What type of commercial vehicle was involved?
Semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or big rig
Delivery truck (UPS, FedEx, Amazon, etc.)
Commercial work truck or company vehicle
Large passenger vehicle (bus, shuttle)
How severe were your injuries?
Catastrophic - spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, amputations, or permanent disability
Severe - multiple broken bones, internal injuries, or require surgery
Moderate - fractures, significant soft tissue damage, weeks of treatment
Minor - bruises, strains, or no injuries
What were your estimated total damages (medical, lost wages, vehicle)?
Over $100,000
$25,000 - $100,000
$10,000 - $25,000
Under $10,000
How complex is the liability situation?
Multiple parties involved (trucking company, cargo, manufacturer)
Driver was fatigued, impaired, or violating hours-of-service rules
Insurance is disputing who caused the accident
Truck driver clearly at fault with no dispute
Has the trucking company or their insurance contacted you?
Yes, they're pressuring me to settle quickly
Yes, they've sent investigators or adjusters to interview me
Only basic claim contact so far
No contact yet from their side
Do you have evidence preserved from the accident?
Yes - photos, police report, witness contacts, dash cam footage
Some evidence but not comprehensive
Very limited evidence
No evidence, and trucking company may be destroying theirs
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You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are complex and high-stakes. Trucking companies have legal teams ready to minimize your claim. You need an experienced attorney to preserve evidence, identify all liable parties, and fight for full compensation.
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📝
You May Handle This Yourself
Your case appears relatively straightforward with lower damages. You can try handling it yourself, but be cautious - trucking companies are aggressive. Use a professional demand letter to start your claim.
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⚠️
Strongly Consider a Consultation
Even moderate truck accident cases can become complex. Most truck accident lawyers work on contingency. Given the stakes, it's worth getting a professional evaluation.
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Why Truck Accident Cases Require Legal Representation
⚠️ Critical: Evidence Is Being Destroyed
Federal regulations only require trucking companies to preserve electronic logging device (ELD) data for 6 months. Some companies destroy evidence within weeks. A lawyer can immediately send a spoliation letter to preserve crucial evidence.
Truck accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents. The forces involved, the severity of injuries, the complexity of liability, and the resources of the opposing parties all make legal representation virtually essential for fair compensation.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
| Potentially Liable Party |
How They May Be At Fault |
| Truck Driver |
Fatigue, distraction, impairment, speeding, aggressive driving |
| Trucking Company |
Negligent hiring, inadequate training, pushing drivers to violate hours rules |
| Cargo Loading Company |
Improperly secured or overweight loads causing loss of control |
| Truck Manufacturer |
Defective brakes, tires, or other components |
| Maintenance Company |
Failed to properly maintain brakes, lights, or other safety systems |
| Shipper |
Hazardous materials improperly labeled or packaged |
Federal Regulations Add Complexity
Trucking is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of these regulations can prove negligence:
- Hours of Service: Limits on driving time to prevent fatigue
- Electronic Logging Devices: Required recording of driving hours
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Required testing programs
- Vehicle Maintenance: Required inspection and maintenance records
- Weight Limits: Maximum cargo weights
- Driver Qualifications: Training and licensing requirements
Trucking Company Tactics
Be aware of common defense strategies:
- Rapid response teams: They send investigators to the scene immediately
- Quick settlement offers: Designed to close cases before you know your full damages
- Recorded statements: Looking for anything to use against you
- Evidence destruction: Deleting data after minimum retention periods
- Blaming the victim: Claiming you caused or contributed to the accident
Average Truck Accident Settlements in California
- Minor injuries: $50,000 - $100,000
- Moderate injuries: $100,000 - $500,000
- Severe injuries: $500,000 - $2,000,000
- Catastrophic injuries: $2,000,000 - $10,000,000+
- Wrongful death: $1,000,000 - $10,000,000+
Trucking companies carry minimum $750,000 - $5,000,000+ insurance policies, making larger recoveries possible.
When You Might Handle It Yourself
Self-representation may be appropriate only if:
- Minor fender-bender with no injuries
- Only property damage under $10,000
- Clear liability with no dispute
- Insurance is offering fair compensation
Even in these cases, be cautious. Trucking companies may initially seem cooperative then deny claims later.
Time Is Critical
- Evidence preservation: ELD data may be deleted after 6 months
- Statute of limitations: 2 years for personal injury in California
- Government vehicles: 6-month deadline for claims against government
- Witness memories: Fade over time
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