Big Rig Accident Attorney in California

A big rig is a large truck with a trailer attached to it. These vehicles can cause devastating accidents resulting in extensive property damage and serious injuries. In addition to the destruction they can cause, trucking companies often have powerful insurance carriers and legal teams ready to defend them. They will do everything in their power to minimize their liability and pay as little as possible—or even deny your claim altogether.

An experienced big rig accident attorney can effectively handle insurance companies and defense lawyers to fight for maximum compensation. They can also evaluate all the damages suffered and determine the fair amount of compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a big rig, don’t wait or feel overwhelmed by the situation. Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 to schedule your free consultation.

Do I Need a Big Rig Accident Attorney? Why?

We’ll be completely honest with you: you’re not legally required to hire a big rig accident attorney to pursue compensation. However, doing so can significantly increase your chances of obtaining justice and securing a settlement that covers all your damages—including those that might not be immediately visible to an untrained eye.

Unless you’re a lawyer yourself or have the time and legal knowledge to handle complex regulations and procedures, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll achieve the same results without professional representation. It’s also a misconception that hiring a lawyer will leave you with less money. Most big rig accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—their fee is a percentage of the final settlement or award they win for you. That percentage is clearly outlined in your representation agreement.

10 Benefits of Hiring our Truck Accident Attorneys

When it comes to hiring a truck accident attorney in California, Megeredchian Law offers several important benefits you should consider:

Direct communication with Alex Megeredchian – Director and Owner of Megeredchian Law.
24/7 availability — we always answer your questions.
Rental car assistance while your vehicle is repaired or replaced.
Access to local physicians to evaluate your injuries if you don’t have health insurance.
Cash advances available before your claim is resolved.
Aggressive, experienced representation from big rig accident lawyers who know every insurance company’s tactics.
Compassionate, family-like treatment for you and your loved ones.
No fees unless we win — you pay nothing out of pocket unless we recover money for you.
Proven track record of multi-million-dollar results — trusted by accident victims across California.
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Big Rig Accident Lawyers Serving Multiple California Locations

Megeredchian Law is a big rig injury law firm serving clients throughout California. Below is a list of some of the cities and counties where we provide legal representation. If you don’t see your area listed, don’t worry—call (866) 359-0807. Megeredchian Law will connect you with an experienced local big rig accident attorney ready to help with your claim.

Northern California

Central California

Southern California

Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents

Big rigs routinely share highways in the Los Angeles region, including major corridors such as I-405 and US 101. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 5,149 fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2021 and about 110,000 injury crashes in the same year.

Big rig accidents in California often stem from a combination of regulatory, human and mechanical factors, including:

Failure by a trucking company or driver to comply with federal or state safety regulations (including hours-of-service, maintenance logs and driver qualification rules)
Driver fatigue
Negligence by truck drivers or operator error
Distracted driving (e.g., mobile device use, in-cab distractions)
Poor maintenance of the trucking vehicle (brakes, tires, lights, trailer hitch)
Hazardous roadway or weather conditions
Inadequate driver training or oversight
Mechanical failures (e.g., brake failures, steering defects)

Common Injuries in Big Rig Accidents

Because of the size and speed differential between trucks and regular passenger vehicles, accidents involving big rigs can lead to catastrophic injuries. Common injury outcomes include:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord damage or paralysis
Concussions
Major fractures (broken bones)
Whiplash and severe neck injuries
Deep lacerations and soft tissue trauma

Determining Liability in a Big Rig Accident

Under California law, several parties may be legally responsible for a truck accident, including:

Trucking companies that fail to follow safety regulations, hire unqualified drivers, or push drivers to exceed federal hours-of-service limits.
Truck or parts manufacturers whose defective brakes, tires, or mechanical systems contribute to a crash.
Cargo loaders or shippers who improperly secure loads, causing a truck to overturn or lose control.
Property owners or contractors responsible for unsafe road conditions, poor signage, or inadequate lighting.
Government agencies that fail to maintain roads or highways in safe condition.
Other negligent drivers whose reckless behavior causes or contributes to the accident.

“Negligence” refers to a failure to act with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised under similar circumstances. In truck accident cases, negligence might include distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or ignoring traffic laws.

Comparative Negligence in California (2025 Update)

California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that even if a victim is partially at fault for the crash, they can still recover damages. However, the final award is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a court determines you were 20% responsible for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by that same percentage.

Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims

When our attorneys file a personal injury claim, victims may be eligible to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care.
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if the injuries prevent you from returning to work.
Property damage for the repair or replacement of your vehicle.
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Out-of-pocket costs related to the accident, such as transportation or home care.

Wrongful Death Claims in Fatal Truck Accidents

If a truck accident results in a fatality, the victim’s surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60. Eligible claimants may include the decedent’s spouse, domestic partner, children, or other dependents.

Recoverable damages in a wrongful death case can include:

Funeral and burial expenses
The income and financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of love, companionship, and emotional support
Loss of household services or care

These claims not only help families recover financially but also hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.

How Much Is My Big Rig Accident Case Worth?

The value of a big rig accident case in California can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and long-term impact on your life.

On average, settlements for moderate injury cases may range between $100,000 and $500,000, while severe or catastrophic injury cases—such as those involving spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disability—can exceed $1 million to $5 million or more. Wrongful death claims involving big rigs may result in even higher compensation, especially when future income and emotional loss are factored in.

Disclaimer: These figures are general estimates; actual case values depend on the specific facts, liability, insurance coverage, and damages in each case.

When Should I File My Big Rig Accident Claim in California?

Under California law (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1), victims of big rig or commercial truck accidents generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to pursue compensation in court.

However, certain circumstances may affect this time limit — for example, if the claim involves a government vehicle or agency, a minor, or a wrongful death case, different deadlines and filing procedures may apply.

Because evidence can quickly disappear and insurance companies often begin building their defense immediately, it’s essential to contact an experienced big rig accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash. Acting quickly ensures that your rights are protected, all required paperwork is filed on time, and your legal team can gather the strongest possible evidence for your claim.

California Big Rig Accident Statistics

In 2023, California recorded approximately 392 deaths from large truck crashes — one of the highest totals in the United States.
In 2024, around 12,200 large trucks were involved in traffic collisions throughout California, resulting in roughly 321 fatalities and more than 5,000 injuries.
Preliminary 2025 data indicate that approximately 9,400 large trucks were involved in crashes statewide, including about 170 fatal collisions and nearly 9,300 non-fatal ones.
Estimates for 2025 show around 177 fatalities and 3,800 injuries involving large trucks and big rigs in California.
Fully loaded tractor-trailers require 20–40% more stopping distance than standard passenger cars, making them far more dangerous in sudden-braking situations, especially on wet or uneven roads.
California consistently ranks second only to Texas in the total number of fatal big rig crashes each year.
The average settlement value for a truck or big rig accident in California ranges between $75,000 and $300,000, depending on the severity of injuries and level of insurance coverage.
Common causes of big rig crashes include driver fatigue, speeding, unsafe lane changes, mechanical failures, and poor cargo loading.
Most California truck accidents occur along major freight corridors such as Interstate 5, Highway 99, and the I-10 corridor, where heavy truck traffic and congestion intersect.
National safety data also show that large trucks account for roughly 10% of all fatal vehicle crashes each year, despite representing less than 5% of registered vehicles on the road.

Recent Big Rig Accidents in Southern California

Our local accident news page publishes daily reports covering real-life accidents across California. Below, you’ll find some of the most recent news stories related to big rig accidents that have occurred in 2025.

Fight for Maximum Compensation with a Big Rig Accident Attorney

A big rig accident attorney is your strongest ally when it comes to fighting for maximum compensation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision with one of these large vehicles, call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807. Our team will review your case within minutes to determine whether you qualify for compensation. If you do, we’ll immediately assign one of our experienced big rig accident lawyers to begin working on your claim.

Don’t wait—time is critical, and you only get one chance to pursue the justice you deserve.