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California Truck Accident Attorney
State-specific legal information for truck accident cases in California. Find attorneys who understand California law, statute of limitations, and fault rules.
How California Compares: Truck Accident Statistics & Legal Impact
California vs. National Average
Comparing truck accident statistics
Source: FMCSA Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2022
Fault System Impact
Example: If you're 30% at fault
Under California's System:
You can recover 70% of damages. Your 30% fault reduces award proportionally.
Statute of Limitations
2 years
Personal injury claims
Wrongful death: 2 years
Fault System
California uses pure comparative negligence. You can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault, t...
Damage Caps
No Caps
California does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury case...
Settlement Calculator
Estimate your potential case value for California
Past and future medical costs
Lost income and earning capacity
Based on injury severity (1 = minor, 5 = catastrophic)
California uses pure comparative negligence system, your 0% fault may prevent recovery. Consult an attorney immediately to review your options.
$135,000 - $225,000
Actual settlements vary based on evidence, defendant conduct, and case-specific factors
California Statute of Limitations
Personal Injury Claims
2 years
From the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline bars your claim permanently.
Wrongful Death Claims
2 years
From the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Family members must act quickly.
Legal citation: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1
Don't Wait Until the Deadline
Even though you have 2 years, trucking companies can legally destroy ELD data and logs after 6 months. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence. Read more about statute of limitations exceptions.
California Fault System
California uses pure comparative negligence. You can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. This is highly favorable for accident victims and allows recovery in situations where other states would bar claims.
What This Means for Your Case
California's pure comparative negligence system is plaintiff-friendly. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes it possible to pursue cases that might be barred in other states.
Legal citation: Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804
California Damage Caps
California does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of egregious conduct. This allows truck accident victims to recover full compensation for all their losses.
California-Specific Trucking Regulations
Beyond federal FMCSA regulations, California has unique state-level requirements that affect truck accident liability and safety enforcement.
CARB Truck and Bus Regulation
California requires diesel trucks to meet strict emissions standards, affecting older trucks and out-of-state carriers.
California CDL Requirements
Enhanced CDL requirements including mandatory entry-level driver training and medical certification.
Port Truck Programs
Clean Truck Programs at LA/Long Beach ports require newer, cleaner trucks for port access.
Why State Regulations Matter in Your Case
Violations of state-specific trucking regulations can establish negligence per se, making it easier to prove liability. An attorney familiar with California trucking laws will know exactly which regulations to investigate and how to obtain enforcement records that strengthen your case.
Notable California Settlements & Verdicts
Recent case results demonstrate the value of strong legal representation
Verdict for family in wrongful death case involving trucking company that falsified driver logs.
Settlement for multiple victims of I-15 pile-up caused by truck with faulty brakes.
Verdict for cyclist struck by port truck in Oakland with documented safety violations.
Important: Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and depends on specific facts, evidence, and legal circumstances. These examples demonstrate the potential value of truck accident cases with strong liability evidence.
High-Risk Truck Routes in California
Major highways with elevated truck accident rates
Interstate 5
Major north-south corridor through Central Valley with heavy agricultural and port traffic.
Interstate 10
East-west route from Los Angeles to Arizona carrying significant port container traffic.
Interstate 15
Corridor connecting Southern California to Las Vegas with steep Cajon Pass grades.
State Route 99
Central Valley agricultural route parallel to I-5 with high truck traffic and rural conditions.
Safety Tip: If you were injured on one of these high-risk routes, evidence preservation is critical. Dashboard cameras, witness statements, and electronic logging device (ELD) data can prove negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions: California Truck Accident Law
Learn More About Truck Accident Cases
View Other State Information
Expert-Verified Information
Expert-InformedContent cross-referenced against expert guidance
Primary Sources:
- •FMCSA
- •NHTSA
- •CVSA
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