Choosing a Truck Accident Attorney in Southern California for Claims Against Trucking Companies
The right southern california truck accident attorney is one who personally handles your case, knows how to investigate trucking companies under federal safety rules, and works on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis. Pogosyan Law Firm in Glendale offers a free consultation to people injured in truck crashes across California.
Why are truck accident claims different from car accident claims?
Truck claims are different because more parties and more rules are involved. A car crash usually comes down to two drivers and their insurers. A commercial truck crash can involve the driver, the trucking company, and the companies that loaded, leased, or hired the truck. Federal safety regulations also apply to the driver and the carrier.
The size of the vehicles matters too. According to NHTSA's 2023 large-truck crash data, 70 percent of the people killed in crashes involving large trucks were occupants of other vehicles. Injuries in these cases are often severe, and medical bills and lost income can pile up fast.
If you want a deeper look at who can be held responsible, read our guide on commercial truck accidents in California and who can be held liable.
How common are serious large-truck crashes?
They are common enough to be a national safety concern. NHTSA reports that 5,472 people were killed in traffic crashes involving large trucks in 2023, down 8 percent from 5,969 in 2022.
The same NHTSA report notes that large trucks made up 5 percent of registered vehicles but 10 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023. In other words, trucks account for a larger share of miles on the road than of vehicles registered, so most drivers share the road with them every day.
What should a Southern California truck accident attorney investigate?
A strong attorney looks past the crash itself and into how the driver and company operated. Federal hours-of-service rules are a good place to start, because fatigue can play a role in serious crashes. Under the FMCSA hours-of-service summary, property-carrying drivers face limits like these:
Driver logs and electronic data can show whether those limits were followed. If they show a driver went over the limits or skipped required rest, that can support a negligence claim against the driver.
Beyond driver logs, your attorney should also look at:
- The police report and photos or video from the scene.
- The truck's condition and maintenance history.
- How the load was secured.
- Who owned, leased, or dispatched the truck.
- The trucking company's insurance coverage.
This evidence can be lost or overwritten over time, so it helps to talk with an attorney early. A lawyer who sits down with the police report, the scene photos, and the carrier's documents is better placed to explain what your claim may involve.
How much insurance do trucking companies carry?
Federal minimums depend on what the truck hauls. The FMCSA safety planner, citing 49 CFR 387.9, lists these minimums for interstate for-hire carriers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more:
| Type of cargo | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|
| Nonhazardous property | $750,000 |
| Oil and certain hazardous materials | $1,000,000 |
| Certain bulk hazardous materials | $5,000,000 |
These are minimums, not a measure of what any claim is worth. Brokers, shippers, and equipment leases may require carriers to carry more, but that is a contract term rather than a federal rule. Your attorney should find out what coverage actually applies to your crash, including policies held by other companies involved.
What questions should you ask before hiring a truck accident attorney?
Ask questions that show who will actually work on your case and how the firm handles trucking companies. Here are some to bring to your free consultation:
Be cautious about any firm that promises a specific outcome. No honest attorney can promise a result or settlement amount, because every case depends on its own facts.
How long do you have to file a truck accident claim in California?
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year deadline, which runs from the date of death. Hiring an attorney, sending a demand letter, or opening an insurance claim does not stop that clock, and settlement negotiations do not pause it.
Some situations are shorter. A claim against a government entity generally requires a written administrative claim within six months. That could apply if your crash involved a government vehicle such as an LA Metro bus, or a dangerous condition on a road maintained by Caltrans. A written rejection of a government claim starts a separate six-month period to file a lawsuit under Government Code section 945.6.
Vehicle damage has a different deadline, three years under Code of Civil Procedure section 338(c). That means your injury claim could expire while your property damage claim is still open. Because truck cases can involve several deadlines at once, it is wise to speak with an attorney soon after the crash.
What should you do after a crash with a commercial truck?
Start by protecting your health and your evidence. These steps can help:
- Call 911 and get medical care, even if you feel okay at first.
- If you can, photograph the scene, the vehicles, the truck's markings, and any visible injuries.
- Get the truck driver's name, the company name, and any USDOT number you can see on the truck.
- Collect contact details for witnesses.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before you have spoken with an attorney.
- Keep every medical record and bill.
Trucking companies and their insurers often begin investigating right away. Having your own attorney early helps level the field.
Why consider Pogosyan Law Firm for a truck accident claim?
Pogosyan Law Firm offers direct attorney involvement, a long track record, and a fee structure that does not put the cost on you up front. The firm was founded by attorney Tony Pogosyan and has represented injured Californians since 1999, more than 25 years. Every case is handled directly by Tony Pogosyan.
Here is what the firm offers:
The firm is based in Glendale and helps clients in Burbank, Pasadena, the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, and across California. You can learn more about its truck accident representation on the firm's website.
A first meeting is simple. You describe what happened, share any records you have, and learn about your options and the deadlines that may apply. There is no cost to talk, and you can decide what to do next on your own timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Who is liable when a commercial truck causes a crash?
Liability can fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, or other companies involved with the truck or its cargo. Which parties are responsible depends on the facts, such as who employed the driver, who owned or leased the truck, and whether safety rules were broken. An attorney can review the evidence to see who may be responsible.
Do I have to pay anything if we don't win?
At Pogosyan Law Firm, personal injury cases are handled on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis. The consultation is free. Ask any firm you are considering to explain its fee terms in writing before you sign.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Being partly at fault does not automatically end your claim. California applies a comparative negligence rule, which may reduce what you can recover by your share of fault rather than bar it. An attorney can explain how that may apply in your situation.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
There is no standard figure, because value depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and how the crash happened. Pogosyan Law Firm offers a free AI Case Value Insight tool at pogosyanlaw.com/ai that can give you a starting estimate. It is not a promise of any result.
Talk to Pogosyan Law Firm about your truck accident
Injured in California? Call Pogosyan Law Firm at (818) 243-3900 or email info@pogosyanlaw.com for a free consultation. No fees unless we win. Curious what your case may be worth? Try our free AI Case Value Insight at pogosyanlaw.com/ai.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. For advice about your situation, contact Pogosyan Law Firm for a free consultation.