Northern California Truck Accident Lawyer

When you have been injured in a truck accident, you need a law firm that understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the crash.

Curtis Legal Group is the Northern California truck accident law firm that takes on big trucking companies and their insurers. With over 100 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of state and federal trucking regulations, our attorneys are prepared to take on even the most complex cases.

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Why Choose Us for Your Northern California Truck Accident Case

• AV Preeminent & Super Lawyers, Recognized for Excellence
• We Know How Trucking Companies and Their Insurers Operate
• Deep Roots in Northern California
• Bilingual Attorneys, We Serve All of Our Community
• No Win, No Fee, You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

Our Northern California Locations

Our Northern California truck accident lawyers serve clients throughout the region with offices in Sacramento, Modesto, Stockton, and Fresno.

We Handle All Types of Truck Accident Cases

• Jackknife Accidents – Pursuing compensation when a truck’s trailer swings out of control
• Rollover Accidents – Investigating causes of commercial vehicle rollovers
• Underride Accidents – Underride accidents can occur when a passenger vehicle rear-ends a truck or a truck changes lanes or turns in front of a smaller vehicle. Because the bottom of a semi-trailer is about the height of the hood or windshield of a passenger vehicle, part of the smaller car goes under the trailer, and the trailer cuts into the top of the car. Underride accidents can cause very serious injuries to the occupants of a passenger vehicle.
• Rear-End Collisions –Rear-end accidents can occur when a motorist hits the back of a truck or when a truck hits the back of another car. A vehicle following a truck in the no zone has limited visibility of things going on to the side and in front of the truck. If you are driving in rear of the truck driver’s blind spot they are likely not aware of being followed so closely.If the truck driver brakes suddenly, you may not be able to stop in time to avoid a truck crash. Drivers of smaller vehicles must also remember truck drivers can’t see them if they are too close to the front of the truck.  Trucks need more time to stop than smaller vehicles. Cars that cut in front of trucks, especially in heavy traffic, risk a serious rear-end accident if traffic suddenly slows.
• Tire Blowouts – Pursuing claims for accidents caused by improper maintenance
• Improper Loading – Holding companies accountable for improperly secured cargo
• Drunk or Fatigued Driving – Pursuing claims against trucking companies that push drivers beyond safe limits
• Distracted Driving – Holding drivers accountable for texting or using phones while driving
• Front End Accidents – Front-end accidents can happen when a truck driver does not see a vehicle in a no-zone and turns in front of the vehicle. Big trucks have a very wide turning radius and must often swing left when making a right turn. If a truck driver does not see a motorist approaching on the right side, the truck may turn in front of the oncoming car.
• No-Zone Accidents – Big trucks have a very wide turning radius and must often swing left when making a right turn. If a truck driver does not see a motorist approaching on the right side, the truck may turn in front of the oncoming car causing a no-zone truck accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California?

Under California law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the claim involves a government entity, different timelines may apply.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys can evaluate your case during a free consultation.

What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?

Do not accept any settlement offer without first consulting an attorney. Trucking companies often offer far less than what your case is truly worth. An experienced truck accident lawyer can negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to trial if necessary.

What if the truck driver was fatigued?

Truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of serious truck accidents. Federal and state hours-of-service regulations limit how long a driver can be on the road. Violations of these rules can be evidence of negligence. Our attorneys know how to investigate fatigue-related claims and hold trucking companies accountable.

What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?

Trucking companies are required to preserve evidence, including black box data, electronic logging device records, and maintenance logs. If they destroy or hide evidence, our attorneys can pursue sanctions and use spoliation of evidence to strengthen your case.

How Black Box Data Can Provide Evidence of Negligence?

Black box data can be some of the strongest evidence in a truck accident claim. It provides a record of what the truck was doing at the time of the crash. This data frequently reveals:

• Speeding – Recorded speed can show the truck was traveling faster than the limit or too fast for conditions.
• Driver fatigue – ELD records can expose hours-of-service violations, such as driving past the 11-hour daily limit.
• Failure to brake – Brake and throttle data can show a driver never slowed before a rear-end collision.
• Distraction or delayed reaction – The absence of any evasive input in the seconds before impact can indicate distracted driving.

These violations tie directly to federal safety rules, meaning black box data after a truck accident can establish that a driver or carrier broke the law. In a truck accident claim, violations of safety rules can amount to negligence per se, which means the truck driver or trucking company is presumed negligent. The injured victim only has to show that the safety violations/negligence caused their crash and injuries.

Under California Vehicle Code § 9951, data from a vehicle’s EDR generally belongs to the vehicle owner. Someone else may only download or access this data in limited situations:

• With the owner’s consent
• Under a court order or subpoena
• By a licensed technician or dealer for servicing or diagnosing the vehicle (with owner consent)
• For traffic safety research, provided the data is stripped of identifying information
• To determine the need for or facilitate emergency medical response after a crash

ECM data can be overwritten once the truck is driven again or serviced, sometimes within days. FMCSA rules only require carriers to retain ELD records for six months.

A truck accident attorney can send a spoliation or preservation letter soon after a crash to help protect important black box data and ensure it can be collected and used in an injury claim.

If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident and have questions about getting black box data from the trucking company, contact Curtis Legal Group today to schedule a Free Consultation.

Ready to Get the Representation You Deserve?

Don’t settle for less. Whether you were injured in a jackknife accident, rollover, or any other type of truck crash, the Northern California truck accident lawyers at Curtis Legal Group are ready to fight for you.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

100% Free Case Evaluation | No Win, No Fee | Se Habla Español

The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a licensed attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.