Truck Accident Attorney in California
Accidents caused by large vehicles, such as trucks, can be especially devastating. Whether you are a pedestrian, a regular driver, or even a trucker, you may be entitled to compensation if you suffer injuries in this type of accident. Hiring a truck accident attorney in California is a smart decision, as it can greatly increase your chances of securing maximum compensation.
If you’ve already been injured in an accident involving a large vehicle and need help right away, contact Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7. Our team can review your situation within minutes to determine whether you’re eligible for compensation. If you qualify, a local California truck accident lawyer will handle your claim from start to finish.
Working with a California truck accident lawyer can make all the difference in how your case turns out.
Truck accident claims are rarely simple — they often involve several parties, including drivers, trucking companies, and insurance carriers. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for in a truck accident attorney: experience with California law, strong communication and negotiation skills, and a proven track record of winning fair settlements.
If you don’t have a lawyer, you risk being pressured into accepting a low settlement or missing critical deadlines that could affect your right to compensation. Insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented victims, offering less than what their claim is truly worth.
With the right attorney on your side, you can focus on recovery while they handle the legal details efficiently and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
In addition to the list above, a California truck accident lawyer from Megeredchian Law can also:
You should consult a truck accident attorney in California as soon as possible after the crash — ideally within days.
Quick action helps preserve critical evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, and electronic logging data from the truck. A lawyer is especially necessary if you were injured, liability is disputed, or multiple parties may share fault.
In California, victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but claims involving government vehicles or agencies must be filed within just six months under the Government Claims Act.
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s cab and trailer fold toward each other, blocking traffic and often triggering multi-vehicle pileups. These crashes usually happen due to improper braking, equipment failure, or driver fatigue. Our jackknife truck accident lawyers in California examine skid marks, brake calibration records, and the truck’s electronic braking data to determine if improper maintenance or driver error caused the incident. They also consult accident-reconstruction specialists to prove liability and secure compensation for victims.
Rollover crashes are among the most catastrophic trucking accidents, often caused by speeding through curves, overloading, or shifting cargo. Victims may face severe trauma or burns if hazardous materials spill. Our rollover truck accident lawyers in California analyze cargo manifests, weigh-station data, and the truck’s center-of-gravity reports to identify negligence. They frequently work with engineers to show how load imbalance or tire blowouts contributed to the rollover and pursue full recovery for victims.
California freeways like I-5, the 405, and the 10 see frequent high-speed truck collisions. These crashes can involve dozens of vehicles and multiple insurance carriers. Our freeway truck accident lawyers in California use traffic-camera footage, CHP reports, and GPS data to reconstruct the sequence of events. They coordinate with multiple insurers, handle comparative-fault disputes, and ensure victims meet the strict reporting requirements under California’s Vehicle Code.
Big rig crashes in Los Angeles are particularly dangerous due to congestion and limited maneuvering space on roads like the 101 and 110. These massive trucks often collide with passenger cars during lane changes or wide turns. The Los Angeles big rig accident attorneys at Megeredchian Law subpoena dash-cam footage, analyze blind-spot patterns, and review the driver’s delivery schedule for signs of fatigue or hours-of-service violations. They also inspect maintenance logs to uncover whether faulty brakes or worn tires played a role.
Eighteen-wheelers haul cargo across state lines, making their claims more complex because federal FMCSA regulations often apply. Our 18 wheeler accident attorneys in California review compliance records, driver qualification files, and interstate shipping documentation to identify violations. They also trace ownership and leasing agreements to determine whether liability falls on the driver, the carrier, or a third-party logistics company.
Semi-truck accidents can stem from poor vehicle maintenance, drowsy driving, or distracted operation. These vehicles require constant inspection under California Highway Patrol and DOT rules. A skilled semi-truck accident lawyer in California requests inspection and repair logs, analyzes electronic logging devices (ELDs) for rest-period violations, and secures expert testimony on mechanical failure. They ensure all evidence is preserved before trucking companies attempt to repair or destroy the vehicle.
A truck accident claim in California is a legal process that allows an injured person or surviving family member to seek financial compensation from those responsible for a truck-related crash.
The claim can be filed against the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or other negligent parties whose actions caused the collision. It typically seeks payment for medical expenses, lost income, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
Truck accident claims in California often involve commercial insurance carriers and federal trucking regulations, which means the process includes collecting evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and employment logs to prove negligence.
These claims are handled through third-party liability insurance, and victims may also recover damages through the trucking company’s commercial general liability (CGL) or excess coverage policies.
When settlement negotiations fail, the claim becomes a civil lawsuit filed in California Superior Court, where discovery, depositions, and expert testimony are used to establish the value of the damages and prove fault.
Once you hire a truck accident attorney in California, the first step is a detailed case evaluation. Your attorney reviews police reports, photos, witness statements, and medical records to understand how the crash occurred and who may be responsible. They’ll also request data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD), GPS, and maintenance logs to secure evidence before it’s altered or destroyed.
Estimated timeframe: Within the first 1–2 weeks after hiring your lawyer.
Truck accident claims often involve more than just the driver. Your lawyer investigates potential liability among the trucking company, vehicle owner, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, or parts manufacturers. In some cases, government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions may also be included. This step ensures every source of compensation is pursued.
Estimated timeframe: Typically completed within 2–4 weeks, depending on case complexity.
Your attorney works with medical and financial experts to calculate the full extent of your damages — including current and future medical expenses, lost earnings, property repairs, and pain and suffering. They also consider loss of earning capacity and other long-term impacts recognized under California law.
Estimated timeframe: Usually takes 1–2 months, depending on injury recovery and available documentation.
Next, your lawyer files claims with all relevant insurance carriers — usually the trucking company’s commercial liability policy and possibly your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. They handle all communication with insurers, preventing adjusters from pressuring you into accepting an unfair settlement.
Estimated timeframe: Filed within 30–45 days after enough evidence is gathered.
Most truck accident cases are resolved through negotiation rather than trial. Your lawyer uses the collected evidence, expert reports, and economic assessments to justify your claim’s value. They negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and you have the final say on whether to accept or reject any offer.
Estimated timeframe: Can take 2–6 months, depending on insurer responsiveness and injury complexity.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will file a civil lawsuit in the appropriate California Superior Court. This action pauses the statute of limitations and moves the case into litigation, where formal discovery, depositions, and expert testimony are exchanged to build a strong case for trial.
Estimated timeframe: Lawsuit filed within 6–12 months of the accident, depending on negotiations.
If negotiations still don’t lead to a settlement, the case proceeds to trial before a judge or jury. Your lawyer presents evidence, questions witnesses, and argues for the maximum compensation allowed by law. If you win, the court issues a judgment requiring payment from the liable party or their insurer.
Estimated timeframe: Trials generally occur 12–24 months after the accident, though timelines vary by county.
From the date of the accident to the resolution of the case, a California truck accident claim can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on injury severity, insurance cooperation, and whether the case goes to court.
In California, most truck accident settlements in 2025 fall between $75,000 and $500,000 for moderate injury cases, though severe or catastrophic accidents can easily exceed $1 million. The amount depends on the injuries involved, the available insurance coverage, and whether multiple parties share liability.
Commercial trucks in California must carry higher insurance limits — often $750,000 to $5 million in coverage — which means victims can recover significantly more than in standard car accident claims. Minor injury cases, such as whiplash or soft-tissue strains, may settle for $25,000–$100,000. Moderate injuries, including broken bones or surgery without disability, often reach $100,000–$400,000. Severe cases involving spinal damage, amputation, or traumatic brain injury may range from $500,000 to several million dollars, depending on medical costs and long-term impairment.
Settlements are calculated using economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, future care) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life). Under California’s comparative negligence law, the final payout is reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault. When insurers fail to offer fair compensation, cases may proceed to trial, where jury verdicts in truck collisions can exceed $3 million for life-altering injuries.
Disclaimer: The settlement amounts mentioned above are estimates based on past California cases and general 2025 market data. Every truck accident claim is unique, and actual results depend on specific facts, available insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence.
Determining who is liable in a truck accident in California depends on how and why the crash occurred. Because commercial trucking often involves multiple companies and contracts, several parties can share responsibility under California’s comparative negligence laws.
The truck driver may be liable if the collision resulted from negligence such as speeding, fatigue, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. However, the trucking company that employs or contracts the driver can also be held responsible if it failed to properly train, supervise, or comply with federal FMCSA safety regulations, or if it encouraged drivers to violate hours-of-service limits.
If the truck owner is a separate entity from the carrier, they may share liability for poor maintenance or mechanical failure. Similarly, maintenance or repair providers can be at fault if the vehicle was serviced improperly or known defects were ignored. In cases where the crash stems from a faulty component — such as defective brakes, tires, or steering systems — the manufacturer or parts supplier may face product liability claims.
Other potential defendants include the cargo loading company or shipper if they overloaded or improperly secured freight, leading to a loss of control or rollover. Government entities may share fault when unsafe road conditions, poor lighting, or missing signage contribute to the accident. And finally, other motorists involved in the chain of events may also bear a portion of liability if their negligence helped trigger the collision.
Truck crashes in California often result from a combination of driver negligence, vehicle defects, and environmental factors. Because commercial trucks are heavily regulated under state and federal law, identifying the exact cause is key to determining liability in a claim.
Understanding how truck accident claims differ from car accident claims is essential because commercial truck cases in California follow different legal, regulatory, and insurance standards.
The first major difference is liability. In a car accident, fault usually involves one or two private drivers. In a truck crash, responsibility may extend to several parties — including the truck driver, the carrier company, the vehicle’s owner, the cargo loader, and even maintenance or manufacturing entities. California applies comparative negligence, meaning fault can be divided among all responsible parties, but commercial carriers are often held to stricter standards because they operate under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and California Vehicle Code §34501.2.
The second distinction lies in insurance coverage and compensation potential. While private motorists in California must carry a minimum of $15,000 per person in bodily injury coverage, interstate trucking companies must maintain policies ranging from $750,000 to $5 million, depending on the type of cargo. These higher policy limits make settlements larger but also lead to more aggressive defense strategies from insurers and corporate legal teams.
Truck accident cases also require specialized evidence and investigation methods. Attorneys must collect black-box data (Electronic Logging Device or ELD), driver qualification files, hours-of-service logs, maintenance reports, and GPS data — evidence not present in standard car collisions. Accident reconstruction and federal compliance reviews are often necessary to prove fault.
Finally, the severity of injuries and damages tends to be far greater in truck crashes due to the weight and impact force of an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle. This results in longer recovery times, higher medical costs, and the potential for catastrophic injury claims that include lifelong care, disability, or loss of earning capacity — elements rarely seen in typical car accidents.
Yes — truck accident cases are generally more difficult than standard car accident claims because they involve multiple layers of liability, higher insurance limits, and strict state and federal regulations.
In California, commercial carriers must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and the California Vehicle Code, which dictate driver training, maintenance schedules, and hours-of-service rules. Proving fault often requires analyzing complex evidence such as black-box data, GPS tracking, and driver logs — materials that trucking companies and insurers rarely release without legal pressure.
However, the added complexity can also work in the victim’s favor. Because commercial trucks carry substantially higher insurance coverage — often between $750,000 and $5 million — successful truck accident claims can result in far greater compensation than ordinary car accident cases.
One of the busiest freight corridors on the West Coast. Steep grades, strong winds, and constant heavy truck traffic make this route a hotspot for brake failures, jackknife accidents, and rollovers.
A major east–west freight route connecting the Port of Los Angeles to inland logistics hubs. Frequent merging, high speeds, and heavy congestion lead to rear-end and multi-vehicle truck collisions.
Known for its dense mix of local and long-haul trucks. Narrow lanes, older road design, and agricultural traffic create high crash frequencies, particularly between Bakersfield and Modesto.
This steep, high-elevation route is exposed to strong crosswinds and long downhill stretches, which cause frequent rollovers and brake overheating in heavy trucks.
Mountain terrain, snow, and long downhill grades make this interstate especially hazardous for big rigs, especially during winter months.
A two-lane rural highway with sharp curves and limited passing zones. The combination of local traffic and large trucks often leads to head-on and sideswipe accidents.
The main artery for port traffic in Southern California. Constant congestion and stop-and-go freight movement make it one of the most dangerous highways for truck crashes in the state.
Heavy commuter and freight use, combined with steep grades and frequent lane changes, create a high risk for multi-vehicle collisions involving trucks.
A key route between the Central Coast and Central Valley. Tight turns and high truck volumes make it particularly dangerous for vehicles carrying heavy loads.
If you’re searching for where to find truck accident lawyers with 24/7 availability, Megeredchian Law offers full-time legal support across California. Our team is ready to respond day or night, providing free consultations and immediate assistance after serious truck crashes. With offices throughout Northern, Central, and Southern California, victims can access experienced attorneys anywhere in the state.
Not always. Most truck accident claims in California are settled through negotiation without going to trial. However, if insurers refuse a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to recover full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Yes. California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible. Your total award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
Under California law, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim. If a government vehicle or agency is involved, you must file an administrative claim within six months under the Government Claims Act.
If you lack health insurance, your attorney can connect you with qualified doctors and treatment facilities that accept medical liens—allowing you to receive care now and pay once your case settles. You may also qualify for Medi-Cal, Medicare, or other assistance programs, and the firm can help guide you through those options.
You may be entitled to recover lost wages, future earnings, and loss of earning capacity as part of your compensation claim. Your attorney will work with financial and medical experts to calculate long-term income losses and ensure your settlement reflects your true financial impact.
Truck accidents are complex—both in the scope of damages and in their legal intricacies. Facing a truck accident claim without representation is a fast track to a poor outcome. These crashes can leave you with substantial medical bills and other financial losses. Your recovery should cover them all—not just a fraction. A qualified, local California truck accident lawyer significantly improves your chances of achieving that.
Schedule a free consultation with Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807. Let us help you pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under California law.
We are selective about the volume of cases and the type of cases we undertake. This ensures our client’s case gets the attention it needs so results are achieved. Big firms with big case volumes means your case gets lost with the thousand others. Results matter, experience the difference by retaining our firm and let us exceed your expectations.
Our clients are not just “clients,” we treat everyone like family with compassion and the utmost care.
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