The Top California Truck Accident Lawyer

Alpha Accident Lawyers features California personal injury lawyers who specialize in defending the rights of innocent victims who have been afflicted by the negligence of reckless individuals. A subsidiary of personal injury law we cover is truck accidents. 

Motor vehicle accidents involving any oversized truck, such as a tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, big rig, or another large commercial vehicle require the experience of California truck accident attorneys, as plaintiffs are not just going up against the truck drivers, but they will be in a legal battle with the large trucking corporations they are employed by, as well. 

If you or a loved one were injured in a trucking accident, please contact Alpha Accident Lawyers. Even if legal representation is still uncertain, consider a free consultation with a truck accident attorney from Alpha. The truck accident case evaluation is confidential and will provide you with more information on the legal proceedings, as well as your options in seeking compensation. 

Specialized Representation for a Truck Accident Claim

Delivery trucks are significantly larger and heavier than the average motor vehicle. Consequently, when truck accidents occur, the aftermath can result in severe injuries and major property damage. 

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our law firm has recovered millions in compensation and verdicts for our clients, representing them in the following types of truck accidents: 

• Semi-truck accidents
• Commercial vehicle accidents
• Jackknife truck crash
• Truck driver negligence
• Rollover accidents
• Rear-end accidents/ tailgating
• Head-on collisions
• Override accidents
• T-bone truck crash
• Wide-turn accidents
• Sideswiping
• Tire blowouts
• Cargo spills
• Manufacturer defects

In order to recover the appropriate compensation to account for these types of damages, truck accident cases will greatly benefit from an experienced truck accident lawyer’s knowledge. 

Understanding California’s Trucking Regulations

Trucking companies are required to follow regulations set by both the FMCSA (The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and Caltrans. To hold each appropriate party accountable, a truck accident lawyer must be knowledgeable in the California shipping regulations that trucking companies are bound to. Key areas include the following.

Weight Limits

To safeguard the integrity of roads and ensure the safety of all road users, California enforces strict weight limits for trucks. The maximum allowable weight for any vehicle is 80,000 pounds, with no single axle exceeding 20,000 pounds. 

Limiting weight capacity safeguards large and semi-truck accidents from occurring, particularly on bridges or overpasses, when making immediate stops, driving downhill, or maneuvering in tight spaces. 

Record Working Hours for a Truck Driver

Truck drivers are required to maintain a log book to track their hours worked, known as their Hours of Service.

To prevent driver fatigue and overworking, the Hours of Service rules were put into place, mandating truck drivers cannot be on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours and must have a rest period of at least 10 consecutive hours before beginning their next shift. 

Loading Securement

Proper cargo securement is crucial for safe trucking operations. Shippers must ensure weight distribution and utilize appropriate securing devices to prevent maneuvering issues and jackknifing.

This is a federal and state regulation with the significance of protecting the public from harm. When trucking companies violate any of these terms, they can be held liable for the truck accident. 

Investigating Truck Accidents and Proving Negligence

The success of a truck accident claim is dependent upon a strong foundation, and a strong foundation begins with a thorough investigation. 

Our law firm’s approach to investigating truck accidents consists of accessing and analyzing dash cam footage, street security footage, the truck’s black box (vehicle's movement data), police reports, and eyewitness testimonies.

Another major component provided by our law firm is working with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and other experts in their respective professional fields. Testimonies from expert witnesses confirm fault and sustained damages. 

After compiling the necessary information, a truck accident lawyer can prove negligence–the key to winning the case. 

For example, if the evidence indicates that the trucking company and/or the truck drivers owed a duty of care to act reasonably but breached that responsibility, which led to the trucking accident and ensuing damages, the other party would be found liable for damages. 

Who Is Liable in a California Truck Accident Case?

Before filing a claim for compensation, all liable parties must be identified. This isn’t as simple as it may appear, as the truck driver may not be the only at-fault party. In fact, based on the circumstances, truck drivers may not be liable at all. 

From the truck driver and trucking company to the parts manufacturer, shippers, and cargo loaders, multiple parties often share responsibility. Each may have played a role in contributing to the truck accident. 

• Trucking company: It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure all of their truck drivers are properly trained and licensed to operate their vehicles.
• Auto parts or truck manufacturer: Any faulty parts that cause a truck to malfunction can be linked to the company that produced the parts.
• Personnel who loaded the truck: There are specified methods and procedures in place to ensure that the materials being transported do not move around or unfasten and spill onto the roads. 
• Another driver: A truck driver or other reckless drivers involved in the truck accident may also share liability. 

Our experienced truck accident law firm is well-versed in the complexities of commercial vehicle cases. We meticulously investigate semi-truck accidents and large truck accidents to identify all potentially liable parties. This allows us to build a winning case and secure the compensation that our clients deserve.

Securing Maximum Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Truck accident claims are highly complex, often involving multiple commercial insurance policies. Attempting to handle these claims without legal representation will be detrimental. 

However, working with a truck accident law firm that is skilled in negotiating with insurance companies can get clients a maximum settlement. An ideal settlement should compensate for:

• Economic Damages: lost wages, reduced earning capacity, current medical bills, future medical treatment, property damage, and other monetary expenses
• Non-economic Damages: mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and other forms of pain and suffering
• Punitive Damages: additional damages that are meant to punish the at-fault party for egregious actions and discourage others from engaging in the same actions

Compensation for monetary losses is typically surrendered by the insurance companies, but they will intentionally neglect non-economic damages to protect their bottom line.

A California trucking accident lawyer will fight to prevent the insurance companies from taking advantage so that maximum compensation can be secured on behalf of their clients.

Dealing with the Insurance Company: How a Truck Accident Attorney Helps

It typically isn’t until corresponding with trucking companies and their insurance companies that injured victims discover the difficulties that come with filing truck accident claims.

Insurance adjusters will make the claims process as tedious as possible by prolonging the turnaround, in hopes of getting plaintiffs to settle for less than they deserve or drop their trucking accident claims entirely. 

Speaking to the insurance company without the guidance of a California truck accident lawyer can be incredibly detrimental for several reasons, including: 

1. Statements Will Be Misconstrued: The insurance company is focused on minimizing their payout. Any statements made, even seemingly innocent ones, can be misconstrued and used against the victim to reduce compensation. 
2. Speculation Will Weaken the Claim: The insurance company is trained to bait victims into discussing their injuries, leading to questions about pain levels. Simply stating that “I’m feeling okay,” can significantly undermine a truck accident case.
3. Recorded Statements Will Be Misused: Conversations with insurance adjusters are often recorded and can be easily manipulated and taken out of context. Avoid consenting to a recorded statement without consulting a truck accident attorney.

A truck accident victim is under no obligation to provide any detailed information about the crash or the severity of their injuries. 

A truck accident victim should inform the other party’s insurance that they will be seeking legal counsel and direct all future communication with that law firm. Experienced truck accident lawyers will safeguard clients’ rights and ensure their interests are protected throughout the claims process.

Assistance Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit

If the other party refuses to offer a fair settlement, a truck accident lawsuit can be filed. Then, the case will be tried before a judge and jury. California truck accident lawyers will assist during these case proceedings, which entail the following:

1. Discovery: During the discovery phase, both parties exchange evidence and information related to the trucking accidents. This may include depositions, interrogatories, and requests for pertinent documentation.
2. Mediation: This is a non-binding process in which a neutral third party attempts to facilitate a settlement between the parties. If mediation is successful, the truck accident lawsuit will be resolved and not require moving forward with a trial.
3. Trial: If mediation fails, the case will proceed to trial. The judge or jury will then decide who is liable for the truck accident and how much compensation may be awarded (if the case falls in the plaintiff's favor).
4. Appeals: If either party is not satisfied with the outcome of the trial, they may appeal the verdict to a higher court.

Quality Experience You Can Trust

Alpha Accident Lawyers’ team of highly skilled California truck accident lawyers is carefully selected for their dedication, work ethic, and proven track record of success–all of which have earned our law firm a 99% success rate. 

Our legal team has been recognized by some of the most prestigious organizations. Some honors include a perfect 10.0 Superb Rating from Avvo and membership in the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC), which is reserved for only the top 1% of attorneys who have exemplified legal excellence.

We can apply guidance and knowledge in the following ways:

• Specialized representation for truck accident-specific cases
• Access to the best medical treatment in California
• Aggressive negotiations with the insurance company for a full and fair settlement
• Millions recovered in compensation for our clients
• Around-the-clock assistance, with representatives available 24/7
• Free case evaluation with no commitment to sign up with us
• Contingency fee arrangement, with ZERO upfront costs

No Win, No Fee Guarantee + Free Consultation

Alpha Accident Lawyers believes that personal finances should never interfere with someone’s right to superior legal representation. This is why our personal injury law firm offers contingency fee arrangements. 

This means that our clients never have any legal fees unless we can produce a case win: We only get paid when you do. This ensures that our legal services are accessible to anyone who needs it, regardless of financial circumstances. 

We understand that the aftermath of truck accidents can be overwhelming, both physically and financially. Truck accident victims should not have to concern themselves with the added stress of legal fees, as well. 

Our contingency fee arrangement allows clients to focus on their recovery while we handle the complexities of the truck accident case and deal with the insurance companies. To learn more about our contingency fee arrangement and our California law firm please schedule a free consultation at your convenience. 

Seek Justice with the Top California Truck Accident Lawyers

When searching for a personal injury lawyer to efficiently manage your truck accident case, consider Alpha Accident Lawyers. With locations across Northern California and Southern California, our truck accident attorneys are available to provide their legal expertise.

Contact Information

Los Angeles Office

• Phone:(213) 905-6911
• Address: 355 South Grand Avenue, Suite 2455, Los Angeles, 90071 

Sacramento Office

• Phone: (916) 926-0036
• Address: 1201 J Street, Suite 337 Sacramento, CA 95814

Email: [email protected]

Winning a Truck Accident Case Won’t Be Easy…

However, working with experienced truck accident attorneys and a dedicated legal team significantly improves the odds of maximum recovery. 

You do not have to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape alone. Alpha Accident Lawyers maintains a winning 99% success rate, and we are fully capable of delivering an optimal outcome on your behalf. When you are ready, contact us and schedule a free consultation.