Experience You Can Trust
Truck Incident Lawyer
Commercial trucks are part of daily life in California. Whether it is a delivery van, garbage truck, tow truck, flatbed, or work truck, commercial trucks are heavier, slower to stop, and more dangerous than everyday passenger vehicles. Their size creates larger blind spots, and their operation requires skills and responsibility. When these vehicles are involved in a crash, injuries are often serious and the legal aftermath can be complicated.
At Abronson Law Offices, we represent victims of truck incidents across Santa Clara County and across California. We manage every step of the legal process so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
There are strict legal timeframes to file a claim in California. For most incidents, you have two years from the date of the incident but when a non-federal government agency is involved, that window could be as short as six months. Don’t wait and risk your recovery. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation.
Why Truck Incidents Are So Dangerous
Trucks do not stop or maneuver like cars. Truck drivers are also under pressure with tight delivery schedules, long shifts, and limited rest time, often lead to fatigue or inattention behind the wheel. Further, these vehicles take longer to brake, require wider turns, and can roll over, jackknife, or crush smaller vehicles in a collision. Even a low-speed crash with a commercial truck can cause lasting physical trauma.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that large trucks are involved in over 500,000 crashes per year nationwide, leading to tens of thousands of injuries and over 5,000 fatalities annually. Many of those injured are pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers in much smaller vehicles.
Common Causes of Truck Incident in California
Many truck crashes are preventable and trace back to human error or improper oversight. Common causes include:
· Distracted driving (cell phone use, navigation systems)
· Speeding or taking turns too fast
· Driver fatigue due to overwork or skipped breaks
· Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
· Poor vehicle maintenance or equipment failure
· Failing to yield or observe blind spots
· Unsecured or shifting cargo
· Inadequate driver training or improper licensing
Why Choose Abronson Law Offices?
Truck accident claims are complex. They often involve multiple parties, such as drivers, employers, equipment providers, and government entities. Trucks owned by businesses, cities, or government agencies require different claim procedures and insurance standards. We know how to navigate all of them.
What sets us apart:
· Proven results in truck injury cases
· Proven results in complex injury cases
· Access to top medical experts for evaluation and testimony
· Aggressive negotiations backed by trial experience
· Transparent communication, every step of the way
· You don’t pay unless we win your case
We have recovered compensation for clients suffering from:
· Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
· Neck fractures with permanent range-of-motion loss
· Severe muscle strain causing chronic headaches and stiffness
· Nerve impingement resulting in radiating pain, tingling, or numbness
· Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions, skull fractures, and permanent cognitive impairment
· Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
· Fractures, dislocations, and orthopedic injuries
· Internal bleeding and organ damage
· Facial injuries and dental trauma
· Disfigurement and permanent mobility loss
· Psychological injuries, including PTSD and depression
· Fatal injuries leading to wrongful death claims
What Compensation Can I Recover?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be eligible for:
· Medical expenses (past and future)
· Lost income and reduced earning potential
· Pain and suffering
· Rehabilitation and long-term care
· Emotional distress
· Any other damages unique to your case
We work with medical experts, financial analysts, and crash investigators to build a strong case and address all the impacts this incident has had on your life. Our goal is to make sure your compensation reflects the true cost of how any incident has affected your life, not just what the insurance company is willing to pay.
Common Questions About Truck Incident Injury Cases
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?
A: Liability can fall on the driver, their employer, the vehicle owner, the company that loaded the truck, or even the municipality (in the case of city trucks).
What if the Truck Was Owned by a Business or the City?
A: If the truck was operated by a government entity, your case must follow California’s special rules for public claims. You may have as little as six months to act.
Do I Need to Report the Crash Myself?
A: Yes. California requires accidents involving injury or $1,000+ in damage to be reported to the DMV.
What if I Was Hit While Walking or Biking?
A: You still have a valid claim.
What if the Driver Says They Didn’t See Me?
A: That is unfortunately common and not a valid excuse. Drivers have a legal duty to watch for all road users, including motorcycles.
What if There is No Police Report?
A: You can still pursue a claim even if no official police report was filed. While a report can help document the scene and support your version of events, it is not required to move forward. Many cases involve no formal police report, especially in situations where injuries were not immediately obvious or the police were not called to the scene.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t have Insurance?
A: You may be able to file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We’ll review your policy and pursue all available options.
What is UM/UIM Coverage and Why Does it Matter?
A: Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses. This coverage is critical in California, where many drivers carry only the legal minimums.
Who Determines Fault in an Incident?
A: Any decision made by an insurance adjustor is not final. We independently investigate every crash and work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. If a case does not settle only the jury or judge gets to decide who is at fault.
What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
A: You don’t need to. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover money for you.
Can I Sue Even if the Person Responsible wasn’t Criminally Charged?
A: Yes. Civil liability is separate from criminal charges. We can pursue compensation regardless of whether the responsible party was arrested or convicted.
Can I Recover Damages Even if I was Partially at Fault?
A: Yes. California follows comparative negligence. Your compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover for the portion not caused by your actions.
Do I Still have a Claim if I Heal Fully?
A: Yes. Even if you fully heal you are still entitled to the time lost, pain endured, and costs incurred still matter. You’re entitled to compensation for what you went through.
What if I had Delayed Treatment?
A: A delay does not destroy your case, but it may give the insurance company a reason to challenge the seriousness or cause of your injuries. We work with your doctors to clearly connect your treatment to the incident and counter any attempts to downplay your injuries.
Do I Need to Wait Until Treatment is Complete?
A: Sometimes. When possible it is usually best to wait until treatment is complete before settling your claim. Because you can only settle your claim one time you want to know the full extent of your injuries before doing so. Where there is permanent injury, we work with your doctors and life care planners to estimate the full scope of future treatment so your case reflects long-term needs.
Will a Settlement Cover a Lifetime of Care?
A: It can. We build claims that include future medical costs, equipment replacement, caregiver expenses, and lost income through retirement age.
Is Emotional Trauma Considered Part of the Claim?
A: Absolutely. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces are all compensable in civil claims and often a major part of recovery.
Are Scars Considered “Compensable”?
A: Absolutely. Permanent scars can be a major part of claims, especially in children or victims who require further treatment to reduce scarring.
Do I Need Surgery to have a Strong Case?
A: No. Many cases involve long-term physical therapy or non-surgical treatment. However, if surgery is required, we make sure it’s factored into the claim value.
What if I Already had Arthritis or Degeneration?
A: Pre-existing conditions don’t disqualify you. If the accident made your condition worse or accelerated the need for treatment, you’re still entitled to compensation under California law.
What if I Already have a Preexisting Condition?
A: Pre-existing conditions do not disqualify you. If the accident caused an injury that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred or exacerbated a preexisting condition, you still have a valid claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Made Me an Offer?
A: Always speak to a lawyer first. Early settlement offers are often far below the long-term cost of your recovery and once you accept, you can’t ask for more later.
Will I Have to go to Trial?
A: Most cases settle but we prepare every case as if it might go to trial. Our trial readiness helps us negotiate from a position of strength.
Can I Sue if My Injury Happened at Work?
A: Yes. While workers’ comp may cover medical care, you may also have a separate third-party claim if another entity (equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, etc.) caused your injury.
Get a Free, No-Pressure Consultation
You do not have to do this alone. Our team is here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and move forward with confidence. We offer fully remote services and free consultations by phone or video. If you’re recovering at home or in the hospital, we’ll meet you where you are.
Settlement
$1,000,000
Truck Incident Case
Settlement
$1,000,000
Truck Incident Case
Settlement
$500,000
Truck Incident Case
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If You or a Loved One Have Been Injured in an Accident, Speak with Our Legal team Today!
Office Locations
Main Office
332 North 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95112
San Francisco Office
1390 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, California 94102
Contact Us
Phone: (408) 687-9155
Fax: (408) 352-5595