California Truck Accident Lawyers
- PAY NOTHING UPFRONT
- OVER $500 MILLION RECOVERED
- ZERO-FEES UNTIL WE WIN
- California Truck Accident Statistics
- Why You Need California Truck Accident Lawyers
- What Can California Truck Accident Lawyers Do for You?
- Common Types of Truck Accidents in California
- What to Do After A Truck Accident in California
- How to File A Truck Accident Claim in California
- What Not to Do After A Truck Accident
- How Is A Truck Accident Different from A Car Accident
- How to Prove Your Truck Accident Case
- How Much a Truck Accident Case Is Worth in California – What Damages Can I Recover?
- When to Consult Truck Accident Lawyers California Trusts
- What Is The Deadline for Filing A Truck Accident Claim in California
- How to Choose the Right California Truck Accident Lawyer
- How Much Does Hiring California Truck Accident Lawyers Cost
Win Against the Road Giants – Let Arash Law’s California Truck Accident Lawyers Secure Your Fair Compensation!
Facing the aftermath of an accident can be more daunting when it involves larger vehicles like trucks. The injuries or loss of life, the suffering and emotional trauma, and the loss of income – your rights to recover damages should extend beyond these expenses. With over $500 Million in settlements recovered for our clients, Arash Law only has one goal: securing your future by getting you fairly compensated. And we will reach that goal no matter what.
Since several factors are at play in a truck accident, going after the negligent parties and proving their liability can get more complex than typical car accidents. Our California truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, with their invaluable expertise, understand this well. You deserve a fair settlement for dealing with the consequences of someone else’s negligence; now, let us help. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we won’t get paid until you do.
California Truck Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council Injury Facts said that 5,700 trucks were in fatal crashes in the United States in 2021, an 18% increase from 2020. 5,788 people died, a 17% increase. 72% of all deaths were occupants of other vehicles, 17% were truck occupants, and 11% were non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists.
Why You Need California Truck Accident Lawyers
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– Tina Eshghieh
What Can California Truck Accident Lawyers Do for You?
Truck accidents carry a greater risk of serious injury or death for the victims than car accidents. Expert California truck accident lawyers will assess the severity of your injuries with medical experts to determine the most compensation you are eligible for.
After your accident, you may face hospitalizations, possible surgeries, costly rehabilitation, property damage, lost income, and emotional trauma. The expenses you have incurred and may even increase as you deal with the long-term effects of your injuries shall be evaluated. A compelling case establishing liability will be made using all this relevant information.
Qualified California truck accident lawyers will build a strong case for you with their deep understanding of the complex trucking regulations running the industry. They can identify regulatory violations that may have contributed to the accident by consulting with reconstruction experts and forensic specialists. Evidence such as black box data or driver's logbooks will be meticulously gathered to prove these violations.
Now, as they identify all potential at-fault entities, they also assess their degrees of responsibility. This entails higher compensation for your injuries and losses. Your case should be compelling enough to establish liability and will be used as leverage in negotiations with the insurance companies for a just settlement.
A thriving industry like trucking, generating $940.8 billion in the United States in 2022, involves a lot of entities. Thus, you can expect many accident experts and legal counsel representing them who will handle litigation with claimants and fight tooth and nail to minimize your injury, giving you the lowest settlement possible.
We at Arash Law know what we are up against. Prepared to take on them on your behalf, our California truck accident lawyers are skilled in aggressively yet tactfully negotiating with the insurers. We will gladly represent you in court if necessary.
Filing a lawsuit in court could be the last resort if the insurance company continues to give you the runaround. This may sound daunting, but expert California truck accident lawyers know how to build a compelling case to get favorable results.
Being well-versed in truck accident laws, they know exactly how the legal process unfolds. Their experience allows them to determine which strategies to use and how best to leverage them for their clients. They can see behind the insurer’s tactics to ensure your rights are safeguarded.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in California
- Jackknife – A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer swings outward to form a “jackknife” shape with the cab. This dangerous 90-degree angle can cause a truck to skid uncontrollably or flip. Without proper training and skills to brake properly, a driver can slam on the brakes too hard, causing a truck to jackknife.
- Rollover – A big rig weighing up to 80,000 pounds can easily cause a rollover. They can turn on their sides if the driver loses control, collides with other cars or barriers, or goes off the road. A truck that rolled over can crush smaller vehicles and cause pileups on the road.
- Tire blowout – Blowouts on the highway can be due to poor vehicle maintenance, old tires, or defective tires. When the driver reacts improperly to such situations, the truck may lose control. As a result, the large vehicle may swerve between lanes or head into oncoming traffic.
- Rear-end collisions – Because trucks take longer time to stop than passenger cars, truck drivers must give themselves more space during a traffic stop. Truck drivers who are distracted, irresponsible, or reckless may not brake in time, resulting in a collision with the vehicle in front of them. People riding in the other vehicle are at high risk of injury since the truck’s impact is far more powerful than the car’s.
- Unsafe loads – A hazardous load results from sloppy loading and disregarding federal cargo securement standards. This leads to unbalanced or overweight trucks, another potential cause for a rollover. Loose cargo caused by improper tie-downs on an open truck also poses a serious hazard as it can hit nearby vehicles.
What to Do After A Truck Accident in California
- Do not leave the scene and call the police right away.
The police’s duties at the scene of an accident include directing traffic, clearing the scene of debris, and assisting any injured parties. As a neutral party, their investigation reports also adds credibility to your case and will be crucial in proving negligence.
The California Vehicle Code also requires drivers to report accidents involving death or injury within 24 hours. Don’t admit fault or guilt, but cooperate fully with law enforcement. Lastly, stay at the scene until instructed otherwise to avoid legal repercussions.
- Contact emergency responders and immediately seek medical attention.
Even if you think you were uninjured after a truck accident, let the emergency personnel examine you. You may be unable to assess the full extent of your injuries due to adrenaline rush and shock. Some injuries may even appear days later. Only a medical examination can detect health issues before they become noticeable.
Records of medical visits, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and related expenses are valuable for building a strong case. Insurance companies and courts could assume the victims weren’t really harmed if they didn’t seek medical attention. This leads to inadequate compensation. So make sure you keep all of them.
- Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road if possible.
Truck accidents almost always cause obstruction on the road, leading to traffic congestion. If possible and safe to do so, preferably after documenting the scene by taking pictures and videos, move your vehicle to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists. Further accidents can be prevented with this.
In some cases, including severe damages, injuries, or when instructed otherwise by law enforcement, moving the vehicles may not be possible or safe. Follow the instructions of emergency responders in these situations.
How to File A Truck Accident Claim in California
- Gather information from other drivers involved.
Whenever possible, exchange all necessary information with the other drivers involved in the crash. This includes each party’s name, contact number, license number, plate number, insurance provider, and policy number. To facilitate a smooth resolution, remember to exchange information respectfully and cooperatively.
- Take photos and videos of the scene if you are able.
Take as many pictures and videos as possible, documenting the state of your car, the other vehicles involved, any nearby objects like skid marks and guardrails, and even conversations or interactions with other people. Take a comprehensive view from different angles.
Visual evidence can be useful in reconstructing accidents to reveal what truly happened. However, when taking photos and videos, be respectful and considerate, prioritizing your safety as well as those around you.
- Take photos of your injuries.
Take pictures of the injuries you or others have sustained accurately and thoroughly. This is one essential way to document the damages you have incurred. Pictures of your injuries can greatly impact how the insurance company or the court perceives how you suffered from the accident.
- Obtain witness testimonies.
Memories may become distorted after a truck accident, so all parties may not fully remember how it happened. Worst, the other driver may intentionally blame you even if you’re entirely blameless.
Witness statements can corroborate the injured party’s account in a personal injury case, demonstrating to the court that the victim was not at fault. When an accident occurs, many individuals are usually around to help out. Exchange as much information as you can with them to strengthen your case.
- Notify your insurance provider about the accident.
It’s best to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident. Don’t feel obligated to provide any official or recorded statements right away. Your financial recovery could be negatively impacted if you confess fault for the accident or allow yourself to be misled into doing so. Remember, neither accept responsibility nor agree to pay the other driver any money.
- Make sure you keep a journal.
Keeping a journal after an accident has its benefits. Injuries sustained in truck accidents that often require extensive medical care take a long time to recover, and the initial pain may be forgotten. A journal will help you remember every thought and emotion you have. Keeping track of how long it took you to improve after an accident is crucial evidence for any personal injury claim.
- Contact the skilled California Truck Accident Lawyers at Arash Law.
Make sure our compassionate yet fierce California truck accident lawyers are beside you as you move toward financial recovery after an accident. Our personal injury lawyers at Arash Law go beyond finding simple and quick settlements. They identify all liable parties to get you the most money back.
What Not to Do After A Truck Accident
- Avoid apologizing. You may want to apologize simply to express how sorry you are for the accident, and that’s normal. Avoid the urge, however. Insurers will turn that apology into an acceptance of guilt on your end, using it against your claim.
- Avoid making assumptions. Let the law enforcement and our reputable California truck accident lawyers speculate about how the accident happened. Just like apologizing, guessing about what occurred can damage your chances of recovering compensation. When questioned by authorities, simply provide the things you know and avoid making assumptions.
- Avoid discussing the accident. You can talk about the accident to your family and friends but not to those involved. Negligent parties, such as the trucking company in case of a truck accident, may try to contact victims privately to reach a settlement. Avoid discussing anything with them, as it will only hurt your claim.
- Avoid posting on social media. The urge these days to post everything on social media can be overwhelming to some. But this is one essential thing to avoid if you’ve been in a truck accident. If you claim to be badly injured but post pictures of a previous fun night out, the insurance adjusters can use such posts as evidence against your claim. Simply avoid discussing the accident online.
- Avoid disregarding your doctor’s advice. Personal injury lawsuits are filed to seek compensation and benefits for injured parties. If you don’t do everything on your part to recover, the court may determine you aren’t seriously injured or don’t need compensation for treatment. Always listen to your doctor’s advice and follow any treatment recommendations they make after a truck accident.
How Is A Truck Accident Different from A Car Accident
Severe Injuries Or Death Is More Likely. A truck like an 18-wheeler, which weighs up to 80,000 pounds, colliding with a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or even a pedestrian will most likely cause catastrophic injuries or even death to the smaller vehicle’s occupants due to the greater momentum and force of impact.
Survivors will probably end up with moderate to major injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries are devastating as they can cause brain damage, interfering with the victim’s ability to work or simply enjoy life.
- Back and neck injuries. A mild neck injury can lead to whiplash, which is temporary though painful. A severe one can lead to permanent paralysis.
- Spinal cord injuries. Injury to the spinal cord can be severely damaging to the victim, often resulting in paralysis below the injury site.
- Amputations. Traumatic amputation, whether of a fingertip or an entire limb, changes life. Even with reattachment, the part may never work properly. In any case, the victim must live without a finger, toe, arm, or leg.
- Internal organ damage. Internal injuries can range from mild bruising that could heal by itself to a severe laceration that may need immediate surgery.
- Broken bones. These injuries are extremely painful and can cause extensive problems in the long run.
- Lacerations. Cuts or lacerations can be severe enough to leave scars or even require surgery.
- Burns. In this injury, the skin is damaged by fire or excessive heat. Not only are they painful, but they also need time to heal and can cause physical and emotional scarring.
- Wrongful death. A death is the worst thing that could happen in a truck accident. A wrongful death claim can be filed against the negligent party(ies) by the victim’s legal heirs.
- A Set of Federal Regulations Is Followed. To ensure safety, truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Breaking these guidelines often contributes to or even causes truck accidents. Some of these guidelines include:
- Rules on Service Hours. The FMCSA limits the number of hours truck drivers can drive each work week up to 14 hours. They must also take rest breaks during their trips to avoid sleepy driving. These rest breaks must be regularly recorded in a logbook. They should also not drive with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.04%.
- Qualifications. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring the drivers they hire are fully licensed and qualified to drive big rigs, dump trucks, and other huge vehicles.
- Medical Certification. Passing a medical exam and getting a medical certificate proving physical and mental fitness are prerequisites for truck drivers. Renewal of this certification is required every two years.
- Maintenance and Regular Inspections. Regularly inspecting, maintaining, and repairing trucks is an important part of trucking operations and is the responsibility of truckers and trucking companies.
Multiple Parties Could Be Liable. In a typical car crash involving only two motorists, negligence can fall on one or both. In a truck collision, there could be multiple entities at fault. While this could lead to several avenues for compensation, proving their negligence can easily get more complicated.
Among the many parties invested in a truck’s operation that may be liable are:
- Truck drivers. Accidents are often caused by truck drivers’ carelessness, such as speeding, drunk driving, texting, or disobeying the law. A higher standard is set for these drivers as trucks are more difficult to operate than regular cars. It can be fatal to ignore even the most basic of these differences.
- Truck companies or operators. The trucking company could be held accountable after a truck accident. Failing to regularly maintain the vehicle, employing an incompetent driver, and breaking hours of service rules are all forms of negligence on their part.
- Truck maintenance and repair shops. Maintenance and repairs of trucks are commonly outsourced by trucking companies to a specialized facility. They can be liable if faulty maintenance or repairs are to blame.
- Truck manufacturers and parts suppliers. The manufacturer of the truck or its components might be liable for damages if a defective part contributed to the crash. These vehicles are more prone to wear and tear as they have more moving parts and are on the road longer. Regular maintenance is a must.
- Any party in charge of loading the cargo. An accident caused by not securing the cargo loading could mean that the shipping company could also be responsible for compensating the victims.
A More Thorough Investigation Is Needed. Due to the possibility of multiple causes, violations of federal regulations, and multiple accountable parties, truck accidents are tougher to investigate.
The evidence needed for the case can range from physical clues, photos or videos, and witnesses’ testimonies–all typical of a car accident–to truck driver’s logs, screening records, truck company hiring, maintenance reports, cargo loading manifests, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and the black box data.
- Larger Settlements Are Possible. The severity of truck accidents means that victims are entitled to a higher compensation than those involved in other types of accidents. However, this will likely result in insurance companies disputing the claims or negotiating an unfair settlement, increasing the time and effort involved.
How to Prove Your Truck Accident Case
- A duty of care to drive sensibly and safely was owed to you by the truck driver.
- That duty of care was violated or breached by the truck driver.
- You or your loved one sustained injuries due to the careless act.
- Due to the injuries, you or your loved one suffered losses and damages.
How Much a Truck Accident Case Is Worth in California – What Damages Can I Recover?
- Economic Damages. These losses are measurable and proven with bills and receipts and are generally fully reimbursed. This includes:
- Medical expenses. Hospital bills, ambulance fees, ongoing and future medical care like physical therapy, doctor’s visits and appointments, and rehabilitation expenses.
- Loss of earnings or income. Loss of benefits and loss of earning potential.
- Property damage. Vehicle repairs and replacement.
- Additional economic damages. Costs related to home care, domestic help, child care, and home or vehicle modifications.
- Non-Economic Damages. Calculating these losses gets tricky as it includes things not easily measurable:
- Pain and suffering. The emotional and psychological consequences of the accidents and injuries sustained can be just as catastrophic.
- Loss of quality of life. Injuries that incapacitate you can make it hard to enjoy life as much as you used to.
- Loss of consortium. An injured spouse may be unable to provide their spouse the love, services, or support they provided before the accident.
- Punitive Damages. These damages can be pursued when the at-fault party acted with willful disregard for the rights of others and was intentionally reckless. By imposing punitive damages, an injured party is punished and prevented from causing further injuries.
When to Consult Truck Accident Lawyers California Trusts
What Is The Deadline for Filing A Truck Accident Claim in California
The statute of limitations governs how long you must file a personal injury lawsuit and claim damages from the at-fault party after an accident. In California, the time limit is two years from the date of the injury.















How to Choose the Right California Truck Accident Lawyer
- Professional Knowledge. The best California truck accident lawyers have an in-depth comprehension of all the trucking regulations, the difficulties in establishing liabilities, and the technicalities involved in this type of accident.
- Vast Resources. To conduct an deep investigation and effectively present your case to the insurance adjusters or court, California truck accident lawyers should be able to access an expansive network of experts and resources.
- Extensive Experience. When searching for a lawyer, look for someone with a lot of experience managing truck accident cases. They should be able to demonstrate a history of accomplishment in securing beneficial results for their clients.
- Effective Communication. Communication is essential, and you should look for California truck accident lawyers who maintain an open line of communication with you at all times, ensuring you are kept up to date and that your concerns are heard and addressed. Find the best California truck accident attorneys who truly listen.
- Client Testimonies. You can already get a sense of the lawyer’s track record and reputation, including the level of client satisfaction, by reading reviews and testimonials provided by prior clients.
How Much Does Hiring California Truck Accident Lawyers Cost
Arash Law Stands as Your Advocate for Fair Compensation
We at Arash Law, founded and managed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are with you in facing them head-on. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or complete the “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
You can consult with us at home, work, or anywhere in the state. Our offices are conveniently located throughout California, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Fresno, Oakland, Riverside, Orange County, Kern County, and Stanislaus County.