When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle in Los Angeles, the consequences can be devastating. At Vaziri Law, our truck accident lawyers investigate thoroughly, preserve critical evidence, and hold all responsible parties accountable. These cases involve federal regulations, multiple defendants, and aggressive defense teams. If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are far more complex than standard car accident claims. You’re often up against trucking companies, freight brokers, maintenance contractors, and their insurers—all backed by experienced defense attorneys working to limit liability.
These cases involve federal FMCSA regulations on driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. Insurance coverage typically ranges from $750,000 to several million dollars, which means insurers fight harder to deny or reduce claims.
At Vaziri Law, we’ve handled cases involving driver fatigue, improper loading, brake failures, and corporate negligence. We know how to investigate these crashes, identify all liable parties, and build a case that stands up to aggressive defense tactics.
How Trucking Cases Differ from Car Accidents
Unlike a typical car accident, truck crashes require analysis of electronic control modules (ECMs), driver logs, maintenance records, and compliance with FMCSA safety rules. Evidence like black-box data and GPS tracking can reveal whether a driver was speeding, braking improperly, or violating hours-of-service limits—but only if it’s preserved quickly.
You’re also dealing with corporate defendants who have legal teams on retainer. Trucking companies often begin their own investigations within hours of a crash, and their goal is to protect the company, not the victim. That’s why having an experienced attorney who can act just as fast is critical.
Results That Show Our Advantage
Our firm has secured seven-figure recoveries for clients injured in commercial truck accidents, including cases involving spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. While every case is unique and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our track record reflects our commitment to thorough investigation, aggressive advocacy, and client-centered representation.
Review our truck accident case results to see how we’ve helped past clients.
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What to Do Right After a Truck Crash in L.A.
The first 24 to 48 hours after a truck accident are critical. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become hard to reach, and insurance adjusters may contact you before you’ve even left the hospital. Taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal claim.
1. Call 911 and Get Medical Care
Even if you feel okay, call 911 and get checked by paramedics. Some injuries—like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage—don’t show symptoms right away. A medical record created at the scene documents your injuries and links them to the crash. Follow up with your doctor and don’t skip appointments—gaps in treatment can be used against you.
2. Preserve Photos, Video, and Witness Contacts
If you’re able, photograph the scene: vehicle positions, skid marks, truck company markings, license plates, visible injuries, and road conditions. Get contact information from witnesses—their statements can be crucial if fault is disputed. If bystanders recorded video, ask them to share it.
3. Request the Police Report and CHP Incident Number
The police report identifies the parties involved, documents observations, and often includes preliminary fault determinations. In Los Angeles, the California Highway Patrol typically responds to serious truck accidents on highways. Get the incident number and request a copy as soon as it’s available.
4. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Before Speaking to Insurers
Trucking company insurers often reach out within hours, hoping to get a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney. Early settlements are almost always far less than what your case is worth.
Who Is Liable for Your Truck Accident and How We Prove It
Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties—not just the driver. Depending on the circumstances, you may have claims against the trucking company, freight brokers, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or manufacturers. We investigate every link to identify all responsible parties and maximize your recovery.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver – for negligence, traffic violations, or DUI
- The trucking company – for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate safety rules
- Freight brokers – for hiring unqualified carriers
- Cargo loaders – for improper loading
- Maintenance contractors – for failing to repair critical systems
- Manufacturers – for defective parts
Driver Negligence and Hours-of-Service Violations
Truck drivers must follow strict hours-of-service rules to prevent fatigue-related crashes. When drivers or employers cut corners, the results can be deadly. Common violations include driving while fatigued, speeding, distracted driving, DUI, and failing to check blind spots.
Trucking Company Safety Shortcuts
Trucking companies must hire qualified drivers, provide training, maintain their fleet, and enforce safety policies. When they fail, they can be held liable. Common violations include negligent hiring, inadequate training, poor maintenance, and pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines.
Third-Party Liability in Complex Logistics Chains
Modern trucking involves multiple companies—freight brokers, carriers, leasing companies, and cargo loaders. If any party acts negligently, such as a broker hiring an uninsured carrier or a loader failing to secure freight, they may share liability for your injuries.
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Key Evidence We Secure Before It Disappears
Critical evidence—electronic logs, video footage, black-box data—can disappear within days. At Vaziri Law, we act fast, sending spoliation letters and working with experts to preserve ECM data, driver logs, maintenance records, and dash cam footage before it’s gone.
Electronic Data (ECM, EDR, GPS)
Modern trucks are equipped with electronic control modules and event data recorders—essentially “black boxes” that capture speed, braking, throttle position, and other data in the seconds before a crash. GPS systems track location and drive time, which can reveal hours-of-service violations. This data is often stored for only a short period and can be overwritten or deleted. We move immediately to preserve it through legal demands and, if necessary, court orders.
Paper and Digital Driver Logs
Federal law requires most commercial drivers to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track their hours. But logs can be manipulated, and discrepancies between ELD data and fuel receipts, dispatch records, or weigh station tickets can reveal violations. We cross-check all records to uncover whether a driver was fatigued or the company encouraged log falsification.
Vehicle and Cargo Inspection Reports
Trucking companies must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and maintain records of repairs and maintenance. We obtain inspection reports, weigh station records, and roadside inspection histories to determine whether the truck was in safe operating condition. Load securement records can also show whether cargo was improperly loaded, contributing to a rollover or loss of control.
Video from Dash Cams and Nearby Businesses
Many trucks and surrounding vehicles have dash cams, and businesses near the crash site may have surveillance cameras. But this footage is often deleted within days or weeks. We immediately contact all potential sources and issue preservation requests to ensure video evidence is saved and reviewed.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Semi-Truck Collision
Truck accident victims in Los Angeles may recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. California’s pure comparative fault rule means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault—so if you’re 10% at fault for $500,000 in damages, you’d recover $450,000. That’s why proving the truck driver or company was primarily responsible is critical. Here are the main categories of damages:
Medical Expenses and Future Care Needs
You may recover all reasonable medical costs—emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medications, therapy, assistive devices, home modifications, and long-term care for permanent disabilities.
Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity
If injuries prevent you from working, you can claim lost wages and, in serious cases, diminished future earning capacity. We work with vocational and financial experts to calculate these losses over your expected working life.
Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Enjoyment
You can seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and lost quality of life—including impacts on hobbies, relationships, and daily activities.
Punitive Damages in Egregious Safety Violations
In rare cases involving extreme recklessness—such as DUI, knowingly unsafe trucks, or falsified safety records—California allows punitive damages to punish defendants and deter misconduct.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity is involved (such as a city-owned truck), you may need to file an administrative claim within six months. Missing these deadlines can bar your claim entirely, so it’s important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
What if I Am Partly at Fault for the Crash?
California uses a pure comparative fault system, so you can still recover damages even if you share some blame. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your total damages.
Can Undocumented Victims Still Sue for Damages?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to file a personal injury claim in California. You can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering just like any other victim. Your status will not be reported or used against you in the legal process.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
At Vaziri Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront costs, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to hiring experienced legal representation.
Will Posting on Social Media Hurt My Case?
Yes, it can. Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor social media for posts that contradict your injury claims. Even innocent photos or comments can be taken out of context. It’s best to avoid posting about your accident, injuries, or activities until your case is resolved.
How Soon Will the Trucking Company’s Insurer Call Me?
Often within hours or days. Adjusters move quickly to get recorded statements or offer low settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Politely decline to give a statement and refer them to your attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
What if the Black-Box Data Is Missing?
If critical electronic data has been destroyed or overwritten, we can file a spoliation motion arguing that the trucking company or driver destroyed evidence. Courts may impose sanctions, allow a jury to infer the missing data was unfavorable to the defendant, or even dismiss the defendant’s defenses in extreme cases.
Ready to Talk? Contact Vaziri Law for a Free Consultation
Truck accidents are complex, and the insurance companies know it. They count on victims being overwhelmed, uninformed, and willing to settle quickly for far less than their case is worth. At Vaziri Law, we investigate every angle, preserve critical evidence before it disappears, and deal directly with insurers and their attorneys so you can focus on healing. If you’ve been injured in a truck crash in Los Angeles, we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation—there’s no fee unless we win your case. Reach out now to get started.
