Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer
Truck Accident Wrongful Death 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 federal regulations apply to truck accident wrongful death cases?
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations governing commercial trucks including hours-of-service limits (11 hours driving, 14-hour duty window), mandatory rest breaks, vehicle maintenance requirements, weight limits, and drug/alcohol testing. Violations of these federal regulations create strong evidence of negligence in wrongful death cases.
- Who can be held liable in a fatal truck accident?
- Multiple parties may be liable: the truck driver, the trucking company (vicarious liability and negligent hiring), the truck owner, cargo loading companies (improper loading), maintenance contractors, truck and parts manufacturers (defective equipment), and freight brokers. California allows claims against all negligent parties simultaneously.
- What is the average settlement for a truck accident wrongful death in California?
- What a claim is actually worth turns on the documented medical course and prognosis, proven lost earnings, the share of fault attributed to the claimant, and the insurance limits available to pay a judgment.
- What is black box evidence in a truck accident wrongful death case?
- Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) or Event Data Recorders (EDRs) in commercial trucks record speed, braking, engine RPMs, hours of operation, and other data in the seconds before a crash. This "black box" evidence is critical but can be overwritten or destroyed, making immediate preservation through a spoliation letter essential.
- How do hours-of-service violations contribute to fatal truck accidents?
- FMCSA hours-of-service rules limit driving to 11 hours within a 14-hour duty window after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Fatigued driving from HOS violations is a leading cause of fatal truck accidents. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) now track compliance, but violations and falsified logs still occur and provide strong evidence of negligence.
- Can the trucking company be held liable for the driver's actions?
- Yes. Under respondeat superior, trucking companies are vicariously liable for employee drivers acting within the scope of employment. Companies can also face direct liability for negligent hiring, inadequate training, failure to maintain vehicles, pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules, or failing to conduct required drug and alcohol testing.
- What if the truck was overloaded or improperly loaded?
- Federal regulations set weight limits at 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Overloaded trucks have longer stopping distances and are prone to tire blowouts and rollovers. Improperly secured cargo can shift, causing loss of control. Both the trucking company and cargo loading company can be held liable for fatal accidents caused by loading violations.
- How long do I have to file a truck accident wrongful death claim in California?
- California's statute of limitations is two years from the date of death under CCP 335.1. However, critical evidence like black box data, driver logs, and surveillance footage can be lost quickly. Contacting an attorney immediately ensures evidence preservation through spoliation letters and rapid investigation.
Contact Trembach Law Firm
Trembach Law Firm, APC
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350, Calabasas, CA 91301
Phone: (818) 514-7680
Schedule a Free Consultation | View All Practice Areas | Attorney Profile