California Truck Accident Lawyer

This page was written and legally reviewed by Ernst Law Group, members of the State Bar of California.

Semi-trucks pose a greater threat to motorists than typical vehicles. Their sheer size and weight mean that in a collision between a car and a semi, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are far more likely to suffer serious or traumatic injuries.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you have the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. Navigating the complexities of such a claim requires the expertise of a seasoned California truck accident lawyer who can help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Let Ernst Law Group guide you through this challenging process and fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact us online or call (805) 541-0300 to schedule your free consultation.

california truck accident lawyer

Work with the most trusted truck accident firm in California

If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck accident, Ernst Law Group can help you get the compensation you deserve.

We are a California personal injury law firm that aggressively represents people injured by negligence. Our truck accident attorneys understand what you’re going through and are committed to helping you get the financial compensation you deserve. Our family cares about your family and has extensive experience representing people who have suffered serious injuries in big-rig collisions.

Ernst Law Group stands out from the rest

“Enough cannot be said for the amazing job done for us by  Ernst Law Group. Their compassion and dedication do “doing what is right” makes them go above and beyond in all that they do. After spending time and money on other local attorneys. Don, Taylor and Terry were a blessing to us. They never backed down even though our case was a very unusual cases that most attorneys didn’t want to mess with. Thank you, Ernst Law Group.”

  • Mary Barrette

“Ernst Law Group did a thorough job of evaluating and the case – they considered and looked into everything related to the case; they were diligent in getting all of the care that was appropriate and that the ongoing care needs were accounted for. Both the process and the outcome of the negotiated settlement were handled professionally and compassionately. I would (and have) recommended them.”

  • Kayla Plourde-Reynolds

Our recent $10.5 million truck accident settlement

The California truck accident lawyers at Ernst Law Group represented a client involved in a collision with a truck that had pulled across the freeway. The accident resulted in severe brain damage, drastically changing the client’s life trajectory. Our team worked hard and successfully recovered $10.5 million on our client’s behalf.

Our California truck accident lawyers will help you throughout the process

A truck accident can be a life-altering event, leaving you with physical and emotional scars. At Ernst Law Group, we understand your challenges and are here to help you shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on healing. Here’s how we can assist you with your case.

We investigate to identify all potentially liable parties

At Ernst Law Group, we have the resources and expertise to fully investigate your truck accident. We will meticulously identify and pursue all potentially liable parties to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Several parties can be held liable for your accident. These include:

  • Trucking company
  • Truck driver
  • Manufacturer
  • Mechanic
  • Entity responsible for road maintenance

california truck accident lawyer infographic ernst law group 6644eff963054

We evaluate the full extent of damage, not just physical injury

Truck crash injuries can result in more than just physical damage; they often lead to significant emotional and psychological distress. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are common among truck accident victims.

Your settlement should encompass all aspects of your recovery, including medically necessary treatments for mental health concerns. At Ernst Law Group, we ensure that your compensation reflects the full extent of your damages, covering both physical and emotional impacts.

We’re prepared to take your case to trial

While many truck accident cases are resolved through mediation, Ernst Law Group prepares every case for trial. Our attorneys are skilled litigators who will fiercely advocate for your interests in court. We are committed to pursuing justice and securing your best possible outcome, whether through settlement or trial.

Ernst Law Group works hard to recover maximum compensation for your losses

Insurance settlements may not be enough to compensate you fairly for your damages. With the support of a skilled car accident attorney at Ernst Law Group, you can demand reimbursement for your remaining damages, such as the following.

Economic damages

Economic damages are the costs you have incurred due to your accident. This includes:

  • Your medical bills to date and those that will be incurred in the future
  • Lost income (if you can no longer work)
  • Property damage (repair or replacement of any items that were damaged as a result of the accident)

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify, but they are just as important. This category can include:

Punitive damages

Punitive damages are given when the other party’s reckless or careless actions are especially bad and deserve extra punishment. This happens only when the defendant’s behavior is so wrong that they must be punished beyond just covering your expenses.

You have everything to gain by hiring a California truck accident lawyer with Ernst Law Group

Our truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we either win your case or settle it. We never get paid unless you do.

That means you have absolutely nothing to lose by hiring our truck accident lawyers – and everything to gain.

Our truck accident lawyers demand justice for injured people across California

While there are many causes of tractor-trailer accidents, the resulting injuries can be very serious. The size and weight difference between a truck and other vehicles on the road make it easy for them to cause catastrophic damage to any vehicle they hit.

Drivers could suffer from broken bones, back issues, head injuries, facial lacerations,  paralysis, and other serious health problems after being hit by a truck.

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you are involved in an accident with a commercial semi-truck or 18-wheeler. Your doctor will fully assess the injuries that you’ve sustained and determine what types of treatments are necessary for your condition.

If there was any fault on your part in the accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay for associated medical costs. It helps to have an experienced California semi truck accident lawyer who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call an Experienced California Truck Accident Lawyer at Ernst Law Group Today

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a truck accident, call Ernst Law Group at (805) 541-0300 for a free consultation. We are dedicated to providing the support and legal representation you need to navigate this challenging time and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Let us help you on your path to recovery.

We answer common questions about truck accidents in California

What should I do after a truck accident in California?

The aftermath of a truck accident can be quite chaotic. Follow these six easy steps to protect your health and your right to damages:

  1. Move your vehicle – Staying in the vehicle can be dangerous. If you do not move it when you can, it could cause a pile-up accident.
  2. Report the accident – Even if the damage is minor, you legally need to report the accident to the police in California. This is because any truck accident damage to a vehicle will total over $500 (the minimum required to warrant a call to the police), and the police will need to reroute traffic while the accident is dealt with.
  3. Seek medical attention – Even if you think you are not injured, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after a truck accident to be safe. If you are critically injured, your first step should be to call an ambulance for assistance.
  4. Gather evidence – Keep track of the names of anyone you speak with or get contact information for them, if possible. You should also take photos at the scene and make a note of any witnesses. Try to keep a record of events as well. This can help you recreate the timeline of events later during your damages claim.
  5. Contact a California truck accident lawyer – Call Ernst Law Group to speak with a specialist who can help you file your claim. We have extensive experience handling truck accident claims for clients all over California, so let us help you today.

What’s the average truck accident settlement in California?

There is no average settlement in California for any truck accident. This is because everything varies from case to case.

A truck accident settlement is based on the following:

  • The injuries and damages you suffered. If a loved one dies, this is worth exponentially more than a broken ankle.
  • Your medical bills to date and estimated future costs associated with the accident. If surgery is required, for example, this will be reflected in your settlement.
  • The fact that the trucker may be at fault or that you were partially responsible for the accident will also affect your settlement amount.
  • The costs of hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer. We never get paid unless you do, so this cost is already baked into our fee – making it risk-free for you.

We have worked on cases that have awarded our clients millions of dollars in damages. At Ernst Law Group, we focus on getting you the maximum compensation for your injuries.

What is a truck’s “black box,” and how can it be used in my case?

A truck’s “black box” is a colloquial term for the digital onboard recorder many commercial trucks have been equipped with in recent years.

This device records data, which can be very helpful to accident investigators, as it often provides insight into what went wrong when an accident occurred. When a semi-truck is involved in an accident, the data gathered by this box can be critical to determining how the crash took place and who’s at fault for causing it.

The “black box” records things like speed, braking function, steering input, whether or not the truck was using its turn signals, and more.

Ernst Law Group has access to experts who can review this data and determine what might have contributed to the accident. It is important to collect this data as soon as possible to ensure it is not overwritten or lost.

Truck Accident Questions and Answers

The most important thing you can do after a truck accident is to seek medical attention immediately. After this, you should document the situation as much as possible and try to preserve evidence that could be used in your case.
You should not speak to the insurance company until you have hired a lawyer. Hiring an attorney early on is crucial because only after your California semi truck accident lawyer has reviewed the case will they determine if it is worth pursuing further. Truck accidents are often caused by negligence on the part of the carrier. When the negligent party is likely to be insured, an attorney can ensure that you receive full compensation for your damages.
You can speak to the police officer at the scene of an accident. However, you are not required to say anything without first consulting with your attorney. We recommend that you cooperate but be sure not to admit fault for anything.

Several parties can be held responsible for your accident. These include:

  • Trucking company
  • Truck driver
  • Manufacturer
  • Mechanic
  • Entity responsible for road maintenance
In California, you have two years to file a lawsuit from the time of the accident. However, filing as soon as possible is crucial because evidence can be altered or destroyed over time. If the statute of limitations passes, you will not be able to seek compensation.
In California, you have two years to file a lawsuit from the time of the accident. However, filing as soon as possible is crucial because evidence can be altered or destroyed over time. If the statute of limitations passes, you will not be able to seek compensation.

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