Truck Accident Lawyer Los Angeles | Semi-Truck & Commercial Vehicle Attorney | Baghikian Law
Personal Injury · Los Angeles

Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Truck accidents involving semi-trucks, big rigs, and commercial vehicles cause catastrophic injuries — and involve multiple liable parties, federal regulations, and insurance companies with large legal teams. Baghikian Law Firm builds the case from the ground up. Free consultations. No upfront costs.

Schedule a Free Consultation
Semi-Truck, Big Rig & Commercial Vehicle Cases
FMCSA Regulation Violations
Multiple Liable Parties Identified
Encino, CA · Serving All of Southern California
Truck Accident Law in California

Truck Accidents Are Legally Complex — and the Stakes Are Catastrophic

Collisions involving commercial trucks — semi-trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, tanker trucks, and delivery vehicles — are among the most devastating accidents on California highways. Because of their size and weight, even low-speed commercial truck collisions cause severe injuries that can permanently alter a victim's life.

These cases are also far more complex than standard car accident claims. Multiple parties may share liability — the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the maintenance provider, and the vehicle manufacturer. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations create additional duties and violations that must be investigated. Critical evidence like electronic logging device data and black box records must be preserved immediately. Baghikian Law Firm moves fast on truck accident cases to lock down that evidence before it disappears.

Common Causes

What Causes Commercial Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

Most serious truck accidents are preventable. These are the most common causes we encounter in Los Angeles commercial vehicle collision cases.

01

Driver Fatigue & Hours of Service Violations

FMCSA Hours of Service rules limit how long commercial drivers can drive without rest. Trucking companies that pressure drivers to exceed limits — or falsify logs — are liable for resulting crashes.

02

Improper Loading & Overweight Cargo

Improperly secured or overweight cargo causes trucks to tip, lose control, or shed debris at highway speeds. Liability may extend to the cargo loading company separately from the trucking carrier.

03

Inadequate Maintenance & Equipment Failure

Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering defects caused by deferred maintenance are common in commercial truck crashes. Maintenance records reveal whether the carrier met its legal obligations.

04

Distracted & Impaired Driving

Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard than ordinary motorists. A BAC of 0.04% — half the standard limit — constitutes DUI for CDL holders. Phone use and distraction violations carry enhanced liability.

Who May Be Liable

Truck Accidents Often Involve Multiple Responsible Parties

Unlike car accidents — which typically involve one at-fault driver — truck accident cases regularly involve multiple defendants, each with separate insurance policies and legal teams. Identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing total recovery.

The truck driver — for negligent operation, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations
The trucking company — for hiring unqualified drivers, pressuring HOS violations, or inadequate supervision
The cargo loading company — for improperly secured or overweight loads
The vehicle manufacturer — for defective brakes, tires, steering, or safety systems
The maintenance provider — for failing to perform required inspections or repairs
The shipper or freight broker — in some cases, for requiring unsafe delivery schedules
Critical Evidence

Why Acting Immediately After a Truck Accident Is Essential

Truck accident cases involve time-sensitive evidence that can disappear quickly. Trucking companies and their insurers often deploy investigation teams to accident scenes within hours. We move just as fast to preserve the evidence that proves your case.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data showing hours of service and driver fatigue
Black box / ECM data recording speed, braking, and driver behavior before impact
Driver qualification files, training records, and employment history
Vehicle inspection and maintenance logs from the past 12 months
Dash camera and surveillance footage from the accident scene
Cargo manifests and weight tickets for the load at time of crash
Drug and alcohol test results required post-accident under FMCSA rules
Prior FMCSA violations and out-of-service orders against the carrier
Our Fee Structure

No Fee Unless We Win

Truck accident cases are handled entirely on a contingency basis. We advance all investigation and litigation costs. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover — and only if we win.

$0 upfront
No hourly fees
Free consultation
You only pay if we win
Call (818) 804-8901
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Claims in California

How are truck accident cases different from regular car accident cases?
Truck accidents involve federal regulations (FMCSA), multiple potentially liable parties, commercial insurance policies with higher limits, time-sensitive electronic evidence that trucking companies may attempt to destroy, and catastrophic injuries that require more extensive damage calculations. They are significantly more complex and require immediate, aggressive investigation — waiting is not an option in these cases.
What is the FMCSA and how does it affect my case?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets safety regulations for commercial trucks operating in interstate commerce — including Hours of Service limits, vehicle inspection requirements, driver qualification standards, and drug testing protocols. Violations of FMCSA regulations are powerful evidence of negligence in a truck accident case and can significantly increase the strength of a plaintiff's claim.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in California?
California's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, it is also two years from the date of death. If a government entity was involved (such as a municipal truck), the timeline is shorter — a government tort claim must be filed within six months. Given the complexity of truck cases, contacting an attorney as soon as possible after the accident is critical.
Can the trucking company be sued even if the driver was an independent contractor?
Often yes. Trucking companies frequently classify drivers as independent contractors to limit liability — but California courts apply strict tests to determine whether a worker is truly independent. Under the "Borello" standard and other California legal frameworks, many drivers classified as contractors are legally treated as employees for purposes of liability. We investigate the employment relationship as part of every truck accident case.
What if the truck driver's employer denies the driver was acting within the scope of their employment?
Under California's "respondeat superior" doctrine, an employer is liable for the negligent acts of an employee performed within the scope of their employment. Trucking companies routinely argue that a driver deviated from their route or was "off duty" to escape liability. We investigate logbook records, GPS data, and dispatch communications to establish that the driver was acting within their employment at the time of the crash.
What damages are available in a truck accident case in California?
Truck accident victims may pursue medical expenses (current and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, permanent disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and wrongful death damages for surviving family members. Commercial trucking insurance policies carry substantially higher limits than personal auto policies, which means greater recovery potential in serious injury cases.

Hit by a Truck? The Evidence Window Is Closing. Call Now.

Serving Los Angeles, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, Glendale, and all of Southern California. Call (818) 804-8901 for a free case evaluation.

Contact Us Today