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If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, having experienced legal support can make all the difference. Our California truck accident lawyers are here to help you handle the stress of insurance claims and legal matters, making the process easier for you.
Contact us today for a free case review. We’ll answer your questions with no upfront fees, and you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal work so you can focus on your recovery.
California’s roads are among the busiest in the country for truck traffic, with nearly 16 million trucks registered statewide.
These vehicles travel more than 175,000 miles annually across highways and state roads, playing a vital role in the economy. As the state enforces stricter emissions guidelines, the number of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks has surpassed 2,000 and continues to grow.
Despite these advancements, truck-related accidents remain a serious concern. In 2023, 12,752 truck-involved crashes were reported, resulting in 5,297 injuries. Tragically, nearly 400 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, leading to 394 deaths.
Nearly 90% of truck-related accidents are due to driver error. The most common causes of these crashes include:
Additional factors include equipment failures like brake malfunctions, traffic congestion, fatigue, poor road conditions, and previous accidents causing roadway obstructions.
Taking the right steps after a truck accident in California can protect your health and strengthen your legal case. Here’s what to do to improve your chances of a successful claim:
Reach out to our experienced California auto and truck accident lawyers to evaluate your case and protect your rights. At Thompson Law, we’re committed to guiding you through every step. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us handle the legal matters so you can focus on healing.
Truck accidents in California are often the result of unsafe or reckless actions. Some of the most common causes include:
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by any of these factors, our California truck accident attorneys are ready to investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The massive size and weight of commercial trucks often make accidents especially devastating, resulting in serious injuries such as:
If you’ve experienced any of these injuries, our team is dedicated to helping you secure compensation for medical care, rehabilitation, and any long-term support you may need.
Truck accidents take many forms, each presenting unique risks and challenges. In California, some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
No matter the type of accident, our experienced California legal team is ready to investigate the incident, identify its cause, and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Selecting the right truck accident lawyer is crucial for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation. To make the best choice, consider these key factors:
Look for a lawyer with significant experience handling truck accident cases. A strong track record of successful outcomes can give you confidence in their ability to manage your case effectively.
A skilled truck accident attorney should have a deep understanding of trucking regulations, liability challenges, and the complex factors involved in these cases. This knowledge is essential for building a strong case.
Truck accident cases often require thorough investigations and expert analysis. Choose a lawyer with access to a wide network of professionals, such as accident reconstructionists and medical experts, to strengthen your claim.
Effective communication is vital. You need an attorney who keeps you informed, listens to your concerns, and answers your questions throughout the legal process.
Take the time to read feedback from previous clients. Positive testimonials can provide insight into the lawyer’s reputation, professionalism, and ability to deliver results.
Finding the right California truck accident lawyer can make all the difference in your case. By considering these factors, you can confidently choose an attorney who will advocate for your best interests.
Victims of truck accidents in California may qualify for compensation to cover various types of damages, including:
In cases involving extreme negligence, such as drunk driving or severe safety violations, punitive damages may be awarded to hold the responsible party accountable and discourage similar behavior.
At Thompson Law, we are dedicated to helping truck accident victims obtain the compensation they need to move forward. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.
We provide truck wreck victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring that you get fair value for your claim. Our California truck accident lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence so that you recover the money that you deserve.
Determining fault in a truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Those who may be held liable include:
Each case is unique, and a thorough investigation is essential to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.
Filing a truck accident claim in California involves several critical steps beyond immediate post-accident actions. Once you’ve addressed urgent health and safety concerns, follow these steps to move forward with your claim:
After gathering evidence and determining the liable parties, we can help you formally notify the responsible party’s insurance company of your intent to file a claim. This step initiates the claims process and ensures your case is documented.
Your claim should include comprehensive documentation to support your case. This may involve medical records, repair estimates, wage statements for lost income, and evidence of non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Truck accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case to identify all responsible parties and maximize your potential compensation.
Our attorney will send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurer, outlining the damages you’ve suffered and the compensation you’re seeking. This document is crucial in setting the stage for settlement negotiations.
Most truck accident claims are resolved through negotiations. We will advocate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement, addressing both economic and non-economic damages.
If the insurance company fails to offer fair compensation, we can help you file a lawsuit within California’s statute of limitations (two years for personal injury claims). This involves preparing the case for trial, which may include gathering expert witnesses and additional evidence.
Your case may be resolved through a settlement at any stage, or it may proceed to trial if necessary. Our experienced attorneys will ensure that every step is handled efficiently to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Filing a truck accident claim can be a complex process, but having a knowledgeable legal team on your side can make all the difference. Contact us today for personalized guidance and a free case evaluation.
Proving negligence in a truck accident case can be more complex than it appears, even when fault seems clear. Without expert legal representation, critical details can be missed. That’s why our skilled California truck accident attorneys thoroughly examine all evidence to build a strong case for you.
The key elements of proving negligence in a truck accident case include:
By addressing each of these elements, we build a compelling case to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
At Thompson Law, our California truck accident attorneys have the experience and track record needed to tackle even the toughest cases. We are dedicated to thoroughly investigating your accident, uncovering the facts, and identifying all liable parties. From start to finish, we’ll guide you through the legal process and ensure you understand your rights under California law.
To build a strong case, we meticulously gather and evaluate key evidence, including:
Every truck accident case is unique, and our in-depth knowledge of California law and trucking regulations allows us to handle even the most complicated claims. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Selecting the right legal team for your truck accident case is essential for achieving the best results. At Thompson Law, we are committed to delivering exceptional service, support, and results for truck accident victims across California. Here’s why you can trust us:
You won’t pay any upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
With over $1.9 billion secured for our clients, we have the expertise and track record to deliver the best possible outcomes.
Getting started is easy. Contact us anytime to speak with an attorney immediately. You can sign up conveniently from your smartphone or computer, and we’ll begin working on your case right away.
Accidents can happen at any time, and we’re here for you around the clock to provide the help you need when you need it most.
We treat every client with care and respect. Our team provides compassionate service and keeps you informed at every stage of your case.
Our bilingual team ensures Spanish-speaking clients have full access to justice and clear communication without language barriers.
At Thompson Law, we are dedicated to maximizing the compensation you deserve. From investigating the crash and negotiating with insurance companies to preparing for trial, we handle every detail of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing a truck accident claim, so don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experienced truck accident attorneys fight for the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.
Settlements for truck accidents in California vary depending on the extent of injuries, property damage, and the specific circumstances of the crash. On average, settlements range between $75,000 and $300,000. Cases involving severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death can result in settlements exceeding $1 million.
Most truck accident attorneys in California work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and the attorney only collects a fee if they successfully recover compensation for you. The fee is typically a percentage of your settlement or court award.
The time it takes to resolve a truck accident case depends on its complexity. Simple cases involving minor injuries may be settled in a few months. However, more serious cases with disputed liability or catastrophic injuries can take 12 to 24 months or longer, especially if they go to trial.
California law sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit after a truck accident. For personal injury claims, you have two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, the statute of limitations is 2 years. Remember, missing these deadlines may prevent you from recovering compensation.
Truck accidents involve different factors compared to car accidents:
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If you are injured in any type of accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not certain that you are injured. Seeking immediate medical treatment does two things: 1) it ensures injuries you sustained are diagnosed and treated; and, 2) it helps eliminate any doubt by the insurance company that your injuries were caused by the accident. 
Often, the shock and adrenaline of an accident can mask symptoms of injuries, so making the mistake of skipping a medical examination can have profound consequences. By seeking prompt medical treatment, you protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation for your injuries with the help of your attorney.
If you were in a motor vehicle accident we have also detailed here what to do after a car accident.
A skilled personal injury lawyer is necessary to get full and fair compensation for injuries you sustained in an accident. Most defendants, whether individual drivers or commercial vehicle operators, are covered by liability insurance. Those insurance companies are not obligated to protect or take care of you. Insurance companies exist to protect the defendant (their customer) who caused the wreck.Â
A personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for every category of damages to which you are legally entitled. These damages can include things like: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain & suffering, punitive damages, loss of limb, diminished mental function, physical impairment, scarring or disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims). Further, you may be entitled to future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, and other damages in severe injury cases.
The largest factor affecting your claim’s value is the severity or magnitude of your injuries. More severe injuries typically require more medical treatment. So it is essential to have all your injuries documented properly by seeking immediate treatment with doctors or hospitals, and continuing under the care and direction of your doctors as long as necessary to heal. Without prompt and consistent medical treatment and documentation, an injury claim becomes very difficult to pursue, let alone win.Â
Of course, other factors an also have an impact, and each and every case is different.  Were you injured in a commercial vehicle wreck or truck wreck that totaled your car, or was it a fender bender that did very little damage? Was the other driver intoxicated or drunk, or speeding? A multitude of factors may play into your claim’s overall likely value.  An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to visit with you and talk to you more specifically about factors which may affect your particular claim. Â
In Texas, you usually have two (2) years from the date of incident to file a personal injury claim before it is barred by the statute of limitations. There are exceptions to this 2-year time limit in Texas, for minors and others. Further, other states have different time limits, and the limit that applies is typically for the state in which the accident occurred.
The safest course of action for someone injured in a car wreck, truck wreck, slip and fall, or any other type of accident is to consult with a personal injury attorney.  This will help ensure that you do not miss the applicable limitations period.  Moreover, it will ensure the right investigations are conducted, and the proper steps are taken to preserve the evidence, photos, witness statements, and records needed to successfully pursue your claim.Â
If you are injured in a hit-and-run wreck (and are unable to locate the driver) or are hurt in a collision where the other driver does not have insurance, you are not necessarily out of options in terms of financial recovery. You may still be able to recover for your personal injuries if your own policy has Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to confirm what types of coverage you have on your policy before an accident, but if you have been hit be sure to ask these questions before finalizing your claim request. Even if you do not have UM or PIP, the attorneys and investigators at Thompson Law can work to track down the other driver in a hit-and-run accident. To do this, we rely on witnesses who may have captured a photo of the car or license plate and/or available surveillance camera footage that might have captured the wreck. Â
Typical damages you can recover in a personal injury claim include: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases even punitive damages. In severe injury cases, other damages may be recoverable, such as: future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, loss of body member or mental function, physical impairment, disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims).
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage can help save the day if you are hit by an uninsured driver or if you are the victim in a hit-and-run collision. In short, UM coverage is an add-on coverage that drivers can add to their auto insurance policies that will protect them in the event that they are in an auto accident with a driver who either does not have insurance or cannot be located. You can contact your insurance provider to confirm whether your policy includes UM. If you do not have this coverage, the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law recommend that you consider adding UM to your auto insurance policy today.Â
Knowing how comparative negligence works is vital if you live in a state that uses it. In simple terms, comparative negligence implies both drivers can share fault for an accident, but one driver can be more at fault than the other. For example, you are texting while driving when another driver runs a stop sign and hits your car.
A jury finds that the driver who ran the stop sign is 80 percent at fault, but they believe you would have had a better chance of avoiding the accident if you were not texting at the time. They find you 20 percent at fault. You can only collect enough compensation to cover the other driver’s fault. In this case, you would get $8,000 if the jury thinks your case is worth $10,000.
Having the police respond to the accident scene is of paramount importance. Make sure that YOU call them and insist that they come and investigate the accident. When the police arrive, they will separate the drivers and witnesses from one another and take statements from everyone involved. Be cooperative, detailed, and firm in describing the accident. The investigating officer will usually determine fault based upon these statements, and it is essential that your version of the events is heard and believed. If you think that you may be injured, make that clear to the officer. If an ambulance or other medical professionals arrive on scene, get checked out. If not, make plans to visit an emergency room or doctor soon after you leave the scene. Before you do leave for this care, the officer will provide you with a report number and their contact information. Make sure this information is safely saved, as it will be very important in any auto accident injury claim you may have.    Â
Call an attorney. Your first instinct might be to call your insurance company, but it’s best to seek legal council first so you don’t accidentally admit guilt or take responsibility for the accident. In many cases your attorney will call the insurance company for you to prevent that from happening.
Absolutely not. It’s important to leave the investigation to the professionals. They know exactly how to work a case to determine all of the facts and details.
Typically, yes. If a family member is seriously injured or killed in an accident, or if the injured party is a minor child, then it may be appropriate under the law for a parent, spouse, relative, or legal guardian to file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of the injured or deceased party. These types of claims are complex, and usually depend on the type of relationship involved, as well as the individual facts and circumstances of the injury. Calling the experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law is step one to explore filing an injury claim on behalf of your loved one.Â
In Texas, even if you are partially to blame for a car accident, you may be able to recover some of your damages from the other party. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility system (also known as comparative negligence), unless you as the claimant/plaintiff are determined more than 51% at fault, you may recover legal damages that are reduced by the percentage you are determined at fault.
For example, if you are determined to be 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages from the other responsible party (you can’t recover the other 30% because that was the amount of liability that was determined to lie with you). The personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law can help you navigate this proportionate responsibility system, or can explain negligence laws by state if your accident occurred outside of Texas.    Â
If the other vehicle involved in your crash was an 18 wheeler or another commercial vehicle, call an attorney immediately. Companies who own commercial vehicles and 18 wheelers often have their own team of investigators who will arrive on the scene immediately working on the driver’s defense case. The sooner you involve an attorney of your own, the better your chances are of receiving compensation for your injuries and damages.
Drivers of 18 wheelers and other commercial vehicles are held to a higher standard of driving. If they neglect to turn on their flashing lights when they’re on the side of the road, don’t move over far enough onto the shoulder, don’t properly secure their cargo, or don’t leave enough clearance when making a left turn, and in many other cases, the driver could be considered negligent. If you want to know if the driver of the 18 wheeler involved in your case was negligent, contact a personal injury attorney.
No. They aren’t trying to help you. They’re trying to protect their drivers and reduce their costs. That’s why they have a team of lawyers ready to flock to the scene of any accident. Don’t accept any form of compensation until you talk to your attorney. Most victims of 18 wheeler crashes sustain more injuries than victims of normal crashes, and can receive higher compensation as a result. Don’t let them fool you into accepting a smaller payout for your injuries and damages. Your injuries could require years of medications and surgeries, and the company will try everything to avoid making huge payouts. Call your attorney and let them do the negotiating on your behalf.
Many times it can be the fault of both the driver and the 18 wheeler company. Truck drivers can be at fault just like any other motorist for failing to follow the rules of the road. However, 18 wheeler companies and their employees have federal laws they are required to follow that govern things like how many consecutive hours of driving are allowable, minimum numbers of resting hours between jobs, when and how to do inspections, and so on. Also, the 18 wheeler companies have specific duties and responsibilities regarding training their drivers and supervising their work. When trucking companies refuse to follow standard rules, regulations, and practices regarding the commercial and transportation industry, people can get hurt and companies can be found at fault for contributing to or causing the collision through their irresponsible decisions.  An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer will know what violations to look for and how to hold both the driver and the company responsible for endangering the motoring public on the roads we all share. Â
If you or a family member are injured in an automobile accident, you cannot afford NOT to hire the very best attorney available. Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only pay legal fees IF we win for you and AFTER your case is settled.
We understand that legal fees upfront are simply too much to deal with after a serious accident where you are dealing with property damage repairs, medical bills, missed work and lost wages. The fact that you owe $0 upfront is an added bonus when you hire great legal representation at Thompson Law.   
If you were injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance we can help you out. We will look at the facts of your accident, whether a car wreck, truck wreck, motorcycle accident, or on-the-job-injury and examine whatever reports or records are available. If we believe that you were injured and it was someone else’s fault, it is likely to be a case we can take. The more information and documentation you can give us about your accident and your injuries, the quicker we can evaluate your case and let you know.  Give us a call or reach out online anytime!Â
The best personal injury attorney has three major characteristics: Excellent customer service, cutting edge technology, and a willingness to take cases and win at trial. Ask your potential attorney about the client experience they offer, what kind of technology they use to make your life easier, and when was the last time they took a case to jury trial. Asking these types of questions will give you guidance on what kind of experience you can expect as a client and what kind of results you can expect at the end of your case.
Thompson Law has high ratings from clients for its emphasis on customer service, and its attorneys have achieved significant results on small, large, and complex cases alike. No matter if you have been involved in a minor car wreck or are dealing with catastrophic injuries from a rarer and more devastating event like a terrible workplace accident, dog bite, or an 18 wheeler wreck, Thompson Law can assist you. Â
Yes! Thompson Law is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free consultations. If you have been injured in a truck wreck or car accident, hurt in a slip and fall incident, or otherwise injured from the negligence of another person or party, give us a call any time at 1-800-LION-LAW. We can speak to you over the phone, chat online through our website or social media outlets, or arrange an in-person meeting at your convenience. Our team is ready to help!Â
Thompson Law is available 24/7 to provide free consultations and to sign up new clients. We can sign you up over the phone or we can send one of our experienced licensed investigators to meet you at the hospital or at your home if you prefer. Whether you live in Arlington, Fort Worth, El Paso, San Antonio, or even outside of the state of Texas, we are always here to assist you and provide the resources you need at a difficult time. We do the hard work for you so that you can focus on healing from your injuries. Â
Let’s be honest: this isn’t a legal show on TV and your case will not settle in the next hour – or even tomorrow. The true answer is: it depends. We find that most cases settle within 6-12 months from date of incident; but the timeline in your case could be shorter or longer depending on: the facts and circumstances of the accident; the length of time it takes you to complete medical treatment; and the character of the insurance company, or companies, involved in your case.  In the event that your case cannot settle pre-litigation and it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit, the litigation process alone can take 1 to 2 years due to the court system and legal process necessary to prepare for trial. But because so much of the timeline depends on the facts and circumstances of your unique case, call Thompson Law today to discuss the personal injury claims process.Â
Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.
