Getting involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic experience that could potentially leave you with severe injuries and a large stack of bills. Considering how California is a large hub of all commercial trucking and trade, the chances of getting involved in a truck accident is never zero. As such, if you or a loved one was hurt in an accident with a semi-truck, big rig, or delivery vehicle anywhere in California, it is urged to hire an experienced California truck accident lawyer.
Frank Penney Injury Lawyers is a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases and their team of truck accident attorneys are prepared to give you the legal guidance and support you need. With over 25 years of experience fighting for people’s rights, the attorneys at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers have an established track record of winning cases and getting their clients what they deserve.
Whether the accident happened in the Bay Area or somewhere in the Inland Empire, our legal team will craft a personalized legal strategy to ensure your chances of holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our 24/7 legal team will be there every step of the way to ensure you understand your legal options.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win! Call us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form for a free case consultation.
How Common Do Truck Accidents Happen 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. 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.
Meanwhile at a state level, the National Safety Council has reported that California consistently ranks near the top for large-truck fatalities. As most large truck traffic is concentrated along major freight corridors like I-5 and SR-99, Caltrans has identified these routes as high areas of interest and has taken measures to prevent truck accidents.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accident claims often occur due to driver negligence and preventable human errors. According to a research study from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it is revealed that driver-related errors, mechanical issues, and defective roadway factors are some of the leading causes of truck accidents. While California adds its own rules and regulations such as strict hours-of-service rules, number of required inspections, and weekly hours, some truck drivers may violate these rules to justify getting the work done.
If the truck driver was negligent in their duty and violated several laws, they can be held liable for their actions and to an extent, the trucking company they are employed at may face penalties as well. In addition, if a truck accident was caused by any of the following causes, it is recommended to consult with a skilled truck accident attorney who can give you the legal guidance you need.
- Speeding and unsafe following distance
- Distracted driving
- Overweight/poorly secured cargo
- Drowsy Driving
- Maintenance lapses
- Unqualified or poorly supervised drivers
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 for your injuries. While it is understandable to feel shaken up about the situation, if the accident is severe and you acquire additional assistance, it is urged to call 911 and have first responders take control of the scene.
When the accident is under control, you would then follow all basic accident procedures such as documenting the accident scene by taking photos and videos, reporting the accident to CHP or local police, and exchanging contact information with everyone involved. Once you have done so, it is highly recommended to not talk to any insurance adjusters without an attorney, because they will be able to 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.
Do I Need a California Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking cases are evidence-heavy and defense-oriented from day one and you’ll need a California truck accident lawyer to effectively manage your case and ensure your chances of recovering compensation. In fact, an experienced California truck accident lawyer can do the following:
- Secure and analyze carrier data (ELDs, ECM, telematics, dash-cams) before six-month retention windows close, and hire the right experts (accident reconstruction, human factors, brake/maintenance, life-care planning).
- Spot regulatory breaches (hours-of-service, maintenance, load securement, hiring/supervision) that transform a “disputed fault” case into a strong liability claim.
- Value the full damages picture (medical care, future treatment, lost earnings/earning capacity, household services, pain and suffering, property loss, punitive exposure where warranted).
- Navigate multiple defendants and insurers (driver, motor carrier, trailer owner, shipper/loader, broker, maintenance contractor, and—when applicable—public entities).
- Litigate aggressively if the carrier underpays, including filing in the right venue and leveraging 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, the legal team at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers is here to give you the legal assistance you need. With over 25 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 their client’s interests are properly represented in the California court system.
As a result of their hard work and dedication, our legal team has recovered over hundreds of thousands in financial compensation for their clients and will continue to do their duty. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our 24/7 legal team will be there every step of the way to give you the legal guidance you deserve.
Best of all, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win! Call us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form for a free case consultation.