Every day, thousands of commercial trucks travel California’s highways and surface streets, delivering goods to warehouses, retailers, and homes across the state. Most of the time, this traffic moves without incident. But when a fully loaded big rig collides with a passenger vehicle, the results can be catastrophic. Victims often face life-altering injuries, lengthy recoveries, and a legal process far more complicated than a standard car accident claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, here is what you need to know.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
A commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. A typical passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. That difference in mass alone explains why truck accident injuries tend to be so severe — spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, crush injuries, and wrongful death are all too common in these collisions.
But the legal complexity of truck accident cases goes beyond the physical damage. Unlike a two-car collision, a truck accident may involve multiple potentially liable parties, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- The truck’s manufacturer
- A maintenance contractor
Identifying every responsible party is critical to maximizing your recovery. If you only pursue the driver, you may leave significant compensation on the table.
Federal and State Regulations Add Another Layer
Commercial trucking is heavily regulated at both the federal and state levels. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules governing hours of service, driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, weight limits, and more. California also has its own trucking regulations that carriers must follow.
When a trucking company or driver violates these rules — for example, by allowing a fatigued driver to stay behind the wheel past legal limits — that violation can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney knows where to look for these violations and how to use them to build your case.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
One of the most important things to understand about truck accident cases is that critical evidence can disappear fast. Trucking companies are required to retain certain records, including driver logs, GPS data, and maintenance records — but only for limited periods of time. In some cases, companies have been known to destroy or alter records before they can be used against them.
This is why acting quickly matters. Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn has the resources and experience to send preservation letters, conduct independent investigations, and secure the evidence you need before it is gone.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in California
Truck accidents rarely happen by chance. They are usually the result of negligence. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue from hours of service violations
- Distracted driving
- Improper cargo loading or unsecured loads
- Brake failure or poor vehicle maintenance
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
Regardless of the cause, if someone else’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation.
What Compensation May Be Available
Victims of serious truck accidents may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. In cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be available.
Contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn Today
Truck accident cases are complex and time-sensitive. The trucking company’s insurance carrier will have attorneys working on their side from day one — you deserve the same. Call (310) 209-1600 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
