--- title: "Truck Accident Lawyer | Northern CA | Frank Penney" source: https://penneylaw.com/truck-accidents --- > California truck accident attorneys for 18-wheeler and commercial truck victims. $1B+ recovered. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. # Truck Accident Lawyer Fighting for Victims of Commercial Truck Accidents Legal review by [Frank D. Penney](https://penneylaw.com/frank-d-penney/), founding attorney · Last updated October 7, 2026 ## 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 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. ## What Is My Truck Accident Case Worth? Get an instant, no-obligation estimate of your accident case value, then call (888) 888-0566 for a free, personalized review. **Disclaimer:** The estimate provided by this calculator is based on general statistical data and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Case values vary significantly based on individual facts and circumstances. This tool does not create an attorney-client relationship. For a personalized assessment, call us at [(888) 888-0566](tel:8888880566) or [submit a free consultation request](https://penneylaw.com/contact). Powered by [Case Value Calculator](https://casevalue.law/states/california?utm_source=embed&utm_medium=widget&utm_campaign=powered_by) ## Results That Speak for Themselves Over $1 billion recovered for injury victims across California. A sample of our case results: $10.5M Wrongful Death $4.5M Motorcycle Accident $3.4M Truck Accident $2.41M Auto Accident $1.2M Pedestrian Accident Any case results shown represent individual experiences and outcomes. These results are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of your case. Individual results may vary based on the unique circumstances of each case. [See full disclaimer](https://penneylaw.com/disclaimer). ## 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 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.** ## California Truck Accident Law: What You Need to Know Truck cases are governed by federal rules and far larger insurance policies than ordinary car crashes. Here is what matters most. ### Two-Year Filing Deadline Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 you generally have **two years** from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle or public agency is involved, a claim may be due in as little as **six months**. Acting quickly also protects critical evidence. ### Federal Trucking Regulations Commercial trucks are governed by federal FMCSA rules covering hours-of-service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualification, and electronic logging. Evidence like driver logs, maintenance records, and black-box/ELD data can be overwritten within weeks, so it must be preserved fast. ### Multiple Liable Parties A truck crash may involve more than the driver: the trucking company, a broker, the cargo loader, or a parts manufacturer can all share liability. Commercial policies are far larger than California's 30/60/15 minimum, which is why these cases demand a thorough investigation. Not sure what your claim could be worth? Try our [case value calculator](https://penneylaw.com/how-much-is-my-case-worth), read the latest [California accident news](https://penneylaw.com/accident-news), or explore our [injury law blog](https://penneylaw.com/blog). We serve clients in [Sacramento](https://penneylaw.com/sacramento), [Stockton](https://penneylaw.com/stockton), [Oakland](https://penneylaw.com/oakland), and across Northern California. ## Truck Accident FAQs ### How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California? In California you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If a government vehicle or agency is involved, you may have as little as six months to file a claim, so it is important to speak with an attorney quickly. ### Who can be held liable in a truck accident? Often more than one party. Besides the driver, the trucking company, a freight broker, the company that loaded the cargo, and even a parts manufacturer can be responsible. Identifying every liable party is important because it can mean access to much larger insurance coverage. ### Why is it important to act quickly after a truck accident? Key evidence — driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic logging or black-box data — can be lost or overwritten within weeks. Acting quickly lets your attorney send a legal hold to preserve that evidence before it disappears. ### How much does it cost to hire Frank Penney Injury Law for a truck accident case? Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is always free. ## What Our Clients Say Real five-star reviews from clients on our Google Business Profile. > Was involved in a car accident not my fault and I called Penney and they got me in right away. Josh my lawyer at Frank Penney fought hard for me. They were able to get me 5 times the settlement originally offered by State Farm. Couldn't be happier. > I was assigned to Mark McCauley and have been impressed with his work-ethic and caring demeanor since our very first meeting. Over the last 18 months, I have had extensive treatment all because Mark was willing to push even when my insurance company resisted. I will continue to recommend Frank Penney Injury Lawyers to anyone that is in need of an exemplary attorney. > If you have been in an auto accident, seek out Frank Penney Injury Lawyers. They are the best at what they do. A very special thanks to Joshua Boyce — my guiding star, the man in my corner, and an incredible and caring human being. > My case was a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle and car — I broke my femur. In the end, the opposing party was negligent and I won the case and earned the maximum settlement offered by the opposing insurance company. Stop looking around and choose Frank Penney Injury Lawyers. > I feel so blessed to have had Frank Penney Injury Lawyers represent me after I was injured in an auto accident. I was a victim of a hit and run and I am so thankful I found them to help. My attorney, Mark, was so responsive and made sure I received updates on my claim. > From the very beginning, the team was professional, compassionate, and always made me feel like a priority. Frank and his staff truly cared about my recovery and worked hard to make sure I received a fair settlement. I'm so grateful for their dedication and highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and trustworthy personal injury lawyer! > Working with Frank Penney as my personal injury attorney has been an amazing experience. He's dedicated and fights hard for his clients. I would highly recommend Frank Penney Injury Lawyers and his team to anyone needing a trustworthy and powerful firm. > Mark McCauley was just astounding. He fought hard for me and my settlement was more than I thought possible. If you are looking for a personal injury attorney, make them your first call. > I can't say enough about Frank Penney Injury Lawyers and all the hard work they put into winning my case. I am very impressed on how they got such a great settlement for me and my daughter. They will be my personal injury lawyer for life. > Frank Penney and his team seriously came through for me. I got rear ended on the freeway, and had no idea what to do next. They handled everything — paperwork, calls, negotiations — and when the settlement hit, I was astonished. > While stopped at a red light, a very high speed motorcycle went into the back of my car, completely totaling my vehicle and creating significant injuries for me. From the very first call to Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, I felt sympathy, compassion and a desire to help me. I could not have asked for a better legal team in my corner. > After I was injured in a substantial rear-end collision, the other insurance company fought hard to avoid accepting responsibility — but James and Priscilla fought both harder and smarter on my behalf. I was shocked when my case ultimately went all the way to trial, but James delivered a solid victory — a victory that not only met but exceeded our last demand. > Joshua, at Frank Penny Injury Lawyers, handled my very complex injury case as if I was part of their family. His dedication and thoroughness resulted in a settlement that will help me overcome the injuries and complications I had suffered. Thanks again, Frank Penney and Staff. > I was in a car accident and rear ended. My chiropractor actually referred me to Frank Penney! They lined me up with the medical help I needed and negotiated a great settlement for me in a timely manner. Highly recommended. > Me and my husband got into a car accident back in October 2020. We went with Frank Penny Injury Lawyers because they're only the best around! We closed our case without having to go to court. Thank you Frank Penny Injury Lawyers — we were very pleased! Testimonials reflect the individual experiences of past clients and are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of your case. [See full disclaimer](https://penneylaw.com/disclaimer). ## Related Practice Areas ### Car Accidents ### Motorcycle Accidents ### Wrongful Death ### View All Practice Areas