California Truck Accident Lawyer
California Truck Accident Lawyer - Auto accident attorneys at Trembach Law. Free consultation. Call (818) 514-7680.
California Car Accident Legal Representation
Experienced car accident attorneys handling all types of motor vehicle collisions in California. We handle rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, T-bone accidents, hit-and-run cases, drunk driving accidents, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents, and uninsured motorist claims.
California auto insurance minimum: $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 (effective January 2025). We fight to recover full compensation beyond policy limits when possible.
Free consultation: (818) 514-7680.
Fees, Costs and Case Results
Where representation is offered on a contingency basis there is no attorney fee unless we recover, and the firm advances case costs — filing fees, expert witnesses and medical records — which are then repaid out of any recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. The specific terms that apply to a matter are set out in the written fee agreement for that matter.
Where this site refers to a verdict, settlement or court order, that result was dependent on the facts of that case, and results will differ if based on different facts. Past results do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other matter, and no particular outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an 18-wheeler accident?
- An 18-wheeler accident involves a large commercial truck with 18 wheels (typically a tractor-trailer combination). These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death due to the massive size and weight difference between commercial trucks (up to 80,000 pounds) and passenger vehicles (3,000-4,000 pounds). Common causes include driver fatigue, speeding, brake failure, and improper cargo loading.
- What are FMCSA regulations?
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the federal agency that regulates the trucking industry. FMCSA regulations cover hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, drug and alcohol testing, cargo securement, and safety standards. Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence in California truck accident lawsuits.
- What are hours of service violations?
- Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest breaks. Current rules allow 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a maximum 14-hour window. Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Violations often involve falsified logbooks or electronic logging device (ELD) tampering, leading to driver fatigue accidents.
- How does truck driver fatigue cause accidents?
- Truck driver fatigue impairs reaction time, judgment, and alertness—similar to drunk driving. Fatigued drivers may fall asleep at the wheel, drift between lanes, miss traffic signals, or fail to maintain safe following distances. Despite HOS regulations, fatigue remains a leading cause of California truck accidents due to pressure from trucking companies to meet unrealistic delivery schedules.
- What is a jackknife accident?
- A jackknife accident occurs when a truck's trailer swings out to form an acute angle (like a folding knife) with the cab. This typically happens during sudden braking on wet or icy roads, equipment failure, or improper braking technique. Jackknifed trucks can block multiple lanes, causing multi-vehicle pileups and catastrophic injuries.
- What is an underride accident?
- An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck's trailer. These are among the most deadly truck accidents because the truck's trailer can shear off the top of the car, often at head level. Federal regulations require rear underride guards, but side underride accidents remain common. Victims typically suffer decapitation, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death.
- What causes cargo spill accidents?
- Cargo spill accidents result from improper loading, inadequate securement, overloading, or equipment failure. Unsecured cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to lose balance and roll over, or fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for other vehicles. Hazardous material spills can cause explosions, fires, and toxic exposure.
- What is truck brake failure?
- Truck brake failure involves the complete or partial loss of braking ability due to worn brake pads, overheated brakes (from excessive use on downhill grades), air brake system failures, hydraulic leaks, or improper maintenance. Federal regulations require regular brake inspections, and violations can establish liability for trucking companies and maintenance providers.
- What California truck accident laws apply?
- California truck accident cases are governed by state negligence law, federal FMCSA regulations, California Vehicle Code provisions for commercial vehicles, and specific statutes regarding trucking company liability. California follows comparative negligence, meaning damages are reduced by the plaintiff's percentage of fault. The state also allows vicarious liability claims against trucking companies for driver negligence.
- What is the statute of limitations for California truck accidents?
- California has a two-year statute of limitations for truck accident personal injury claims, starting from the accident date. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year limit from the date of death. Property damage claims have a three-year limit. Government entity claims require filing an administrative claim within six months. Missing these deadlines typically bars your claim permanently.
- Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
- Multiple parties may be liable: the truck driver (for negligent operation), the trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or supervision), the truck owner (if different from the operator), cargo loaders (for improper securement), maintenance companies (for inadequate repairs), manufacturers (for defective parts), and third-party drivers (if their negligence contributed). California allows claims against all negligent parties.
- What is trucking company liability?
- Trucking companies can be held liable under respondeat superior (employer liability for employee actions during work), negligent hiring (employing drivers with poor safety records), negligent training (inadequate instruction), negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver compliance), negligent maintenance (improper vehicle upkeep), and negligent retention (keeping dangerous drivers employed despite known safety violations).
Contact Trembach Law Firm
Trembach Law Firm, APC
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350, Calabasas, CA 91301
Phone: (818) 514-7680
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