.
3. Negotiation and Settlement Process
- A dedicated attorney will negotiate a fair settlement while advising on contingency fee structures and challenging unfair offers.
- Their compassionate, supportive approach helps ensure a transparent and client-oriented experience.
- Look for a strategic and proactive partner who can calculate medical bills and argue for maximum compensation.
4. Litigation and Court Representation
- Seek an attorney with aggressive advocacy skills who is prepared to litigate your case before a judge or jury.
- They must examine damages, depose witnesses, and defend your rights in arbitration, mediation, or courtroom litigation.
- An accomplished attorney will present strong arguments, cross-examine opposing parties, and pursue justice diligently.
5. Additional Qualities and Client Care
- A professional, reliable lawyer should update you regularly on legal developments and project realistic outcomes.
- They need to be compassionate, empathetic, and patient, helping you through pain and suffering claims and guiding you with legal advice that is versatile and practical.
- Choose a renowned, resourceful, and results-driven attorney with a respected reputation and positive client reviews who will accelerate the path to a fair resolution.
Contact our Law firm that Handles Catastrophic Trucking-related Accident Claims
Derek Pakiz and the Reeves Law Group has extensive experience and expertise in all types of trucking and other serious roadway accidents and we have obtained substantial compensation for individuals that have been injured across Riverside and Southern California.
If you are a victim of a major trucking accident and would like to find out how much your case may be worth, contact us to speak with us today!
[Written by Derek Pakiz. Page Updated 01/28/2025]
CONTACT US
