Truck Accident
Whether you've been injured in an accident, are dealing with a personal injury claim, or facing another legal issue, Mendez & Sanchez APC is here to fight for you. We handle a wide range of cases and focus on one thing—getting results. Our goal is to win the maximum compensation you deserve and help you get the justice you're owed in California or Nevada. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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In the majority of commercial truck crashes, the injured victim was in a car or other vehicle—not in the truck. If you’re one of those victims, an East Los Angeles truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to recover.
Accidents that involve 18-wheelers or semi-trucks almost always have life-changing effects. If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, your injuries are likely severe and you’re probably concerned about your growing medical debt. That’s not to mention your property damage and emotional trauma.
If the truck wreck wasn’t your fault, you’re probably also frustrated that you have to deal with all this stress without help. You may feel that you’ve suffered an injustice, and you likely have.
But you have options. With the help of an East Los Angeles truck accident lawyer from our chambers, you can file a successful personal injury claim that will compensate you for all of your damages.
How our lawyers help fight for your cause
Your lawyer’s role doesn’t start and end with representing you in truck accident litigation. You can also expect your lawyer to do the following:
- Visit you after your accident, whether you’re at home or in the hospital
- Gather evidence identifying the parties responsible for your accident
- Identify the people and entities whose negligence may have indirectly led to your accident
- Determine the compensation you’re entitled to ask
- Prepare the paperwork
- Get in touch with the opposite parties to start negotiations
- File your case in court, if necessary
- Build a strong case to help you secure a settlement that satisfies your demands
It’s important to gather as many facts as possible if you’re planning to file a compensation claim in a truck accident. A truck accident lawyer from Los Angeles can shoulder the responsibility and allow you to recover from your injuries in peace.
The following are some potential causes to consider before filing a truck crash personal injury claim:
- Inadequate Training – The driver who caused your accident might not have had the proper training or the proper license to drive such a large vehicle. This should be recorded in the police report.
- Unrealistic Schedules – Some trucking companies reward drivers for hurrying without considering the risks involved. Carelessness of this sort can lead to accidents.
- Unsecured Cargo –A loose load can result from a careless loading team or defective restraints. Unsecured cargo that causes an accident could incriminate a number of people, including the manufacturer of any defective parts.
- Distracted Driving –Cell phones can distract any driver, and truck drivers are no exception. Other causes of distracted truck driving include other passengers, navigation systems, and eating and drinking.
- Drowsy Driving – Federal regulations limit how many hours a driver can operate a truck without sleeping. The driver or trucking company can be held liable if these rules are violated.
- Dangerous Roads – Poor road conditions and improper roadside construction sites can cause accidents. Construction companies and government agencies can be held responsible in these cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held liable after a truck accident in California besides the driver?
In California, liability in a truck accident often extends well beyond the driver. Under the theory of respondeat superior, the trucking company can be held responsible for their driver's negligence, and cargo loading companies, truck manufacturers, and even government agencies responsible for road maintenance may also share fault. An experienced East Los Angeles truck accident lawyer will investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery under California Civil Code § 1714.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in California?
California's statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is two years from the date of the crash under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if a government entity — such as a county or city agency responsible for road conditions — is a defendant, you must file a government tort claim within just six months of the incident. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, so it's critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What's the average settlement for a truck accident injury in California?
Truck accident settlements in California vary widely depending on the severity of injuries, the number of liable parties, and the insurance policy limits involved — commercial trucking companies are federally required to carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage, and many carry policies of $1 million or more. Serious cases involving spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death can result in settlements or verdicts in the millions. A thorough evaluation of your medical bills, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering is essential to understanding the full value of your claim.
What should I do first after being injured in a truck accident in East Los Angeles?
Your first priorities are your safety and health — call 911, seek immediate medical attention, and follow through with all recommended treatment, since gaps in care can be used against you later. Equally important is preserving evidence: take photos of the scene, exchange information with the truck driver, and obtain the police report number. Contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible because critical evidence like the truck's black box data and driver logbooks can be lost or destroyed quickly, and your lawyer can send a legal preservation letter to prevent that.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
Yes — California follows a pure comparative negligence rule under California Civil Code § 1714, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your total compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault; for example, if you were found 20% responsible and your damages total $500,000, you would still recover $400,000. This makes it especially important to have a skilled attorney who can minimize any fault attributed to you during negotiations or litigation.
What mistakes do people make after a truck accident that hurt their case?
One of the most damaging mistakes is giving a recorded statement to the trucking company's insurance adjuster without legal representation — anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Another common error is delaying medical treatment, which insurers will argue means your injuries weren't serious. Finally, many victims don't realize that crucial evidence like electronic logging device (ELD) data and dashcam footage can be legally destroyed by trucking companies after a short period, so waiting too long to hire an attorney can cost you your case.
Do I really need a lawyer for a truck accident claim, or can I handle it myself?
Truck accident claims are significantly more complex than typical car accident cases because they involve federal FMCSA regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and large insurance companies with dedicated legal teams whose sole job is to minimize your payout. An attorney who knows California truck accident law can identify violations of federal Hours of Service rules, subpoena black box data, and retain accident reconstruction experts that you simply cannot access on your own. Studies consistently show that represented clients recover substantially more compensation even after legal fees, and at Mendez & Sanchez we work on a contingency basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.