In California, both truck and car accidents can result in serious injuries and life-changing consequences—but truck accident claims are fundamentally different in scope, complexity, and legal process. If you’ve been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, it’s important to understand how these cases differ from standard car accidents and why you need a legal team with specific truck accident litigation experience.
At Ernst Law Group, our California truck accident attorneys have helped countless injury victims recover the compensation they deserve after devastating truck crashes. Below, we break down what sets truck accident claims apart and what it means for your case.
1. Truck accidents cause more severe injuries and damages
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. When a vehicle of this size collides with a standard passenger car, the results are often catastrophic. Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Fatal injuries
These serious injuries often lead to extended hospital stays, long-term care, and permanent disability. As a result, truck accident claims typically involve higher damages and more complex medical documentation, especially when projecting future care needs and loss of earning capacity.
2. More parties may be liable in a truck accident case
In a typical car accident, the only parties involved are the drivers and their insurance companies. Truck accident claims, however, often involve multiple liable parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company (employer or contractor)
- The cargo loader
- A maintenance company
- The truck or parts manufacturer
Each party may be represented by its own insurance carrier and legal team, all working to reduce or deny liability. Your attorney must identify all potentially responsible parties and build separate legal arguments against each.
Under California’s “respondeat superior” doctrine (California Civil Code § 2338), employers can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees performed within the scope of employment. That means if a truck driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer may also be responsible.
3. Federal and state regulations apply to truck drivers and companies
Truck drivers and their employers must comply with federal and state safety laws, including regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the California Vehicle Code.
Examples of these regulations include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which limit the number of hours a driver can be on duty without rest
- Maintenance and inspection requirements for brakes, tires, lights, and more
- Drug and alcohol testing protocols for commercial drivers
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) qualifications and training
Violation of these laws—such as driving fatigued, failing to inspect brakes, or hiring an unqualified driver—can be used as evidence of negligence in your injury claim. A skilled truck accident attorney will request logbooks, black box data, inspection reports, and personnel files during discovery to uncover regulatory violations.
4. Trucking companies and insurers fight harder to avoid liability
Commercial trucking insurers face high-stakes payouts. When a policy may be worth millions of dollars, they aggressively defend against claims by:
- Denying fault or shifting blame onto the victim
- Disputing the extent of injuries or necessary medical care
- Offering quick, lowball settlements
- Destroying or hiding key evidence (e.g., logbooks or maintenance records)
An attorney with truck accident experience knows how to preserve evidence, issue subpoenas, and hold all parties accountable under California’s comparative fault laws (California Civil Code § 1714). Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation—your damages are just reduced by your percentage of fault.
5. Truck accident cases require more expert testimony
Due to the technical nature of truck crashes, these cases often require expert witnesses, such as:
- Accident reconstructionists to determine fault
- Mechanical experts to identify equipment failures
- Medical specialists to explain long-term effects of injuries
- Economists and vocational experts to quantify lost income and future earning capacity
This level of complexity is why not every personal injury lawyer is equipped to handle a truck crash case. Ernst Law Group has a network of trusted experts and decades of experience building strong, evidence-backed claims.
6. Truck accident investigations are more time-sensitive
After a truck crash, vital evidence may disappear quickly, such as:
- Black box data (event data recorders)
- Surveillance or dash cam footage
- Maintenance logs and employment records
- Truck driver logbooks
Preserving this evidence is critical. At Ernst Law Group, we send spoliation letters immediately to prevent the destruction of key documentation and ensure your case starts on solid ground.
Hurt in a truck accident? Call us.
At Ernst Law Group, we are experienced in navigating these high-stakes cases. We’re prepared to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers—and we don’t back down. Contact us online or at (805) 541-0300 for a free consultation.
Let us help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
