California Truck Accident Lawyers
When an 80,000-pound semi-truck causes a collision on a California highway, the results are catastrophic. We go to war with national trucking corporations to secure the multi-million dollar settlements our clients deserve. Serving all of California.
What to Do Right Now
Trucking companies often have investigators at the scene within the hour. You need to act even faster to protect your rights.
We Represent Victims of All Major Vehicle Types
Different vehicles have different federal safety requirements. We specialize in the nuances of each.
Semi-Trucks & 18-Wheelers
Handling complex jackknife, underride, and wide-turn collisions across California's major passes.
Delivery Vans (UPS/FedEx)
Specializing in "last-mile" collisions where rushed drivers violate residential safety protocols.
Garbage & Sanitation Trucks
Addressing complex government liability claims for accidents involving city-owned or contracted trucks.
Cement Mixers & Dump Trucks
Litigating catastrophic weight-related crashes involving construction and infrastructure vehicles.
Flatbed & Cargo Carriers
Cases involving shifted cargo, improper loading, and unsecured freight that causes roadway debris.
Amazon / Gig Delivery
Navigating modern agency laws to hold major tech platforms responsible for their delivery partners.
Suing a Corporation — Why You Need a Heavyweight Firm
Trucking companies hire "rapid response" teams to hide evidence. We hire forensic engineers to find it.
| Critical Data | The Insurance Approach | The Scranton Approach |
|---|---|---|
| The "Black Box" (EDR) | "Data was lost or overwritten"✗ | Immediate subpoena to preserve speed & brake data✔ |
| Logbook Integrity | They hide driver fatigue records✗ | Full audit of HOS (Hours of Service) violations✔ |
| Company Liability | They blame the driver alone✗ | Proving vicarious liability of the parent corporation✔ |
| Cargo & Maintenance | They ignore mechanical failure✗ | Review of inspection reports & load weights✔ |
California Trucking Settlements
Truck accident cases often involve multi-million dollar insurance policies. Here are our top results.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and results depend on specific facts.
California's High-Risk Trucking Danger Zones
California is home to some of the nation's most dangerous shipping corridors. At Scranton Law Firm, we have deep experience litigating crashes in documented "black spots" across Northern California, including the Altamont Pass (I-580), the I-880 corridor through Oakland, y el intercambio de Donner Pass (I-80). These routes carry thousands of heavily laden semi-trucks daily, often leading to devastating multi-vehicle pileups during weather events or high-traffic hours.
ELD Data and FMCSR Violations: Holding Carriers Accountable
Commercial trucking is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). These laws strictly dictate how many hours a driver can be on the road, how frequently the truck must be inspected, and what medical certifications a driver must hold. We perform a deep-dive audit of logbooks and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to find violations—often finding that driver fatigue or skipped maintenance was the true cause of the crash.
Recovering Damages from Multi-Million Dollar Corporations
Unlike a typical car accident, commercial trucks carry high-limit policies, often ranging from $750,000 to over $5 million. However, the insurance carriers for these companies are aggressive. They will send a "defense team" to the scene or the hospital within hours to try and get you to sign a release. You need a firm with the reputation and resources to go toe-to-toe with corporate giants.
Whether your accident happened on the Bay Area's Highway 4 or the congested Central Valley I-5 stretch, the two-year statute of limitations applies. However, evidence like Black Box data can be legally destroyed after a short period if not preserved—call us today to secure your claim.
"The playing field isn't level—until we step onto it."
"Trucking companies have an unfair advantage. They have high-priced lawyers and investigators on speed dial the moment a crash happens. My firm was built 50 years ago to be the equalizer for California families. We don't just take on cases; we take on corporations. We know how to get the data they try to hide, and we know how to make them pay what you’re actually owed."
— Chris Scranton, CEO & Corporate Litigator.
What to Expect When You Hire Us
Suing a trucking company is a complex legal battle. We manage every stage so you can focus on healing.
Evaluación gratuita de casos
You call us at 800-707-0707. We respond within 5 minutes. We'll ask about the crash, the trucking company involved, and your injuries. By the end of the call, we'll tell you honestly whether you have a case and what the corporate liability looks like.
Evidence & Logbook Preservation
We immediately send a "Letter of Spoliation" to the carrier to stop them from destroying logs, ELD data, or the truck's Black Box. We then obtain the official CHP report and secure dashcam footage to lock down liability before it disappears.
Specialized Medical Diagnostics
Truck accidents cause severe trauma. We work with specialized neurologists and orthopedic surgeons who understand catastrophic injuries. Many providers treat our clients on a lien basis, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket while your case is pending.
Corporate Negotiation
We compile a comprehensive demand package—total medical costs, lost earning capacity, future care needs, and pain and suffering. We demand the full value of the insurance policy. Most cases settle here because carriers know our trial reputation.
Litigation & Trial (If Necessary)
If the corporation refuses to offer fair compensation, we litigate. Our trial experience in California's Superior and Federal Courts is the leverage we use to win. We don't back down from corporate defense firms.
Resolution & Maximum Payment
We handle all the paperwork, resolve medical liens, and get your check to you as quickly as possible. You pay nothing unless we win—our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery.
Your Truck Accident Trial Team
Preguntas Frecuentes
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Trucking cases involve specialized federal FMCSR regulations and multi-layered corporate liability. Because semi-trucks weigh up to 80,000 lbs, the injuries are usually more catastrophic, and the insurance policies are significantly larger (often $1M+).
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This occurs when a trucking company destroys evidence like GPS data, logbooks, or the truck's Black Box after a crash. We stop this by sending an immediate "Spoliation Letter" that legally requires them to preserve all records for your case.
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Yes. Trucking companies often label drivers as "independent contractors" to try to avoid liability. We know how to navigate California's agency laws to prove the company's control over the driver and hold them responsible.
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We work with local California doctors and specialists who accept "liens." This means they get paid from your settlement later, allowing you to get the advanced care you need now with $0 out-of-pocket.
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Under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, it is generally two years. However, if the truck was government-owned (like a city sanitation truck), the deadline drops to just six months. Missing these deadlines terminates your rights.
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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are the laws governing trucking safety. They cover driver fatigue, weight limits, and drug testing. Proving a violation of these rules is often the fastest path to a maximum settlement.
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Do not sign it. Early offers are almost always "low-ball" amounts designed to close your claim before the full extent of your injuries is known. Always have a lawyer audit the offer first.
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We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. If we don't recover money for you, you owe us absolutely nothing.
Catastrophic Impact? We Offer Massive Results.
Don't sign anything the trucking carrier offers you. Let us audit your case for free. Available 24/7 across California.
Free Trucking Case Evaluation