What should you know about truck accidents in California?
The I-710 Long Beach Freeway, the I-5 Grapevine over Tejon Pass, CA-99 through the Central Valley and I-15 through the Cajon Pass carry heavy truck traffic. Steep grades test brakes, and long agricultural hauls in the San Joaquin Valley can lead to driver fatigue.
California tip: Write down the carrier name and USDOT number from the truck door — it identifies the company and its insurer.
Who may be responsible for a truck accident in California?
Liability in a truck crash can extend beyond the driver to the companies behind the truck. In California, that can include the truck driver, the trucking company (motor carrier), the cargo shipper or loader — depending on who caused the crash.
Under California's pure comparative fault rule, a share of blame for the truck accident lowers what you can recover but never bars the claim outright. Read California car accident laws for the full rule.
How long do you have to file a truck accident claim in California?
Generally two years for a lawsuit, counted from the date of the truck accident. Claims involving California cities, counties or transit agencies can require written notice much sooner.