San Bernardino’s Serious Truck and Big Rig Accident Lawyer

[Updated 01/23/2025]

Derek Pakiz and Robert Reeves at the Reeves Law Group are highly premier San Bernardino Truck/Commercial Vehicle Accidents Attorneys that have helped many victims of serious crashes.

In the midst of the physical and emotional pain and turmoil after a truck wreck you may ask: why hire our law firm?

The answer is easy: Derek is one of the top authorities in California on trucking accident injury cases, thanks to his extensive hands-on and in-court experience and considering that he is only out out of than 250,000 attorneys in California to be certified in both Civil Trial and Truck Accident law.

The Reeves Law Group has established themselves as pioneers in handling catastrophic injuries involving commercial trucks and heavy vehicles. Their groundbreaking case victories include a landmark $8.75 million settlement.

Each case receives their signature methodical attention, bringing both innovation and clarity during challenging times, while building an impressive history of victories across the spectrum of devastating truck and commercial vehicle incidents – from high-stakes cases to smaller but equally important matters.

Their blend of empathy and calculated expertise in managing commercial vehicle claims has been the cornerstone of their success throughout their 30-year journey.

Have you or someone close to you experienced a devastating truck-related collision (including accidents where trucks collided with passenger vehicles)? Reach out to LA’s premier injury law firm today. Your case may qualify for substantial compensation for damages and suffering.

As one of Newsweek’s Top 10 Trial Lawyers, The Reeves Law Group has devoted over three decades to championing the rights of big rig and tractor trailer accident victims across San Bernadino and the broader Southern California region.

For a Free Consultation – Call (800) 644-8000

Why Hire The Reeves Law Group?

The Reeves Law Group stands out as an exemplary choice for those seeking legal representation in tractor trailer or semi truck accidents, having built their reputation through consistently winning against major commercial vehicle insurers like State Farm, Nationwide, Progressive Commercial, Travelers, GEICO commercial, Allstate, as well as well-funded trucking and shipping companies.

Their three decades of dedication have been focused on supporting victims of life-altering injuries and families coping with tragic losses of loved ones. The firm’s track record includes securing over $250 Million in compensation for those they represent.

Concerned about legal fees? Rest assured – our personal injury attorneys operate on contingency, which means you don’t pay unless we secure a victory in your case.

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
198 N Arrowhead Ave
San Bernardino
CA 92408
(909) 657-0576

A testimonial for the Reeves Law Group

“I was in a terrifying roll over car accident in Riverside when a driver fell asleep and hit my car. We rolled over several times and flew off the road. Fortunately, I hired the Reeves Law Group so that a lawyer who specializes in serious car accident injury cases could help me. My attorney was great. He was really friendly, always kept me updated, and really went out of his way to help me in every way he could. Anyone in Riverside who gets into a car accident should go with the Reeves Law Group.”

Karina R. via Yelp

Review Rating: 5 / 5

Call (800) 644-8000
For a Free Consultation

Do I Need an Attorney for Suing a Trucking Company?

Yes you may need an attorney if you’ve been hurt in a collision with an 18-wheeler or another commercial truck and want to boost your likelihood of securing justice, achieving a favorable medical recovery, and receiving the highest possible compensation from the liable party or parties, then hiring an attorney is often a wise step.

In the aftermath of a severe truck-related crash, many victims endure serious injuries, profound emotional turmoil, and an oppressive sense of hopelessness.

If you’ve been struck by an 18-wheeler or a commercial vehicle, the journey toward obtaining fair compensation can feel crushing and exceedingly complicated.

The heartbreak of a life-altering injury, overwhelming hospital bills, and permanent physical and psychological wounds can cast a deep shadow over your daily life.

This is where The Reeves Law Group stands ready to help. Our firm is committed to providing empathetic yet tenacious legal support to those harmed in commercial trucking accidents involving big rigs, semi-trucks, and delivery vehicles operated by companies such as FedEx, UPS, or Amazon.

We know the distinctive challenges these cases can present and welcome any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here to help. Please contact us today if you have ANY questions! We are very happy to help.

Identifying the various parties involved—from the truck driver and the truck’s manufacturer to the business overseeing the transported cargo—requires a thorough, detail-oriented approach.

Our experienced local attorneys meticulously reconstruct what happened, helping to clarify your rights and ensuring your compensation claim is both legitimate and pursued with vigor.

As you navigate the difficult path toward physical and emotional recovery, count on our dedicated team to be your guiding light. Our unwavering commitment to justice and rehabilitation means we strive to lessen your sorrow and deliver meaningful closure.

The adversity and loss you’ve endured call for understanding coupled with determined advocacy. With our knowledgeable and reputable attorneys on your side, you’ll have the strong allies you need to seek the compensation and peace of mind you rightfully deserve.

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a devastating accident and need advice from a caring personal injury lawyer experienced in trucking and similar roadway crashes, The Reeves Law Group is here.

Our team exemplifies both tenacity and compassion, guiding you toward a better tomorrow. Contact us today, and let us help secure the justice, support, and financial recovery that you deserve.

How Can The Reeves Law Group Help?

The Reeves Law Group has extensive experience handling truck and tractor trailer collisions and possesses the necessary resources to achieve a favorable outcome in your case. Start with a free consultation to assess your case.

Our San Bernardino-based team will not settle for an amount that undervalues your claim. Begin the process with a complimentary consultation to examine your legal options.

Large commercial trucks can inflict severe and life-altering damage in a traffic accident, resulting in significant injuries for those involved. If you were affected by an 18-wheeler crash, you retain the legal right to pursue financial compensation for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Such claims hinge on establishing negligence on the part of the trucking company or driver, allowing victims to hold the entity that employed the trucker accountable for their losses.

Trucking companies often go to great lengths to minimize or outright avoid liability when their drivers cause accidents. They commonly use strategies intended to limit or deny payments to those injured.

While filing a claim based on the trucking company’s negligence may be your best means of obtaining compensation, securing the full amount you deserve is most effective when you have a knowledgeable and dedicated plaintiff’s attorney. A skilled lawyer will safeguard your rights and advocate on your behalf against all responsible parties, including the trucking companies, drivers, and their insurers.

How Much Compensation can Is Typically Available?

There is no fixed or “average” settlement figure for trucking and 18-wheeler accident claims in the state or the Inland Empire. Awards can range widely—some have been as little as $25,000, while others have climbed into the $50+ million range.

Severe trucking accidents that lead to critical or life-threatening injuries tend to secure the largest settlements when compared to minor incidents.

If the collision results in a fatality, it may become a wrongful death lawsuit and potentially yield even greater damages. To determine how much your 18-wheeler accident claim might be worth, seeking guidance from an experienced law firm is often the best step to pursue recovery for both economic and non-economic losses and to secure the maximum compensation available.

Factors That Affect Compensation

The lack of a single “typical” settlement is largely because every accident’s circumstances differ, making each final outcome highly individualized. Even so, certain common elements can help forecast the likely value of a trucking accident lawsuit.

These elements may involve the seriousness of the injuries and their lasting impact, the extent of the truck driver’s negligence, the insurance coverage provided by the trucking entity, wages lost due to the crash, and the caliber of your legal representation. All of these considerations combine to shape each settlement, and the potential recovery for your case is therefore unique to your situation.

Here are the general guidelines for compensation you may be entitled to recover:

• Medical Bills – for past, ongoing, and future medical care
• Property Damage – for losses sustained to your vehicle
• Pain and Suffering – for bodily harm and any resulting limitations
• Loss of Wages – for income you forfeited while treating your injuries or attending medical appointments
• Impairment of Earning Capacity – for the reduction in your ability to work and earn a living
• Lifestyle Changes – for any loss of enjoyment in daily activities caused by disabling injuries
• Life-Care Costs – for any necessary long-term, non-medical support
• Punitive Damages – for reckless or intentional acts by the trucking company that contributed to the accident

Before accepting any offer from an insurance provider, consult a plaintiff’s lawyer with documented success in litigating and settling truck and tractor trailer accident cases, to ensure you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles—such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or commercial buses—are extremely dangerous because of the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.

A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, greatly exceeding the average passenger car’s weight. This significant difference translates into powerful impact forces during a collision, often leading to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe fractures.

Additionally, these vehicles require more distance to come to a full stop, and driver errors—like fatigue or inattentiveness—can result in devastating crashes. In California, the volume of goods transported on highways means heavy-duty vehicles are frequently on the roads, creating a higher risk for serious wrecks.

When these accidents occur, multiple parties could be held liable, from the driver to the trucking company or even the manufacturer of faulty equipment. Navigating the complexities of liability and insurance coverage often requires experienced legal guidance to secure fair compensation.

What are Common Causes of Crashes Involving Tractor Trailer Type Vehicles?

• Driver Fatigue & Tight Schedules – Long hours and deadlines increase crash risks, especially after coming over the Cajon pass or through the Mohave desert
• Distracted Driving – Phone use, GPS, or other distractions cause delayed reactions.
• Poor Maintenance – Worn brakes or tires lead to equipment failure.
• Improper Loading – Unbalanced cargo can shift and tip trucks.
• Speeding & Aggressive Driving – Common on freeways like I-10, I-15, and SR-60.
• Impaired Driving – Alcohol, drugs, or medications reduce alertness.
• Blind Spots & Wide Turns – Large trucks can’t see smaller vehicles around them.
• Road Conditions & Weather – Potholes, wind, or rain can affect control.

Common Injuries

Common truck vs passenger car accidents injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
  • From mild concussions to severe brain trauma requiring extensive rehabilitation, truck accidents frequently cause life-altering head injuries.
• Spinal Damage
  • Collisions with large trucks commonly result in herniated discs, whiplash, or severe spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis.
• Bone Fractures
  • The immense force of truck impacts often causes multiple broken bones requiring surgery and extended physical therapy.
• Internal Trauma
  • Dangerous organ damage and internal bleeding may develop hours after the crash, demanding immediate medical attention.
• Severe Wounds and Burns
  
  • Sharp debris and hazardous materials can inflict deep cuts and burns, often resulting in permanent scarring.
• Psychological Impact
  • Survivors frequently struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and other lasting emotional effects from these traumatic accidents.
• Wrongful Death
  • In tragic cases, the overwhelming force of commercial truck collisions can result in fatal injuries, leaving families to pursue justice through wrongful death claims.

In the 909 area, heavy truck traffic, warehouse operations, and congested freeways increase these risks. If you’re involved in a crash, seek immediate medical care and consider professional legal guidance.

Common Vehicles Involved include:

Some of the most common commercial vehicles involved in accidents that might lead to personal injury cases:

• Tractor-Trailers (Big Rigs) – Includes carriers like Schneider, JB Hunt, Swift, Werner, and XPO, which haul cargo nationwide.
• Box Trucks – Often branded by UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and DHL; they make frequent deliveries in residential and commercial areas.
• Dump Trucks – Used on construction sites; heavy loads make them harder to stop or maneuver.
• Garbage Trucks – Owned by waste management brands; frequent stops in residential zones pose collision risks.
• Flatbed Trucks – Transport oversized loads; shifting cargo can lead to accidents.
• Cement Mixers – Extremely heavy, with high centers of gravity, used in construction.
• Tow Trucks – Often operated by roadside assistance companies; they work in hazardous traffic conditions.
• Utility Trucks – Branded by power or cable companies, frequently parked near busy roads for repairs.
• Buses – May carry logos of transit authorities, schools, or private charters; can result in multiple injuries when crashes occur.

Who Could Be Liable? Is It the Truck Driver or the Trucking Company?

Semi-truck and 18-wheeler collisions are not only dangerous but also notoriously complex when determining liability. Multiple parties can share responsibility, and sorting out who should compensate you for your pain and suffering demands a thorough investigation.

These cases often hinge on technical details such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and federal safety regulations, making swift evidence-gathering an essential priority.

Below are some potentially liable parties and factors frequently implicated in commercial trucking accidents:

Potentially Liable Parties in Commercial Trucking Accidents

1. Truck Drivers & Other Motorists
   • Violations of FMCSA Hours of Service (e.g., driver fatigue or falsified logs)
   • Distracted or impaired driving (phones, substance use, etc.)
   • Other motorists’ speeding or tailgating
2. Manufacturers & Parts Suppliers
   • Defective brakes, transmissions, or tires
   • Poor manufacturing leading to blowouts or component failures
3. Cargo & Shipping Companies
   • Improperly loaded or secured freight (causing tips or lane drifts)
   • Hazardous materials violations (risking spills or explosions)
4. Repair & Maintenance Providers
   • Shoddy repairs or missing maintenance logs
   • Undetected repeated mechanical issues
5. Government Entities
   • Neglected roads, potholes, or missing guardrails
   • Failure to enforce weight restrictions on bridges

If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck collision, consult a personal injury firm for help recovering medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.

Steps to Take After a Serious Injury Collision

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   Even if you feel “fine,” injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding may go unnoticed at first. Prompt treatment also creates official medical records that document the extent of your injuries.
2. Secure Accident Scene Evidence
   Commercial carriers often dispatch rapid-response teams to gather data from the collision site—like skids, point of impact, and “black box” recorder information. If possible, take your own photos or videos. Request that law enforcement do the same if you’re unable.
3. Preserve Your Vehicle
   Keeping the damaged vehicle in its post-accident condition can be crucial for forensic analysis. Experts might uncover evidence of a mechanical defect or poor maintenance that significantly contributed to the crash.
4. Consult an Experienced Lawyer
   Trucking companies and their insurers frequently employ specialized legal teams to limit or deny claims. Working with an attorney who understands personal injury law and federal trucking regulations puts you on a level playing field.
5. Document and Communicate
   Maintain detailed records of all medical visits, lost wages, vehicle damage estimates, and any related communications. Share this information with your attorney to help build the strongest case possible.

If you or a loved one suffered losses from a commercial trucking incident, a skilled personal injury attorney can advocate on your behalf.

They have access to specialized investigators and can coordinate with insurance firms, trucking corporations, law enforcement agencies, and medical professionals.

In instances where the accident results in a fatality, your lawyer may pursue a wrongful death claim, striving to protect your family’s interests under challenging circumstances.

Truck Traffic and Accident Statistics in the Inland Empire

The Inland Empire (IE)—encompassing Riverside and San Bernardino Counties—serves as a major logistics hub due to its proximity to the Ports of LA and Long Beach.

Thousands of trucks travel daily along major routes such as I-10, I-15, I-215, SR-60, and SR-210, moving vast amounts of freight. Consistent population growth in the region increases road congestion and heightens car collision risks.

Across California, large truck-involved crashes number in the hundreds of fatalities annually, with the IE seeing a disproportionately high share due to intense freight movement.

In San Bernardino County, for instance, California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) SWITRS data has recorded thousands of collisions involving commercial vehicles each year, resulting in numerous serious injuries and deaths.

Primary Contributing Factors include:

• Driver Fatigue: Violations of FMCSA Hours of Service rules may lead to drowsy or distracted driving.
• Infrastructure Strain: Aging roads, construction zones, and bottlenecks can exacerbate collisions.
• Congested Traffic: The mix of passenger cars, heavy trucks, and frequent lane changes raises accident potential.
• Terrain & Weather: Steep mountain passes and high winds (e.g., in Cajon Pass) present additional hazards.

Efforts to reduce these incidents involve CHP enforcement, infrastructure upgrades, and public safety campaigns. Official resources like CHP SWITRS, FMCSA reports, and SCAG studies provide more detailed, up-to-date statistics.

What to look for when choosing an attorney to hire

Choosing a specific type of accident attorney involves a careful evaluation of several attributes:

Attorney Background
Begin by reviewing the lawyer’s track record, including their experience with cases similar to yours. Ask about their success in both settlement negotiations and courtroom litigation to determine if they possess the advocacy skills necessary for your personal injury claim.

Communication Style
Look for an attorney who explains complex legal concepts in terms you can understand. Assess their willingness to provide regular updates, respond promptly to phone calls or emails, and maintain open lines of dialogue throughout the legal process.

Professional Credentials
Verify the lawyer’s licensing, bar association membership, and any history of disciplinary actions. Read online reviews or request references from past clients to confirm their reputation for professionalism, reliability, and ethical conduct.

Fee Structure
Determine whether the attorney charges a contingency fee (only paid if you win) or an hourly rate. Make sure you fully understand all potential costs, payment arrangements, and any additional expenses associated with your case.

Rapport and Comfort Level
During consultations, gauge how comfortable you feel discussing sensitive details. Choose a legal advocate who listens attentively, addresses your concerns with empathy, and demonstrates genuine commitment to guiding you through the personal injury process.

Ability to Handle Complex Cases

Confirm their competence in dealing with complex cases involving multiple liable parties, insurance companies, and extensive damages.

Contact our Law firm that Handles Serious 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 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!