Serious truck accidents on California freeways happen in seconds — on the 405, 5, 101, 10, 118, 210, 14, 15, 99 and I-80 — but the physical, emotional, and financial fallout can last a lifetime.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash with a semi-truck, big rig, 18-wheeler, box truck, delivery truck, Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or commercial vehicle, you are likely scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next.

This guide from The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus explains in plain, simple English:

• What to do immediately after a truck accident in California

• How fault and liability work in truck and 18-wheeler crashes

• What your truck accident case may be worth

• How insurance companies try to pay you less

• Why hiring an experienced California truck accident lawyer can dramatically change your outcome

And most importantly, how we can help you fight back and go after the maximum compensation you deserve.

📞 Injured in a truck accident in Los Angeles or anywhere in California? Call us right now at 818-784-8544 for a FREE, no-obligation case evaluation. No fees unless we win.

Why Truck Accidents in California Are So Devastating

Truck accidents are very different from regular car crashes. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When that kind of weight slams into a passenger car, SUV, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian, the injuries are often catastrophic.

Common reasons truck crashes are so serious

• Massive size and weight – The force of impact is far greater than a typical car crash.

• Longer stopping distances – Big rigs need more time and space to stop, especially on downhill grades or in heavy traffic.

• Wide blind spots – Truck drivers cannot see directly behind them and have large “no-zone” blind spots on both sides.

• Cargo shifting – Poorly loaded or unsecured cargo can make the truck unstable and more likely to roll over or jackknife.

• Fatigue and tight deadlines – Many truck drivers face pressure to deliver loads fast, which can lead to speeding, fatigue, or cutting corners on safety.

On busy Southern California highways — from Downtown LA to the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Orange County, Inland Empire, and up through Bakersfield and beyond — truck traffic is constant. When truck drivers or trucking companies choose speed and profit over safety, innocent people pay the price.

Step-By-Step: What To Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in California

Your safety and health come first — but what you do in the minutes, hours, and days after a truck crash can also make or break your legal claim.

1. Call 911 and get emergency help

• Report the crash immediately.

• Ask for police and paramedics.

• Even if you feel “okay,” let paramedics check you. Many serious injuries (like brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal injuries) don’t show full symptoms right away.

2. Move to safety if you can

If it’s safe to do so:

• Move your vehicle out of traffic.

• Turn on hazard lights.

• Get yourself and your passengers out of harm’s way.

3. Gather as much evidence as possible

If you’re physically able and it is safe:

• Photograph everything

  • All vehicles involved (close-ups and wide shots)

  • Truck’s license plate and USDOT / CA number

  • Skid marks, debris, road conditions, weather, and traffic signals

  • Your visible injuries

• Get contact information

  • Truck driver’s name, employer, and insurance

  • License plate and truck number

  • Names, phone numbers, and emails of witnesses

• Note cameras

  • Look around for nearby businesses, homes, traffic cameras, or dashcams that may have captured the crash.

4. Get medical care immediately – and follow up

• Go to the ER or urgent care the same day, if at all possible.

• Tell the doctors every area that hurts, even if it seems minor.

• Follow through with all recommended treatment: specialists, imaging (X-rays, MRIs), physical therapy, pain management, surgery recommendations, etc.

Insurance companies use gaps in treatment or missed appointments to argue you were not really hurt. Don’t give them that weapon.

5. Do NOT talk to the trucking or insurance company adjuster

Soon after the crash, an adjuster from the truck driver’s or trucking company’s insurer may:

• Call you “just to get your side of the story”

• Ask you to give a recorded statement

• Ask you to sign medical authorizations or other paperwork

• Offer a quick, lowball settlement before you know how injured you really are

Don’t do it.

Politely say:

“I am represented (or I am going to be represented). Please contact my attorney at The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544.”

Then call us immediately.

6. Call a California truck accident lawyer as soon as possible

The trucking company and their insurance carrier will act fast:

• They may send their own investigators to the scene.

• They may try to repair or scrap the truck.

• They may “lose” critical driver log data or black box (ECM) data.

You need someone acting just as quickly — for you.

✅ Call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus today at 818-784-8544. We’ll jump into action to protect evidence, your rights, and your potential claim value.

Common Causes of Truck, Big Rig & 18-Wheeler Accidents in California

Truck accidents in Los Angeles and across California often result from preventable negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue (driving too many hours without proper rest)

• Distracted driving (texting, using GPS, talking on the phone, adjusting in-cab systems)

• Speeding and aggressive driving (tailgating, unsafe lane changes, failing to yield)

• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications

• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo

• Poor truck maintenance (worn brakes, bald tires, defective lights)

• Improper training or supervision by the trucking company

• Violations of federal and state trucking regulations

• Weather and road hazards combined with unsafe driving practices

A strong California truck accident case requires digging into the truth: driver logs, maintenance records, GPS data, black box data, dispatch records, and more. That’s exactly what we do.

Common Injuries From Truck Accidents in California

Because of the force involved, truck accident injuries are often severe, permanent, and life-changing.

Examples of truck accident injuries we see

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions

• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis

• Neck and back injuries (herniated discs, nerve damage)

• Broken bones and fractures

• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding

• Crush injuries and amputation

• Severe burns and scarring

• Shoulder, knee, and joint injuries

• Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression

These injuries can lead to:

• Long hospital stays

• Surgeries and repeated procedures

• Painful rehabilitation

• Loss of independence and ability to work

• Long-term need for care and assistance

You should not be left paying for this alone when a negligent truck driver or trucking company caused your injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Truck Accident in California?

One of the biggest differences between a truck accident and a typical car crash is how many different parties may be legally responsible.

Depending on the facts, potential defendants may include:

1. The truck driver

   • Speeding, texting, driving drunk or high

   • Violating hours-of-service rules

   • Failing to inspect the truck

2. The trucking company / motor carrier

   • Pushing drivers to violate safety rules

   • Failing to train or supervise drivers properly

   • Not maintaining trucks and trailers

   • Negligent hiring (hiring unsafe or unqualified drivers)

3. The company that loaded the truck

   • Overloading or unevenly loading cargo

   • Failing to secure the load properly

4. The truck or parts manufacturer

   • Defective brakes, tires, steering, or other components

5. A maintenance or repair company

   • Cutting corners or performing bad repairs

6. Government entities (in limited situations)

   • Dangerous road design, lack of signage, or poor road maintenance

Identifying all liable parties is critical. More parties can mean more insurance coverage and a higher chance of recovering full compensation.

What Is My California Truck Accident Case Worth?

Every case is unique, and we will never promise a specific dollar amount. However, we can tell you what types of damages you may be entitled to pursue.

Categories of compensation in a truck accident case

You may be able to recover money for:

• Medical expenses

  • ER visits, hospital stays, surgery

  • Specialist visits, medications

  • Physical therapy and rehab

  • Medical equipment and future care

• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

  • Time you missed from work

  • Reduced ability to work or forced career changes

  • Long-term disability

• Pain and suffering

  • Physical pain, limitations, and discomfort

  • Emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

• Property damage

  • Vehicle repair or replacement

  • Personal property damaged in the crash

• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)

  • Funeral and burial costs

  • Loss of financial support

  • Loss of love, companionship, guidance

In some cases involving extreme negligence or reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer.

Key factors that affect case value

• How severe your injuries are

• Whether you will fully recover or have permanent limitations

• The amount of medical bills (past and future)

• The impact on your work and income

• How clear liability is (who was at fault and how much evidence we can prove)

• The amount of insurance coverage available

Our job at The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus is to maximize every area of your case, build strong evidence, and fight for the highest possible recovery under California law.

How Insurance Works in California Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident cases often involve multiple insurance policies, including:

• The truck driver’s policy

• The trucking company’s commercial policy

• Policies for the owner of the trailer or cargo

• Underinsured / uninsured motorist coverage (your own policy)

• Umbrella or excess liability policies

These policies can be in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, but insurance companies will not tell you that upfront. They will do everything they can to:

• Blame you or another driver

• Minimize your injuries

• Rush you into a low settlement before you hire a lawyer

• Use your statements and social media against you

Don’t negotiate alone. We deal with commercial insurers and their lawyers every day. We know their tactics and how to push back.

California Truck Accident Laws & Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

In California, the general statute of limitations for most personal injury cases — including many truck accident claims — is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you can lose your right to file a lawsuit and recover damages.

Some cases have shorter deadlines, especially when a claim involves a government entity (for example, certain public vehicles or dangerous road conditions). Those claims may require a government claim to be filed as soon as six months from the date of the incident.

There are also special rules for minors and for injuries that are not discovered right away.

Because these rules can be complicated — and missing a deadline can destroy your case — it is crucial to talk to an experienced California truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

📞 Do not wait. Call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544 now for a free case review.

What To Do – And What NOT To Do – After a Truck Accident in California

DO – Smart steps that protect your case

• ✅ Get medical care right away and follow your doctor’s orders

• ✅ Keep a pain diary (daily notes about pain levels, limits, and emotional struggles)

• ✅ Save all documents – bills, records, receipts, time off work, photos

• ✅ Send us everything – police report, insurance letters, text messages from adjusters

• ✅ Contact a truck accident lawyer quickly

DO NOT – Mistakes that can hurt your case

• ❌ Don’t give recorded statements to the insurance company

• ❌ Don’t post details or photos about the crash on social media

• ❌ Don’t accept the first settlement offer

• ❌ Don’t “tough it out” and skip medical treatment

• ❌ Don’t wait until the last minute to contact an attorney

How The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus Builds a Powerful Truck Accident Case

We treat every truck accident case like it may go to trial — because that’s how you get serious offers and real respect from the insurance companies.

Here’s what we may do on your case:

1. Immediate investigation

• Obtain and review police reports

• Visit the scene and photograph skid marks, road layout, lighting, and visibility

• Locate and interview witnesses

2. Preserve critical trucking evidence

We move quickly to demand preservation of:

• Black box / event data recorder (EDR) data

• Driver logbooks and electronic logging device (ELD) records

• Maintenance and inspection records

• Dispatch records, GPS data, and company communications

3. Work with top experts

When needed, we bring in:

• Accident reconstruction experts

• Trucking safety and FMCSA regulation experts

• Medical experts and life care planners

• Economists to calculate future losses and earning capacity

4. Document your full damages

We gather and organize:

• Medical records and opinions

• Evidence of lost income and benefits

• Proof of how the injuries have changed your daily life

5. Aggressive negotiation – and trial-ready representation

We prepare powerful demand packages, fight for a fair settlement, and if the insurance company refuses to be reasonable, we are ready to take your case to court and present it to a jury.

Truck Accidents Across Los Angeles & California

We represent clients injured in truck accidents in:

• Los Angeles County – including the San Fernando Valley, Downtown LA, Hollywood, West LA, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, and the South Bay

• Ventura, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties

• San Diego, Kern (Bakersfield), and throughout Central and Northern California

Crashes involving big rigs, 18-wheelers, and commercial trucks are common on:

• 101, 110, 405, 5, 10, 60, 91, 210, 14, 15, 55, 57, 22, 605 and more

• Local streets around warehouses, ports, railyards, and logistics hubs

Wherever your crash happened in California, we can help.

Truck Accident FAQ – California

Q1: What should I do right after a truck accident in California?

Right after a truck accident in California, call 911, get medical help, move to safety if you can, collect photos and witness information, and call a California truck accident lawyer before you speak with any insurance company.

Q2: Who can be held responsible for a truck or 18-wheeler accident in California?

Depending on the facts, the truck driver, trucking company, broker, cargo loader, maintenance company, or truck/parts manufacturer may be responsible for a truck accident in California.

Q3: How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California?

In many truck accident cases, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in California, although some claims — especially those against government entities — may have shorter deadlines, such as six months to file a government claim.

Q4: Do I really need a lawyer for a truck accident case?

Yes. Trucking companies have powerful insurance carriers and defense lawyers who start building a case against you immediately. An experienced California truck accident attorney can protect your rights, preserve critical evidence, and fight for the full value of your claim.

Q5: How much does it cost to hire The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus?

We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means:

• No upfront fees

• No hourly billing

• No legal fees unless we win money for you

Q6: How much is my California truck accident case worth?

Your case value depends on your injuries, medical bills, lost income, future treatment needs, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage. After a free consultation and investigation, we can give you a better idea of what your case may be worth.

Ready To Fight Back? Call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus Today

If you were injured in a crash with a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, big rig, box truck, or any commercial vehicle in Los Angeles or anywhere in California, you do not have to face this alone.

Let us:

• Take over the calls and pressure from insurance companies

• Investigate, collect evidence, and build a powerful claim

• Fight for maximum compensation under California law

📞 Call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus now at 818-784-8544 for your FREE, confidential truck accident case evaluation.

You pay nothing unless we win money for you.