Truck Accidents in California: Your Rights After a Serious Collision

California’s highways and city streets are filled with large commercial trucks transporting goods across the state. While these vehicles are vital to our economy, their sheer size and weight make them especially dangerous in the event of a crash. A collision with an 18-wheeler or delivery truck can leave victims facing catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a long road to recovery.

At California Trial Law Group, we represent victims of truck accidents across the state, fighting to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable. Our team understands the unique legal and factual challenges involved in these cases and works to maximize compensation for injured clients.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

Unlike standard car collisions, truck accidents often involve extreme force. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the 3,000–4,000 pounds of an average passenger vehicle. This weight disparity means that even low-speed truck crashes can cause devastating injuries.

Additionally, commercial trucking is governed by strict federal and state regulations. Violations of these safety rules often contribute to serious accidents.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents happen for many reasons, often tied to negligence by the driver, trucking company, or even manufacturers of truck parts. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue – Long hours on the road without adequate rest often lead to impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
• Distracted driving – Texting, using dispatch systems, or adjusting GPS devices can cause deadly lapses in attention.
• Speeding and reckless driving – Tight delivery schedules push drivers to exceed speed limits or drive aggressively.
• Improperly loaded cargo – Overloaded or unbalanced cargo increases the risk of rollovers and loss of control.
• Mechanical failures – Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other equipment issues may stem from poor maintenance.
• Driving under the influence – Alcohol, prescription drugs, or stimulants can impair truck drivers’ abilities.

Identifying the root cause of a truck accident is critical to building a strong legal claim.

Types of Injuries in Truck Accidents

The injuries caused by truck collisions are often life-altering. Victims may experience:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Broken bones and complex fractures
• Severe burns and lacerations
• Internal organ damage
• Wrongful death of loved ones

These injuries frequently require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and may permanently impact a victim’s ability to work or enjoy life as before.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Truck accident cases are more complex than typical car accident claims because multiple parties may share responsibility. Potentially liable parties include:

• The truck driver – for reckless or negligent driving.
• The trucking company – for unsafe scheduling, negligent hiring, or poor maintenance practices.
• Cargo loaders – if improperly secured freight contributed to the crash.
• Manufacturers – if defective truck parts caused mechanical failure.
• Other drivers – when multiple vehicles are involved.

Holding all responsible parties accountable increases the chances of securing full compensation for your losses.

Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims

If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Our firm works diligently to calculate the full value of your case, so you aren’t left with unpaid medical expenses or financial hardship after a settlement.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Your actions after a truck accident can have a major impact on your case. If possible, you should:

1. Call 911 and report the crash.
2. Seek medical treatment immediately.
3. Gather evidence—take photos, collect witness information, and request a copy of the police report.
4. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
5. Contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

The trucking company and its insurer will move quickly to minimize liability. Having a skilled lawyer ensures your rights are protected from the start.

How California Trial Law Group Can Help

Truck accident claims require an in-depth investigation, knowledge of trucking regulations, and strong litigation skills. At California Trial Law Group, we:

• Investigate the crash and preserve crucial evidence, such as driver logs and black box data.
• Work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals.
• Handle all negotiations with insurance companies.
• Prepare every case as if it will go to trial, strengthening your position at the settlement table.
• Provide compassionate support as you and your family focus on recovery.

We are committed to helping truck accident victims obtain justice and financial security.

Get Legal Help Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in California, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The team at California Trial Law Group has the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn about your legal options.