Summary: A truck accident lawyer represents people injured in crashes with semi trucks, big rigs, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles. These cases differ from car accident claims. Federal safety rules apply, more than one company may share the blame, and key evidence can disappear quickly. The Law Offices of Mark Murad represents truck crash victims throughout Los Angeles County from offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, and Ontario. Consultations are free, and there is no fee unless we win.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
Get medical care, document the scene, and speak with a truck injury lawyer before you give a statement to any trucking insurer.
- Photograph the truck, trailer, license plates, and the USDOT number on the cab door.
- Collect witness names and phone numbers.
- Keep all medical records and receipts.
- Do not sign releases or accept a quick settlement offer.
Why Are Truck Accident Claims More Complex?
Truck claims involve commercial carriers, federal regulations, and larger insurance policies. A trucking company often sends investigators to the scene within hours, and the injured person needs someone working just as fast on their side.
Interstate drivers must follow the FMCSA hours-of-service rules. A property-carrying driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and instead of a paper log book, a motor carrier may track a driver's hours using electronic logging devices (ELDs). A violation of these rules can become strong evidence of negligence.
What Is a Truck Accident Lawyer?
A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney who investigates commercial vehicle crashes, identifies every liable party, and pursues compensation from trucking companies and their insurers. A semi truck accident lawyer applies these same skills specifically to tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers.
Who Needs a Truck Accident Lawyer?
You likely need one if you were hurt, or lost a family member, in a crash involving:
- A semi truck, tanker, or flatbed
- A delivery, box, or garbage truck
- A company-owned work truck
- A city or county vehicle
When Should You Call?
Call as soon as you receive medical care. Early action helps preserve electronic data, dashcam footage, and maintenance records before they are overwritten or lost.
Why Choose a Professional Truck Accident Lawyer?
A qualified lawyer levels the field against carriers that have their own legal teams. When you evaluate a firm, ask these questions:
- Who in the office will actually handle my case?
- How will you preserve the truck's electronic data?
- Do you work with accident reconstruction and medical experts?
- Are you prepared to file a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to pay fairly?
Learn more about our attorneys and our broader personal injury practice.
Expert Insights: What Does a Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney Check First?
The real carrier. The name on the trailer may not match the company operating the truck. We verify operating authority and safety history through FMCSA's public SAFER database.
Preservation letters. We send written demands early so the carrier keeps ELD records, engine data, driver files, and inspection reports.
Local freight patterns. Traffic linked to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach moves along I-710, I-5, and SR-60. Drayage and port trucking cases often involve leased equipment and layered contracts.
Common mistakes victims make:
- Giving a recorded statement to the trucking insurer
- Stopping medical treatment early
- Posting about the crash on social media
- Assuming the driver is the only defendant
Service Specifications
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Practice focus | Commercial truck injury claims |
Service area | Los Angeles County and Southern California |
Offices | Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, Ontario |
Fee structure | No fee unless we win |
Consultation | Free, no obligation |
Case types | Injury and wrongful death |
Expert support | Reconstruction, medical, and financial specialists |
Benefits of Hiring a Truck Injury Lawyer
Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
Evidence preservation | Protects ELD and engine data |
Full liability review | Finds every responsible party |
Insurance handling | Stops adjusters from minimizing your claim |
Damages valuation | Accounts for future care and lost earnings |
Deadline tracking | Prevents missed filing dates |
Litigation readiness | Strengthens your negotiating position |
Less stress | Lets you focus on recovery |
Our Truck Accident Case Process
Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
1 | Free case review |
2 | Evidence preservation demands |
3 | Investigation and expert analysis |
4 | Medical and damages documentation |
5 | Demand to insurers |
6 | Negotiation |
7 | Lawsuit and trial if needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Nothing upfront. Our firm works on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California?
Usually two years. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, an action for injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another must be brought within two years. Claims against government entities require filing an administrative claim within just six months under the California Government Claims Act.
Who can be held liable for a semi truck accident?
The driver, the trucking company, a cargo loader, a maintenance contractor, or a parts manufacturer may share responsibility.
Is a semi truck accident lawyer different from a car accident lawyer?
Yes. Truck cases involve federal regulations and commercial insurance. For passenger vehicle crashes, see our car accident lawyer page.
What evidence matters most?
ELD logs, engine data, dashcam video, driver qualification files, and maintenance records.
Should I talk to the trucking company's insurer?
Not before speaking with a lawyer. Your statements can be used to reduce your claim.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. California follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence, so your recovery is reduced by your share of fault rather than eliminated.
What compensation can I recover?
Medical costs, lost income, future care, property damage, and pain and suffering may be recoverable.
How long does a truck accident case take?
It depends on the severity of your injuries, the number of parties, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.
What if a family member died in a truck crash?
Surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim.
Final Key Takeaway
Truck crashes cause serious harm, and trucking companies move quickly to protect themselves. An experienced truck accident lawyer preserves evidence, identifies every liable party, and pursues full compensation for catastrophic injuries, spinal cord damage, and long-term losses.
Speak With a Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Were you injured by a commercial truck? Call (626) 388-1521 or our Los Angeles office at (213) 286-3398 for a free consultation. You can also contact us online. Clients in nearby cities can visit our Glendale truck accident lawyer and Pasadena truck accident attorney pages.