Personal Injury Lawyers / Nation’s Top Rated Truck Accident Lawyers – Munley Law® / California Truck Accident Lawyer

The trucking industry plays a critical role in California’s economy, with countless commercial vehicles delivering goods across highways like I-5, I-10, and I-80 every day. Unfortunately, the size and weight of these trucks make collisions especially dangerous when something goes wrong.  With more than 65 years of combined trial experience, a California truck accident lawyer with Munley Law is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you were injured in a truck accident, reach out to the nation’s top-rated truck accident lawyers today to discuss your next steps with a trusted legal advocate.

Why Munley Law Is the Truck Accident Law Firm You Can Trust

When you’re dealing with the chaos of a serious truck crash, you deserve to feel confident in the team standing beside you. Our California truck accident attorneys bring nationally recognized credentials, local experience, and a long-standing commitment to getting real results. Whether your case involves a collision on I-5 near downtown Los Angeles or a major wreck outside the Port of Oakland, we have the resources to help you move forward. You can depend on your California truck accident attorney with Munley Law to bring unmatched experience and personal support to every case. We know what it takes to stand up to powerful insurance companies and deliver the results you need to rebuild your life after a traumatic crash.

Munley Law Credentials and Recognition

Our award-winning trucking accident attorneys have been included in The Best Lawyers in America since 1993, and many have earned repeated Lawyer of the Year honors based on peer-reviewed excellence. Several members of our team are board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocates, a credential held by fewer than 3% of practicing attorneys nationwide. We are proud to be members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the National Trial Lawyers Association. Our firm is also featured in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and includes attorneys who serve on the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College faculty. 

How Our Experience Works for You

With more than 65 years of combined trial experience, our team knows what works in a truck accident case. We do not take shortcuts, and we do not back down. We work with industry experts, trucking accident reconstruction professionals, and medical specialists to build the strongest case possible from the very beginning. 

Every detail matters, and our team knows how to use those details to help maximize your compensation. Our results speak for themselves. We have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for victims of trucking accidents throughout California. When you work with our firm, you are not just hiring a legal team. You are gaining a trusted partner who will stand by you and fight for every dollar you are owed.

Common Causes of California Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur in California for many reasons, often involving driver behavior, mechanical failures, or unsafe road conditions. On busy routes like I-5 near the Port of Oakland, CA-99 through the Central Valley, or I-80 outside Sacramento, even a small mistake can have devastating consequences. Recognizing the most common causes can help you feel more confident in your next steps as you consider filing a claim with help from a California truck crash attorney on our team.

Driver Behavior and Regulation Violations

Unfortunately, truck driver fatigue is one of the most frequent causes of commercial vehicle collisions. Drivers who work long hours without proper rest may fall asleep behind the wheel or experience slowed reaction times. Both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and California Vehicle Code § 21702 regulate the number of hours a driver can spend on the road, but violations are still common. When rules are ignored, lives are put at risk. Other common driver-related causes include excessive speeding, aggressive lane changes, road rage, and distracted driving. 

These behaviors are especially dangerous when a fully loaded commercial truck is traveling alongside smaller vehicles. Our California truck crash lawyers have seen the consequences firsthand. When truckers fail to follow commercial truck laws, innocent people pay the price. If this happened to you, you deserve accountability and support from a team that knows how to handle these complex cases.

Equipment Failures and Overloading

Many crashes in California involve equipment failures that could have been prevented with proper maintenance. Tire blowouts, brake system failures, and steering malfunctions are all red flags that often stem from poor oversight. When a trucking company cuts corners or ignores inspections, it may be held legally responsible. 

Our California truck wreck lawyers work with investigators to identify whether a defective part or skipped maintenance played a role in your accident. Overloading is another major contributor to California truck accidents. When a trailer carries more than its legal limit, it becomes harder to control and more likely to tip during sharp turns. Overloaded trucks also have longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes on high-speed roads like I-10 and Highway 101. If you were injured in one of these incidents, your California truck wreck attorney is here to help uncover the truth and hold every responsible party accountable.

California Truck Crash Claims and Liability

Truck crashes are never simple. They often involve multiple parties, complex insurance layers, and strict federal and state trucking laws. If you were hit by a commercial vehicle, whether a semi, a box truck, or anything in between, understanding how liability works is key to building a powerful claim.

Truck Accidents Are Notoriously Complex

Truck accident cases differ from car accidents in several important ways. A commercial truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle. That much weight means more damage, longer stopping distances, and stricter operating standards. These factors alone can create serious legal challenges when it comes to proving fault.

California truck crash attorneys also have to consider vehicle type and cargo, especially in a box truck accident, where weight distribution and load security may come into play. Regulations from the FMCSA and California Vehicle Code § 35551(a) are critical in determining whether a driver or trucking company broke the rules. These violations can have a direct impact on liability.

Determining Liability After a Crash

One of the most important steps in your case is identifying who is legally responsible. In many California truck crash claims, the trucking company may be held liable for hiring unqualified drivers, skipping safety checks, or pushing unrealistic delivery schedules. Knowing when the trucking company is liable can make or break a case, especially when federal regulations are involved.

California truck accident lawyers also explore third-party liability. That could include manufacturers if a defective part caused the crash or a loading contractor who improperly secured cargo. With so many potential contributors, investigating liability early gives you the best chance to recover full compensation.

How Truck Accident Injuries Can Disrupt Your Life

Even if you walk away from the crash, the consequences often follow you for months or even years. Pain, appointments, and financial stress can become a constant part of your routine. You may not be able to work, care for your family, or enjoy your daily life the way you used to.

Severe injuries from truck accidents often require a complete shift in how you live. Some people need help getting dressed or driving to medical visits. Others may miss time with their children, lose their sense of independence, or face new challenges in relationships that were once a source of comfort.

Physical Injuries Affect More Than Your Body

Truck crashes often leave survivors with injuries that go far beyond the initial emergency. You might need surgery, physical therapy, assistive devices, or long-term medications. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage, your treatment plan could last a lifetime. Pain makes everyday tasks harder. Simple things like lifting groceries or standing for long periods can feel impossible. Even if you heal physically, your body may never feel the same as it did before the crash.

Emotional and Lifestyle Changes After a Crash

Injuries also affect how you feel, think, and connect with others. You may struggle with anxiety, panic in traffic, or feel isolated from the people who used to support you. These emotional changes can be just as exhausting as physical pain.

Damages You Can Recover After a Truck Accident

Getting hurt in a crash with a large commercial vehicle can shake up your entire world. You may be facing painful injuries, time away from work, and financial stress that only adds to your recovery. Our team wants you to understand what compensation you may be entitled to pursue and how these damages apply to truck accidents specifically. California recognizes several forms of compensation for injured victims, ranging from direct medical bills to the emotional impact the accident has had on your lives. While every case is different, we work to make sure nothing is overlooked in calculating your losses.

Economic and Non-Economic Losses

When you file a personal injury claim after a truck crash, you may be able to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This includes tangible financial losses like medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and ongoing treatment needs. Many injured victims also ask about damages in car accident cases, which follow a similar structure but may involve fewer complications.

You can also seek non-economic damages that account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These types of losses are more personal, but they matter just as much. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or disruptions to your relationships, your California truck wreck lawyer will make sure these experiences are reflected in the value of your claim.

Claim Value and Damage Caps

The total amount you can recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage available, and whether multiple parties share responsibility. California does not cap most personal injury damages, but certain claims involving government entities or limited coverage may require special handling. 

As California truck wreck attorneys, we have handled everything from box truck rollovers to multi-vehicle highway pileups, and we know how to pursue full compensation. Even if you have worked with a car accident lawyer before, truck crash claims are more complex, and the stakes are often much higher.

How to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California

Filing a truck accident lawsuit in California involves strict deadlines, detailed documentation, and complex liability questions. You will need to follow specific steps to protect your rights and give your case the best possible chance of success. 

Important Steps and Legal Deadlines

California law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. The legal process begins by gathering evidence, calculating your damages, and preparing a formal complaint that will be filed in the appropriate county court, such as the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Once your complaint is filed, the court issues a summons, and the defendant must be served. From there, the case proceeds through discovery, settlement negotiations, and possibly trial. 

Legal Support Matters

Truck accident cases often involve multiple defendants, extensive insurance policies, and commercial regulations. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you through these layers while protecting your rights and peace of mind. Our firm understands how insurers operate and how to present your case clearly and convincingly. At Munley Law, our team has handled high-stakes litigation involving truck crashes across California. We are proud to stand up for injured clients when they need us most. From day one, we help build your case, communicate with insurers, and stay focused on achieving the compensation you deserve.

How Commercial Truck Laws Protect California Drivers

State and federal trucking laws exist to prevent crashes and protect the people sharing the road with commercial vehicles. These rules control everything from how many hours a driver can be behind the wheel to how often a company must inspect its fleet. If you were injured in a collision with a truck on I-5, CA-60, or another busy route, violations of commercial truck laws may help establish liability. Below, we explain how key safety regulations can support your injury claim after a serious crash.

Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Limits

Federal and state laws limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road in a single shift. Under California law, it is illegal for drivers to exceed 12 hours of operation in a 24-hour period. Federal FMCSA regulations also cap driving time at 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

When a driver stays on the road longer than allowed, their fatigue can lead to devastating consequences. If a crash occurs, logbooks, GPS data, and dispatch records can show whether those limits were ignored. Fatigue-related accidents are especially common in long-haul routes running through California’s major freight corridors.

Inspection Rules and Mechanical Safety

Routine inspections are required by law to keep trucks safe and roadworthy. Under California Vehicle Code § 34505.5, carriers must inspect vehicles regularly and repair any issues before allowing trucks back on the road. These inspections are critical for identifying problems with tires, brakes, lighting systems, or cargo restraints. If a crash happens and inspection logs are missing or incomplete, that can raise serious concerns about safety compliance. Our team works with industry experts to evaluate vehicle condition, maintenance history, and inspection procedures when preparing your case.

Federal Trucking Standards and Legal Responsibility

The FMCSA sets baseline safety rules for all commercial carriers, no matter how large or small. These rules apply to companies transporting goods throughout California, including local box truck operators and long-distance freight carriers. Violations of federal trucking rules can be powerful evidence in your personal injury case. If a driver lacked proper training, the company skipped maintenance, or a load was not secured correctly, those failures can shift liability. When a company cuts corners on safety, it puts everyone at risk, and we make sure they are held accountable.

What to Expect From the Legal Process After a Truck Crash

After a truck crash, it is normal to feel uncertain about what comes next. You may be dealing with medical appointments, lost income, and constant calls from insurance adjusters. Knowing what to expect from the legal process can give you a sense of direction and peace of mind. When we take on your case, we begin by listening carefully to your experience. We want to understand what happened, how your life has been affected, and what outcome you are hoping for. From there, we build a clear plan that keeps you informed at every step and lets you focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work.

What Our Team Handles for You

Every truck accident case has its own timeline, but most follow a similar process. We take care of the details so you do not have to worry about missing important deadlines or saying the wrong thing to an insurance company. Some of the steps we typically handle include:

• Reviewing police reports, crash scene photos, and medical records
• Gathering black box data and dash cam footage when available
• Working with accident reconstruction experts and safety specialists
• Communicating directly with the insurance companies involved
• Collecting driver logs, maintenance records, and inspection reports
• Investigating whether federal or California trucking laws were violated
• Evaluating your current and future financial losses
• Preparing for mediation, settlement talks, or litigation if needed

We will keep you updated throughout the process, explain your options in plain language, and answer your questions honestly. Our job is to take the pressure off your shoulders and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Truck Accidents

Every crash raises questions, especially when it involves a commercial truck. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients across California. If you still need answers after reading through these FAQs, you can always reach out to your California truck crash lawyer at Munley Law directly for support.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, the court may bar you from recovering any compensation. Evidence can disappear quickly, so we recommend speaking with an attorney as soon as possible.

Who can be held liable for a commercial truck accident?

Liability often extends beyond the truck driver. You may have a claim against the trucking company, a maintenance contractor, a shipping broker, or even the truck’s manufacturer. These cases are rarely straightforward, and proving fault requires a detailed investigation of driving records, service logs, and industry regulations.

What should I do at the scene of a truck accident?

If the crash happened on major California routes like I-10, I-15, or CA-60, your first priority should be safety. Move to a safe location, call 911, and request police and medical assistance. Exchange information, take photos, and ask for a copy of the police report. Then contact an attorney who can protect your rights from the start.

Do you represent injured truck drivers?

Yes, we represent both motorists and injured truck drivers. If you were hurt while driving a commercial vehicle, you may still have a valid personal injury claim, especially if another driver or third party caused the crash due to inadequate training or maintenance issues. Our team has experience helping drivers recover medical costs, lost wages, and damages after serious collisions.

Speak With a California Truck Accident Lawyer in California Today

Don’t wait to get the support you deserve. Contact Munley Law for a free consultation. Your truck accident attorney in California is ready to listen to your story, thoroughly assess your case, and provide clear guidance on your legal options. We understand the challenges you face after an accident, and we are here to advocate for your rights every step of the way. You can contact us today to take the first important step toward securing the compensation you need to move forward with your life.