Personal Injury Settlements and Cases Won in California.
Rely on our experienced team to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Your safety should be your top priority
Call 911 immediately and contact the local police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Ensure to collect at least the driver’s name, address, and date of birth alongside their license number and state
If you are not too injured, take good pictures of the scene and some videos if you can
Your lawyer can help you preserve the value of your case
Our experienced truck accident lawyers can evaluate your case and help you seek full compensation from the companies that caused your injuries.
California offers a dynamic blend of scenic landscapes and bustling metropolitan areas. From enjoying the sunny beaches to exploring vibrant city life, there’s always something to experience. However, with the growing population and heavy traffic, the likelihood of truck accidents is also rising.
Truck accidents can have devastating effects—physically, emotionally, and financially. Even minor collisions can result in expensive medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. In these instances, a truck accident lawyer in California can provide essential support.
This guide covers common types of truck accidents, injuries, and steps to take when filing a claim. Understanding your rights and available options will help you safeguard your interests and pursue the justice you deserve following an accident.
Truck accidents in California are more frequent than expected. Here’s a look at the numbers:
Truck accidents can happen unexpectedly in various situations. Recognizing common types of truck accidents can help drivers stay aware and informed.
A rear-end collision occurs when one truck strikes the back of another, often due to tailgating or sudden stops. These crashes can cause severe injuries such as whiplash or spinal cord damage, particularly to the rear-ended vehicle’s occupants.
This accident happens when two trucks collide from the front. The force of the impact can result in significant damage and injuries. These accidents are commonly caused by wrong-way driving, distracted driving, or impaired driving.
A rollover happens when a truck flips over, often due to sharp turns, high speeds, or hitting obstacles like a median. These accidents are extremely dangerous due to the risk of ejection from the vehicle.
In a T-bone accident, a truck strikes the side of another vehicle. These crashes frequently occur at intersections due to failure to yield or running red lights, and they are especially hazardous for passengers on the impacted side.
Off-road truck accidents occur when a truck veers off the road, often due to loss of control, driver fatigue, or external factors like animals. These accidents may involve collisions with objects such as trees or guardrails.
These accidents involve only one truck, which may crash into a stationary object like a barrier or utility pole. They often occur due to weather conditions, mechanical failure, or driver fatigue.
A multi-vehicle accident usually involves three or more trucks and is common on busy highways or during bad weather. These crashes often result in severe injuries and property damage due to the chain reaction of collisions.
Blind spot accidents happen when a truck driver fails to check their blind spots while changing lanes, leading to sideswipe accidents. Smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles, are particularly vulnerable in these situations.
Low-speed truck collisions, often occurring in parking lots or residential areas, can still lead to significant injuries, including whiplash or broken bones.
Merging accidents occur when truck drivers fail to safely integrate into traffic, often due to failure to check blind spots or match traffic speeds, especially on highways.
Understanding the common causes of truck accidents is crucial for promoting safety.
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and heightens the severity of accidents, making it one of the leading causes of fatal truck accidents.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Truck accidents involving impaired drivers are a serious issue in California.
Tailgating, or following too closely, increases the risk of rear-end collisions, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or sudden stops.
Ignoring right-of-way rules, such as failing to yield at intersections, often results in T-bone or head-on collisions.
Distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting the GPS while driving are major contributors to truck accidents.
Truck drivers engaging in road rage may tailgate, cut off other drivers, or make aggressive maneuvers, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Certain roads in California are more prone to accidents due to traffic volume and design. Key high-risk areas include:
U.S. Route 101: With heavy traffic, this route experiences high collision rates, especially in urban areas.
Truck accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening.
The impact of a truck crash often results in broken bones, affecting mobility and requiring treatment such as surgery or physical therapy.
A TBI can occur from a violent impact to the head, leading to cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Prompt medical attention is vital.
Whiplash from a truck collision often results in neck pain and stiffness. Medical care is needed to alleviate symptoms and restore normal function.
Truck accidents can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or full paralysis. Immediate medical care and long-term rehabilitation are crucial.
Truck accidents can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, often without visible external signs. These injuries require urgent medical intervention.
Emotional distress from a truck accident can result in PTSD, causing anxiety and fear of driving. Seeking professional help can aid in recovery.
Experiencing a truck accident can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial to stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do after a truck accident:
First, ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. Check yourself and passengers for injuries, and make sure everyone is out of harm’s way. If anyone is injured, even if the injury seems minor, seek immediate medical attention. Injuries like whiplash or internal damage may not be immediately obvious but could have serious consequences.
If you are able, move your vehicle to a safe area, such as the shoulder of the road, to avoid further collisions. Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the situation. If your vehicle cannot be moved, stay inside it to avoid exposure to further danger, especially on busy highways.
It’s essential to call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if needed. Law enforcement will come to the scene to document the incident, gather evidence, and file a report. This documentation will be vital when filing a claim with your insurance company or pursuing legal action. The 911 operator will guide you through what to do until help arrives.
Exchange vital information with all involved parties, including their names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Make sure to collect the names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident, as their testimony could be valuable if there’s a dispute over the accident’s cause.
Gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Take clear photos of the damage to vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any other relevant details. This documentation will help establish the facts of the accident and support your insurance claim or lawsuit. If possible, record the time, location, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
Even if you feel fine after the accident, seek medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as concussions, soft tissue injuries, or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent. A healthcare provider can check for hidden injuries that could worsen over time. Additionally, obtaining medical treatment creates a record of your injuries, which is important for any claims or legal proceedings.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with accurate and complete information, including details about the accident, the damage, and any injuries. Your insurance provider will guide you through the claims process and advise you on the next steps.
By taking these actions, you will ensure that your legal rights are protected, and you’ll be better positioned to secure compensation for any damages, injuries, or losses resulting from the truck accident.
Truck accidents can often be prevented through responsible driving and regular maintenance. Here are some key steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a truck accident:
Always adhere to posted speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, and other road rules. Following the rules of the road not only ensures your safety but also the safety of everyone else on the road. Avoid speeding, especially in areas with heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions, where the risk of accidents is higher.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. Stay focused on the road at all times. Avoid using your phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other distractions while driving. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe location first.
Maintain a safe distance between your truck and the vehicle in front of you. A safe following distance allows you time to react to sudden stops or obstacles on the road. In general, the larger the vehicle you’re driving, the greater the distance you should keep.
A well-maintained truck is far less likely to experience mechanical failure, which could lead to an accident. Regularly inspect critical systems such as brakes, tires, lights, and steering. Keep your truck’s maintenance up-to-date according to manufacturer guidelines. This will reduce the risk of breakdowns that could lead to collisions.
Defensive driving means anticipating potential risks and adjusting your driving accordingly. Stay aware of your surroundings, watch for erratic drivers, and always be prepared to react quickly if needed. Use your mirrors frequently and ensure your blind spots are clear before changing lanes. Always signal your intentions when turning or switching lanes.
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance is extremely dangerous and illegal. Even small amounts of alcohol or certain medications can impair your judgment, reaction times, and coordination. Always ensure you are fully alert before driving.
Fatigue is a significant factor in many truck accidents. If you’re driving for extended periods, take regular breaks to rest and stretch. Fatigue impairs concentration and reaction times, so it’s essential to stop and refresh during long trips. Plan your journey with rest stops in mind, especially for long-distance driving.
Bad weather, including rain, snow, fog, or icy conditions, can increase the risk of accidents. In such conditions, reduce your speed, increase the following distance, and use your headlights. If visibility or road conditions are poor, consider pulling over and waiting until the weather improves.
By adopting these responsible driving practices and making safety a priority, you can significantly reduce the risk of being involved in a truck accident, making the roads safer for everyone.
In California, proving negligence is crucial when seeking compensation for a truck accident. Gathering solid evidence is key to establishing fault and strengthening your case. Here’s what you should gather:
Take clear photos of the truck damage, tire marks, traffic signs, and road conditions. These images serve as an accurate record of the accident scene.
Look for surveillance cameras in the area, such as on nearby businesses or homes. Footage from these cameras can help reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the collision.
If you or another individual involved in the accident has a dashcam, its footage can be invaluable in showing the moments before, during, and after the crash.
Collect contact details and statements from witnesses who saw the accident unfold. Their accounts can back up your version of events.
Obtain statements from the drivers and passengers involved in the crash. Their recollections may offer further insights into the incident’s cause or clarify fault.
The responding officer’s report is an important piece of evidence, as it often contains observations about the accident, road conditions, and potential causes of the crash.
When filing a lawsuit for a truck accident, it’s essential to identify all parties who may be held accountable to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses. Liability can extend beyond the driver. Here’s a breakdown of who might be held responsible:
The driver who caused the accident through negligent actions is typically the primary defendant. Speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light can establish their fault.
If the driver wasn’t the truck’s owner, the vehicle’s owner could also be held liable, especially if they permitted an unqualified or unlicensed person to operate their truck.
If the driver was on duty at the time of the accident, their employer might share liability under “vicarious liability.” This applies to employees who drive as part of their work, such as commercial drivers.
Accidents caused by poorly maintained roads, missing signs, or unsafe road designs may involve government liability. Claims against government entities often have strict filing deadlines, so it’s critical to act fast.
If the accident resulted from a defect in the truck or its parts (e.g., malfunctioning brakes or airbags), the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.
Additional entities might share liability, including another driver whose actions indirectly led to the crash or businesses that served alcohol to an intoxicated driver later involved in the accident.
Properly identifying all responsible parties ensures that your case reflects everyone who contributed to your injuries. A skilled personal injury lawyer can investigate the facts of the case, determine liability, and help you build a strong case for compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation for various types of damages:
Compensation may cover hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and necessary medical equipment.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover both present and future lost wages.
The responsible party must repair or replace your truck and any personal property damaged in the accident.
You may be entitled to damages for both the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
If the responsible driver acted recklessly or maliciously, the court may impose punitive damages to penalize them and deter similar behavior.
Several factors influence the final settlement of your truck accident case:
The more serious your injuries, the higher the settlement amount is likely to be, due to increased medical expenses and longer recovery periods.
If your injuries result in permanent disability or long-term consequences, your settlement may be adjusted to reflect the impact on your daily activities and lifestyle.
California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that if you share any responsibility for the accident, your compensation may be reduced accordingly.
The available insurance coverage from the responsible driver or your own insurance can affect how much compensation you receive.
The quality and quantity of your evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and police reports, will affect the strength of your claim and the settlement negotiations.
The duration of a truck accident case varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Here’s a general timeline:
To speed up the process, hiring an experienced attorney can help ensure that your interests are advocated for effectively.
In California, there are time limits for filing a truck accident claim, known as the statute of limitations. Here’s what you need to know:
To ensure your rights are protected, consulting with a qualified truck accident lawyer in California right after the incident is highly recommended.
Navigating a truck accident claim can be challenging. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Your health is the most important. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. Proper documentation of your treatment is necessary for your claim.
Collect all evidence from the scene, including photographs, videos, and witness contact information, as well as insurance details from all involved parties.
Maintain a record of all medical bills, treatments, lost wages, and hospital visits related to the accident.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can provide legal advice, assist with negotiations, and help gather the necessary evidence.
Contact your insurance company to report the accident immediately. Be sure to also contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company to start the claims process.
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your injuries or shift blame. An experienced lawyer can help ensure you receive fair treatment and adequate compensation.
RMD Law has a strong history of successfully handling truck accident cases in California. With over $125 million in settlements, we have secured substantial outcomes for our clients, including:
Our experienced attorneys provide personalized legal support, manage every detail of your claim, and fight relentlessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. When you choose RMD Law, you can trust that your case is in capable hands.
At RMD Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This approach ensures that you have access to expert legal representation without the stress of upfront costs. Let us guide you through the legal process and help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.
At RMD Law, we believe that reputation is everything. When clients trust us with their cases, we do everything in our power to help guide them. That means personal service and sharp advocacy. We care about the details of your case because that is how we can get you the best settlement.
Several factors influence the final settlement of your truck accident case:
The more serious your injuries, the higher the settlement amount is likely to be, due to increased medical expenses and longer recovery periods.
If your injuries result in permanent disability or long-term consequences, your settlement may be adjusted to reflect the impact on your daily activities and lifestyle.
California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that if you share any responsibility for the accident, your compensation may be reduced accordingly.
The available insurance coverage from the responsible driver or your own insurance can affect how much compensation you receive.
The quality and quantity of your evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and police reports, will affect the strength of your claim and the settlement negotiations.
California is renowned for its rich and varied culinary offerings. Here are some must-try spots:
Relish fresh, locally grown dishes at places like The Farmhouse in Los Angeles or Plow in San Francisco.
Savor authentic Mexican meals at popular Los Angeles spots like Guelaguetza, or enjoy Baja-style tacos in San Diego.
Stop by Ritual Coffee Roasters in San Francisco for premium coffee and delightful pastries.
Treat yourself to California-style brunch options, such as avocado toast and acai bowls, at The Butcher, The Baker, and The Cappuccino Maker in Los Angeles.
First, ensure the safety of all parties involved. Contact 911 to report the incident and request medical assistance if needed. At the scene, exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers, take detailed photos of the accident and any damages, and avoid making statements that may jeopardize your case. Lastly, inform your insurance provider about the collision.
To prove fault, you need to demonstrate that the actions of the other party directly caused the accident. Gather essential evidence such as police reports, witness testimonies, photographs of the scene, and medical documentation. This evidence will help you build a strong case to support your claim for damages.
California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s recommended to consult with a truck accident lawyer in California promptly to ensure you meet all critical filing deadlines and protect your legal rights.
Yes, you can still file a claim even if you are partially at fault. California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced depending on your share of the responsibility for the accident.
While hiring a lawyer is not required, it is highly recommended when dealing with the complexities of truck accident claims. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, assist with insurance negotiations, and help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Discover why RMD Law is the top choice for truck accident victims in California.
Starting January 1, 2025, California’s minimum insurance liability limits have received a much-needed update to better align with the rising costs of medical treatment and vehicle repairs following a motor vehicle accident. Keep reading for a breakdown of what this means for you and how it affects your coverage.
Settlement negotiations in personal injury cases offer financial relief and provide a path toward closure and peace of mind. In California, learning the intricacies of these negotiations can help you take proper action about your future. This article tackles settlement negotiation relating to personal injury settlements in California.
The good news is California premises liability laws allow you to claim damages for an injury while in someone else’s property. This article discusses premises liability in California, so you know what your rights are and how to protect them.
Over $100,000,000 total recent personal injury wins for our clients. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers are eager to fight for you.
RMD Law found an insurance code violation by the defense insurance company in a dog bite injury case. With smart lawyering, we used the violation to argue that the $100,000 policy limits no longer applied.
The insurance company wrongfully refused to pay our client the $100k policy limit in a rollover auto accident. RMD Law refused to take no for an answer, and filed a lawsuit alleging bad faith, ultimately winning millions for our deserving client.
Confidential bad faith settlement – a negligent driver t-boned our client at a red light resulting in severe spinal injuries. The defendant’s insurance company unreasonably refused to pay the $100K policy limit. RMD Law filed a lawsuit seeking the true value of the case. Policy was opened, and the client settled for an amount vastly higher than the original limits.
We care about your recovery. We stake our reputation on it.
Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Ryan is a caring and experienced litigator. He defended scores of depositions and understands what it takes to move a case in California.
Ariana Martin is one of RMD Law’s skilled personal injury lawyers. She brings a lot of legal experience to the table, having worked previously in the field of insurance defense.
RMD Law is a California Personal Injury law firm. We help victims who have been injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. RMD Law offers free no-obligation case evaluations for our clients.
Business Hours
Open 24/7
Business Hours
Open 24/7
Business Hours
Open 24/7
Business Hours
Open 24/7
Disclaimer: The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
