Personal Injury

California Truck Accident Lawyer

Hurt in a collision with a big rig or delivery truck? At Wilshire Law Firm — an award-winning, nationally recognized team — our attorneys help injured people across California pursue full compensation. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review with a legal professional — there are no fees unless you get paid.

California Truck Accident Lawyer
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Understanding Your Truck Accident Case

Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.

Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning, nationally recognized team that has recovered compensation for thousands of injured Californians. Our attorneys investigate the crash, identify every responsible party — the driver, the trucking company, and often the cargo loader or maintenance provider — and handle every conversation with the insurers so you can focus on recovery. There are no fees unless you get paid.

Most truck crashes trace back to preventable negligence somewhere in the trucking operation. The leading causes we see include driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations, distracted or reckless driving, speeding, improperly loaded or overweight cargo, mechanical failures from poor maintenance, and negligent hiring or training by the carrier. Because commercial trucks are governed by federal and state safety rules, identifying which rule was broken is central to your claim — and our attorneys handle that investigation for you.

Because a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, truck accident injuries tend to be severe. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, broken bones and fractures, internal organ damage, and fatal injuries. Serious injuries often mean long-term medical care and lost earning capacity, which a legal professional can help you account for during a free case review.

Liability in a truck accident often extends well beyond the driver. Depending on the facts, responsible parties can include the truck driver, the trucking company that employed them, the owner of the trailer or cargo, a third-party maintenance contractor, or a parts manufacturer. Our attorneys work to identify every liable party and every available insurance policy, because more sources of recovery can mean fuller compensation for your losses.

Injured victims in California can generally recover both economic and non-economic damages. These commonly include medical expenses (current and future), lost wages and lost earning capacity, vehicle and property damage, and pain and suffering. In cases involving a death, families may pursue a wrongful death claim. Because every case is unique, a legal professional can review your losses during a free case review.

In most California truck accident cases you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1), and generally three years for property damage. Claims against a government entity — for example, a crash involving a public agency vehicle — have much shorter deadlines, often six months. Because missing a deadline can end your case, it's best to speak with a legal professional early.

Client Reviews


Wilshire Law Firm was very fast responding to me about my case… they were very nice and helpful and made sure I understood all of the facts. I would recommend [Wilshire Law Firm] for anyone who is looking for the best; they are number one. Thank you Wilshire and staff for making things feel easier.

Angela B.

Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own facts.

Truck Accident Cases: How It Works

One Call. We Handle the Rest.

It starts with one call. From there, we handle everything, building your case, standing up to insurance companies and corporations, and fighting for your future. Here's how it works...

01

Contact us 24/7

Start your free case review by calling us or filling out our online form.

02

Powerhouse team on your side

If we're able to take your case, we'll take strong legal action to hold whoever harmed you accountable.

03

No fees unless you get paid

Whether through a settlement or trial, we'll fight to get you the financial recovery you're owed.

How Do I Know If I Have a Truck Accident Claim in California?

Three factors determine whether you have a valid truck accident claim — fault, damages, and proof. Fault means negligence by the driver, the trucking company, or another party caused the crash. Damages are your losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. Proof includes police reports, the truck's electronic logging and maintenance records, photos, and witness statements. California's statute of limitations applies, so contact Wilshire Law Firm's truck accident attorneys for a free case evaluation.

Start Your Free Truck Accident Case Review

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Record breaking results

Winners of #1 Settlements in California

Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars, including some of the biggest settlements in California.

17#1 Settlements in California, 2022–2024*

TopVerdict #1TopVerdict.com #1 settlements

11 of 17

  • #1 Truck v. Pedestrian Accident Settlement — California (2024)

    #1 Truck v. Pedestrian Accident Settlement

    2024

  • #1 Multi-Vehicle Accident Settlement — California (2024)

    #1 Multi-Vehicle Accident Settlement

    2024

  • #1 Equipment Malfunction Settlement — California (2024)

    #1 Equipment Malfunction Settlement

    2024

  • #1 Car v. Stationary Object Collision Settlement — California (2024)

    #1 Car v. Stationary Object Collision Settlement

    2024

  • #1 Bus v. Passenger Accident Settlement — California (2024)

    #1 Bus v. Passenger Accident Settlement

    2024

  • #1 Whistleblower Retaliation Settlement — California (2023)

    #1 Whistleblower Retaliation Settlement

    2023

  • #1 Underinsured Motorist Settlement — California (2023)

    #1 Underinsured Motorist Settlement

    2023

  • #1 Slip & Fall Accident Settlement — California (2023)

    #1 Slip & Fall Accident Settlement

    2023

  • #1 Negligent Security Settlement — California (2023)

    #1 Negligent Security Settlement

    2023

  • #1 Ladder Accident Settlement — California (2023)

    #1 Ladder Accident Settlement

    2023

  • #1 Hotel Premises Liability Settlement — California (2023)

    #1 Hotel Premises Liability Settlement

    2023

  • #1 Car v. Car Collision Settlement — California (2023)

    #1 Car v. Car Collision Settlement

    2023

  • #1 Bicycle Accident Settlement — California (2023)

    #1 Bicycle Accident Settlement

    2023

  • #1 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement — California (2022)

    #1 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement

    2022

  • #1 Age/Disability Discrimination Settlement — California (2022)

    #1 Age/Disability Discrimination Settlement

    2022

  • #1 Wrongful Termination Settlement — California (2022)

    #1 Wrongful Termination Settlement

    2022

  • #1 Meal & Rest Breaks Settlement — California (2022)

    #1 Meal & Rest Breaks Settlement

    2022

*#1 settlements in California have been awarded by TopVerdict.com. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Truck Accident FAQs

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.

Commercial trucking is governed by federal safety regulations covering driver hours, inspections, and maintenance that do not apply to ordinary cars, and violations can help establish negligence. Truck cases also involve specialized evidence like electronic logging device data and driver logs, plus larger insurance policies. The specific federal regulations that apply should be confirmed by an attorney.

Liability often reaches well beyond the driver to include the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo, a maintenance contractor, a broker, or a parts manufacturer. Identifying every responsible party matters because it can determine how much insurance coverage is available. An attorney can investigate the entire trucking operation.

Key trucking evidence — such as electronic logging device data, black-box downloads, driver hours-of-service logs, and maintenance records — can be overwritten or lost within weeks. Sending a legal preservation demand quickly helps keep that evidence intact. An attorney can act fast to secure the records your claim depends on.

Most California truck injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1, with three years for property damage under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338. Shorter deadlines apply when a government entity is involved. Deadlines have exceptions, so confirm yours promptly with an attorney.

Yes. Under California's pure comparative negligence rule from Li v. Yellow Cab Co., you can recover even if partly at fault, with your award reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Trucking companies often try to shift blame to other motorists, so thorough evidence is important. Before choosing a firm, you may also want to read our guide on hiring an auto accident lawyer.

Related Content

Guides, nearby offices, and related practice areas to truck accident claims.

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