Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Big Rigs, Big Risks

Collisions involving tractor-trailers can change your life in an instant. In California, sharing the highways with these massive vehicles means the stakes are high—injuries tend to be more severe, and the legal process gets complex fast. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck crash, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance calls, and worries about what comes next. You are not alone. Attain Law understands the unique challenges of traffic accidents and is here to guide you through every step.

What Counts as a Tractor-Trailer Accident?

A tractor-trailer accident involves a commercial truck—often called an 18-wheeler, semi, or big rig—colliding with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or property. These crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the truck’s size and weight. Cases can include rear-end collisions, jackknifes, rollovers, underride accidents, and cargo spills. Compared to standard car accidents, tractor-trailer wrecks are more complicated because they may involve multiple companies, drivers, and insurance policies.

Laws Protecting Californians

California enforces strict rules for commercial trucks. The California Vehicle Code and federal regulations (like those from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) set standards for driver rest, truck maintenance, and safe operation. For example:

• Drivers must follow hours-of-service rules to prevent fatigue.
• Trucks must pass regular inspections and maintenance checks.
• Companies must safely secure cargo and check weight limits.

If a trucking company or driver ignores these rules, they can be held responsible for the harm caused. California law also allows injured people to seek compensation if someone else’s carelessness led to the crash. Learn more about proving fault in a car accident case.

Who Can Be Held Accountable?

Tractor-trailer accidents often have more than one responsible party. Depending on the facts, you might seek compensation from:

• The truck driver (for speeding, distraction, or fatigue)
• The trucking company (for negligent hiring or poor maintenance)
• Cargo loaders (if shifting loads caused the crash)
• Truck manufacturers (if defective parts failed)

This is different from many motorcycle accident or bicycle accident cases, where the at-fault driver is usually the main focus.

Steps to Take After a Truck Crash

If you’re involved in a tractor-trailer accident in California, your actions right after the crash can make a difference:

• Call 911 and seek medical care.
• Gather evidence: photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
• Get contact information from witnesses and the truck driver.
• Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurers.
• Reach out to an attorney experienced in traffic accidents.

You can also review steps to take after a car accident for more tips.

Damages You May Recover

California law allows victims of tractor-trailer crashes to seek financial recovery for:

• Medical bills (now and in the future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress

Serious truck crashes can cause life-changing injuries, making it essential to fully understand your options. Our guide to compensation in traffic accidents breaks down what you may be entitled to claim.

How Truck Cases Differ

Tractor-trailer claims can be more challenging than regular car crashes because:

• Trucking companies often have teams of lawyers and adjusters.
• Federal and state rules apply.
• Evidence (like driver logs or GPS data) can disappear quickly.
• There may be multiple insurance companies involved.

Don’t risk missing key deadlines. California gives you two years from the date of the accident to start a claim. This timeline can be shorter if a government vehicle is involved.

What If the Truck Was Defective?

Sometimes, a crash happens because of a faulty truck part or poor maintenance. In these cases, you may have a product liability claim alongside your accident case. This could include faulty brakes, defective tires, or problems with trailer hitches.

Insurance and Settlement Challenges

Trucking insurance policies are large, but that means insurers fight hard to limit payouts. Adjusters may try to settle quickly for less than your case is worth. Having a legal team that understands car accidents and tractor-trailer crashes can level the playing field.

Employer Responsibilities

California employers who own or operate commercial trucks must:

• Ensure drivers are properly licensed and trained.
• Maintain vehicles according to law.
• Follow federal and state safety rules.
• Investigate and address safety complaints.

If an employer cuts corners, they can be held accountable for the harm caused by their drivers.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The most frequent causes of tractor-trailer accidents in California include:

• Driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
• Distracted driving (e.g., using a phone)
• Speeding or unsafe lane changes
• Poorly secured or overloaded cargo
• Brake, tire, or mechanical failure
• Inadequate driver training

Our article on common causes of tractor-trailer accidents details each risk.

Your Next Steps

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a tractor-trailer accident, don’t wait to get help. Evidence can disappear, and insurance companies move fast. Attain Law is ready to answer your questions, investigate your crash, and fight for what you deserve. For other types of severe accidents, you may also want to learn about wrongful death or rideshare accidents in California.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tractor-Trailer Accidents

How long do I have to file a tractor-trailer accident claim in California? You generally have two years from the date of the tractor-trailer accident to file a claim in California. If a government vehicle was involved, the deadline may be shorter.

Who can be held liable for a tractor-trailer accident? Liability may fall on the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or even the manufacturer if a defective part caused the crash.

What damages are recoverable after a truck accident? Victims may recover costs for medical care, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages if gross negligence is proven.

What should I do if the trucking company contacts me after the accident? You should avoid giving statements or signing documents until you consult an attorney. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly for less than your case’s full value.

How do I prove the truck driver or company was at fault? Evidence such as driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and witness statements can help show fault. An attorney can help gather and analyze this evidence.

Talk to Attain Law Today

Recovering from a tractor-trailer accident is never easy, but you do not have to do it alone. Call Attain Law at (888) 970-8627 or contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you and help you move forward.