San Luis Obispo truck accident attorney

A crash involving a semi, tractor-trailer, or other large truck can leave people dealing with far more than vehicle damage. What often begins as a routine drive can turn into months or years of medical care, missed work, and uncertainty about what the future looks like.

If you or someone you care for was injured in a collision with a commercial truck, a San Luis Obispo truck accident attorney can help you make sense of what comes next. Ernst Law Group represents truck accident victims throughout San Luis Obispo County and the Central Coast. Our main office is in San Luis Obispo, CA, with a satellite office in Los Angeles. Call us at (805) 541-0300 for a free consultation.

Why Ernst Law Group for a truck accident case?

Ernst Law Group is a plaintiff trial firm. Our experienced legal team represents people who have been seriously injured in truck accidents, not insurance companies or corporations. That focus matters in cases where the injuries are severe and the stakes are high.

Truck accident claims often require extensive investigation, expert testimony, and the willingness to take a case to trial when a fair resolution isn’t offered. Our firm prepares cases with that reality in mind, especially when injuries involve brain trauma, spinal damage, or wrongful death.

We have the resources to litigate complex cases throughout California and advance the costs needed to do so. Clients do not pay legal fees unless we recover compensation on their behalf.

At the core of our work is accountability. When a trucking company’s actions cause harm, the civil justice system allows injured people and families to seek answers and financial recovery. Our role is to present those cases clearly and carefully, with the long-term impact of the injury front and center.

What clients say about working with Ernst Law Group

People who reach out to us after a truck accident are often dealing with pain and uncertainty about work or long-term care. Our previous clients frequently tell us they appreciated being listened to and kept informed throughout the process.

“The entire team at Ernst Law Group and specifically Don Ernst treated me with such kindness and empathy throughout a lengthy and difficult case. I could not be more appreciative of their consistent communication, organization, and efficient navigation of the legal process. I am so grateful I was able to work with this team.” – Katherine G.

“Enough cannot be said for the amazing job done for us by the Ernst Law Group. Their compassion and dedication to doing what is right make them go above and beyond in all that they do.” – Mary B.

Every case is different, but clear communication and steady guidance make a meaningful difference for many families.

Why truck accidents often cause more serious injuries

Crashes involving large trucks are more dangerous than most passenger vehicle collisions. A fully loaded tractor-trailer weighs many times more than a car and takes far longer to stop or maneuver.

When that amount of force is involved, injuries are often severe. Truck accident victims commonly suffer from:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Complex fractures and orthopedic trauma
• Crush injuries and internal organ damage
• Burns and permanent physical limitations

These injuries frequently require extended rehabilitation and long periods away from work. Any injury case that follows needs to account for that reality.

How truck accidents commonly occur in San Luis Obispo County

On Central Coast roads, large commercial trucks travel long distances and share the road with commuters, tourists, and local traffic. Accidents happen when predictable risks combine with preventable safety failures.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
• Distracted driving
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Unsafe lane changes and blind-spot collisions
• Following too closely
• Brake, tire, or steering failures
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Improperly loaded or shifting cargo

Because commercial trucking is regulated at both the state and federal levels, whether safety rules were followed often becomes a central issue in a truck accident injury case.

The different types of truck accidents

Truck accidents can happen in many different ways, often depending on the size of the truck, road conditions, and driver behavior. Understanding the most common types of truck accidents can help you recognize the risks and know when to seek legal guidance.

• Jackknife accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Underride accidents
• Override accidents
• Blind spot (no-zone) accidents
• Wide-turn accidents
• T-bone (side-impact) collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Lost load (cargo spill) accidents
• Tire blowout accidents
• Brake failure accidents

Who may be responsible for a truck accident injury?

It’s natural to focus on the truck driver after a crash, but responsibility doesn’t always stop there. Depending on the fact pattern, more than one party may share fault.

A truck accident injury case may involve:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company or motor carrier
• A maintenance or repair contractor
• A cargo loading or shipping company
• A truck or parts manufacturer
• Another negligent driver

California uses a comparative fault system, which allows responsibility to be shared. Identifying all responsible parties helps ensure an injury case reflects the full scope of what caused the harm.

What compensation may be available after a truck accident?

A truck accident injury claim is meant to cover the losses caused by the crash and the injuries that follow. In serious cases, those losses often continue long after the initial medical treatment ends.

Compensation may include payments for medical care and future treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy, as well as income lost during recovery or reduced over time because an injury limits a person’s ability to work. California law also allows injured people to seek compensation for pain and suffering, permanent disability, and the ways an injury affects everyday life and independence.

When a truck accident leads to a fatal injury, certain surviving family members may be eligible to pursue wrongful death damages related to financial support and care.

Because recovery timelines and long-term needs are not always clear right away, settlement discussions often depend on a full understanding of the injury and its lasting effects. In serious truck accident cases, that context helps ensure compensation reflects what the injured person and their family are dealing with over time.

Evidence that often matters in truck accident cases

Truck accidents tend to generate more evidence than most motor vehicle crashes, but much of that information is controlled by trucking companies and can disappear if it isn’t preserved.

Evidence may include:

• Traffic collision reports
• Photos and video from the scene
• Witness statements
• Driver training and qualification records
• Maintenance and inspection logs
• Cargo and dispatch documentation
• Electronic logging device data
• Vehicle data related to speed and braking

In complex cases, early investigation often shapes how an injury claim is evaluated and resolved.

Why truck accident cases are handled differently than car accident claims

Truck accident cases usually take more time and care than standard car accident claims. There are often multiple parties involved, layered insurance coverage, and technical questions that don’t have quick answers.

For someone living with a serious injury, that complexity can feel exhausting. Our role is to shoulder that burden and present a clear, well-supported case that reflects what the injured person is facing now and in the future.

Time limits for filing a truck accident claim in California

Most California personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Claims involving government entities may have much shorter deadlines.

Missing a deadline can mean losing the right to pursue compensation altogether. Understanding time limits early helps protect your options, even if a case isn’t filed right away.

Frequently asked questions about San Luis Obispo truck accidents