Truck Accident Lawyer
Fighting for Victims of Commercial Truck Accidents
Experienced Legal Representation for Truck Accident Victims
Truck accidents are among the most devastating crashes on our roads. When a fully loaded commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results can be catastrophic. At Frank Penney Injury Law, we understand the unique challenges these cases present and have the experience and resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurers.
Our team has recovered millions of dollars for truck accident victims throughout Northern California. We investigate every aspect of your case, from driver logs and maintenance records to black box data, to build the strongest possible claim for compensation.
Types of Truck Accident Cases
We represent victims in all types of commercial truck accidents, including:
18-Wheeler Accidents
Crashes involving large semi-trucks and tractor-trailers on highways and interstates.
Semi-Truck Collisions
Accidents with long-haul commercial trucks carrying freight across California.
Delivery Truck Accidents
Crashes involving delivery vehicles, box trucks, and commercial vans.
Jackknife Accidents
Dangerous situations where a truck's trailer swings out at a sharp angle.
Overloaded Truck Accidents
Crashes caused by improperly loaded or overweight cargo.
Brake Failure Accidents
Collisions resulting from poorly maintained or defective braking systems.
Tired Driver Accidents
Crashes caused by fatigued drivers violating hours-of-service regulations.
Wide Turn Accidents
Accidents occurring when trucks make wide turns and collide with other vehicles.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than typical car accident claims. These cases often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and equipment manufacturers.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern the trucking industry, and violations of these regulations can be critical evidence in your case. Our attorneys understand these complex rules regarding:
- Hours-of-service requirements and driver fatigue
- Maintenance and inspection standards
- Driver qualification and training requirements
- Cargo loading and securement rules
- Drug and alcohol testing regulations
Trucking companies and their insurers have aggressive legal teams working to minimize their liability. You need experienced attorneys who know how to navigate these complex cases and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Evidence We Investigate
Records of driving hours and rest periods
Speed, braking, and other critical information
Inspection and repair history of the truck
Training, qualifications, and past violations
FMCSA safety ratings and compliance history
Why Choose Frank Penney Injury Law
When you've been injured in a truck accident, you need a legal team with the experience and resources to fight for you.
30+ Years of Experience
Decades of experience handling complex truck accident cases throughout Northern California.
Over $1 Billion Recovered
A proven track record of securing substantial compensation for our clients.
No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when we recover compensation for you.
Resources to Fight Big Trucking Companies
We have the resources to take on large corporations and their insurance companies.
Thorough Investigation
We work with accident reconstruction experts and industry specialists to build strong cases.
Personalized Attention
You'll work directly with experienced attorneys who care about your recovery.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in California
Truck accidents are a common occurrence in California due to the state's extensive highway networks and its close proximity to major shipping yards.
People Injured Annually
According to a 2022 study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 160,000 people in the US were injured due to crashes involving large trucks.
California Truck Fatality Ranking
The National Safety Council has reported that California consistently ranks near the top for large-truck fatalities nationwide.
High-Risk Freight Corridors
Caltrans has identified major freight corridors like I-5 and SR-99 as high areas of interest and has taken measures to prevent truck accidents.
What to Do If You Have Been in a Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is vital to act accordingly and promptly to ensure your chances of getting justice and fair compensation.
Call 911 Immediately
If the accident is severe, call 911 and have first responders take control of the scene. Your safety and health come first.
Document the Scene
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Report to Police
Report the accident to CHP or local police and exchange contact information with everyone involved.
Do Not Talk to Insurance Adjusters
Do not speak with any insurance adjusters without an attorney. They can guide you throughout the legal process and make sure you don't say anything that can hurt your claim.
Is There a Time Limit to Truck Accident Claims in California
When it comes to personal injury claims in California, there is a strict deadline called the statute of limitations. According to California Civil Code 335.1, all personal injury claims must be filed within 2 years from the date of the incident.
Failure to do so will result in accident victims automatically waiving their right to file a claim and recover compensation no matter how compelling the evidence may be. With that in mind, it is vital to start filing a claim with an attorney as soon as possible, because depending on the nature of the accident, there may be roadblocks that can significantly delay your claim.
California Statute of Limitations
Under California Civil Code 335.1, you must file your personal injury claim within 2 years of the accident date. Don't wait — contact us today.
Do I Need a California Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking cases are evidence-heavy and defense-oriented from day one. An experienced truck accident lawyer can make the difference in your case.
Secure and Analyze Carrier Data
Obtain and analyze ELDs, ECM, telematics, and dash-cam footage before six-month retention windows close, and hire the right experts in accident reconstruction, human factors, brake/maintenance, and life-care planning.
Spot Regulatory Breaches
Identify violations of hours-of-service, maintenance, load securement, and hiring/supervision regulations that transform a "disputed fault" case into a strong liability claim.
Value the Full Damages Picture
Accurately assess medical care, future treatment, lost earnings and earning capacity, household services, pain and suffering, property loss, and punitive exposure where warranted.
Navigate Multiple Defendants and Insurers
Manage claims against the driver, motor carrier, trailer owner, shipper/loader, broker, maintenance contractor, and — when applicable — public entities.
Litigate Aggressively if the Carrier Underpays
File in the right venue and leverage California's pure comparative negligence rule so you can still recover even if you're assigned a share of fault.
Frank Penney Injury Lawyers Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident in California, our legal team is here to give you the legal assistance you need. With over 30 years of experience and a dedication to serving justice, our team of personal injury lawyers understand how impactful an accident can be and will do everything in their power to ensure your interests are properly represented.
Our legal team has recovered over $1 Billion in financial compensation for clients and will continue to fight for the justice you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.