Fullerton Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. Unlike regular car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple liable parties, tricky regulations, and powerful insurance companies working to reduce payouts. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Fullerton, you need an experienced legal team that knows how to fight for the compensation you deserve.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we have spent over 20 years taking on major trucking companies and their insurers, using our background as former defense attorneys to anticipate their tactics and build strong cases for our clients. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident can take, and we are committed to holding the responsible parties accountable.

You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing. Call (213) 927-3700 today for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form to get started. You pay nothing unless we win your case

The WCTL Difference: World Class Representation

Truck accidents can upend your life in an instant, leaving you overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we treat every client like family and work tirelessly to help you regain control of your future. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Fullerton, here’s why you can rely on us:

• We’re with you every step of the way: Our attorneys handle every case personally, ensuring you receive dedicated, hands-on support from start to finish.
• We know the rules: Our deep understanding of local, state and federal trucking regulations allows us to navigate liability issues on your behalf.
• We bring real-world experience: Our attorneys graduated from prestigious law schools like Harvard. With backgrounds at some of Los Angeles’ largest firms, we know how to counter aggressive defense tactics used by corporate insurers.
• We remove the financial risk: Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay nothing unless we win your case, allowing you to focus on recovery without worrying about upfront costs.
• We deliver results: Our proven track record speaks for itself—with over 1.7 billion recovered for our clients, we’re committed to securing the maximum compensation you deserve.

How a Fullerton Truck Accident Lawyer Supports Your Case

If you’ve been in a truck accident here in Fullerton, CA, you need someone on your side who truly understands what you’re going through. When you hire a truck accident lawyer, they step in immediately to help gather every detail—from collecting accident reports and speaking with witnesses to securing any available surveillance footage, even from areas near our well-known Fullerton landmarks.

Your lawyer will handle all the tough talks with insurance companies, making sure you aren’t shortchanged on the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. With deep expertise in personal injury law and a strong grasp of common truck accident injuries, they know how to fight for a fair settlement in personal injury cases that reflects the true cost of your injuries.

Causes of Truck Accidents in Fullerton

Truck accidents in Fullerton happen for many reasons, but human error is one of the biggest factors. A moment of distraction—whether from cell phone use, eating, or adjusting the GPS—can lead to a serious crash, especially in heavily trafficked areas like Harbor Boulevard or the 91 Freeway. With so many vehicles on the road, even a small mistake can have devastating consequences.

Another common cause is improperly loaded cargo. When cargo isn’t secured correctly, it can shift while the truck is in motion, making it unstable and difficult to control. This can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or even lost cargo spilling onto the road, putting other drivers at risk.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Distracted driving– Texting, eating, or multitasking behind the wheel
• Fatigue – Long hours on the road can cause drivers to lose focus
• Speeding or reckless driving – Trucks require longer stopping distances
• Poor vehicle maintenance – Faulty brakes, worn tires, or mechanical failures
• Improperly secured cargo – Load shifts can cause trucks to lose balance
• Drunk Driving – Driving under the influence, intoxicated drivers

When a truck accident happens, identifying what went wrong is key to holding the right parties accountable. Whether it’s driver negligence, cargo issues, or regulatory violations, a truck accident lawyer can help uncover the cause and fight for the compensation victims deserve

Common Injuries from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries than typical car crashes due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks. When a passenger vehicle collides with an 18-wheeler, the impact can be devastating, leading to life-altering injuries, including:

• Broken bones that may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation
• Spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis or chronic pain
• Traumatic brain injuries that affect memory, cognition, and overall brain function
• Severe lacerations and internal injuries caused by shattered glass or blunt force trauma
• Fatal accidents and wrongful deaths

In some cases, hazardous cargo makes the situation even worse. If a truck is carrying flammable materials, chemicals, or heavy industrial equipment, the crash can lead to fires, explosions, or toxic exposure, increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Passengers in smaller vehicles are especially vulnerable and often suffer the worst of the impact. These injuries don’t just cause immediate physical pain—they can result in long-term disabilities, emotional trauma, and financial hardship, affecting a victim’s ability to work and live a normal life. Understanding the full extent of these injuries is essential when seeking the compensation needed for recovery..

Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, making it crucial to conduct a thorough investigation. Liability can extend beyond just the truck driver—it may also include the trucking company, cargo loaders, manufacturers, or maintenance providers. Identifying the responsible parties is the first step in securing fair compensation for victims.

When is the Truck Driver Liable?

Truck drivers are expected to follow federal and state regulations to ensure road safety. However, negligence such as:

• Distracted driving (texting, eating, or adjusting GPS)
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Violating hours-of-service rules, leading to driver fatigue

can all contribute to serious accidents. If a driver fails to operate the truck responsibly, they may be held accountable for the damages caused.

Trucking Company Negligence

Trucking companies have a legal duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained, trucks are well-maintained, and federal regulations are strictly followed. If they cut corners to maximize profits, they can be held responsible. Common violations include:

• Hiring unqualified or improperly trained drivers
• Failing to conduct routine truck inspections and maintenance
• Encouraging drivers to exceed legal driving hours, leading to fatigue-related crashes

Evidence such as logbooks, maintenance records, and inspection reports can prove whether a trucking company ignored safety regulations.

Cargo Loading and Manufacturing Defects

Not all truck accidents are caused by driver or company negligence. In some cases, poorly loaded cargo or defective truck parts can create dangerous conditions.

• Cargo Loaders – Improperly secured cargo can shift, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents.
• Truck Manufacturers – Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or defective steering components can lead to catastrophic crashes.

If an accident was caused by mechanical failure or unsafe cargo, liability may extend to the manufacturer or third-party maintenance company.

Types of Evidence Crucial for Your Truck Accident Claim

Gathering the right evidence after a truck accident is essential for proving fault and securing fair compensation. Whether it’s documenting the accident scene or obtaining driver records, strong evidence can make all the difference in your case.

Key Evidence at the Accident Scene

The accident scene holds valuable clues about how the crash happened. Important evidence includes:

• Photos and videos of the truck, other vehicles, and road conditions
• Skid marks, vehicle debris, and traffic signals that may indicate fault
• Witness statements from people who saw the accident unfold

Distracted Driving and Driver Records

If distracted driving played a role in the crash, a truck driver’s cell phone records can provide critical proof. These records can show:

• Whether the driver was texting, calling, or using apps at the time of impact
• If the driver was distracted just before the accident occurred
• Signs of fatigue, such as excessive late-night phone use

Truck Maintenance and Black Box Data

Faulty truck maintenance is another common factor in truck accidents. Investigating maintenance records can reveal whether the trucking company followed safety regulations. Additionally, most commercial trucks have black boxes that store vital data, including:

• The truck’s speed and braking before the accident
• GPS history showing driver rest breaks and potential rule violations
• Sudden acceleration or erratic driving patterns that may indicate negligence

Why Quick Action Matters

Trucking companies and insurers often try to limit their liability by delaying or withholding evidence. Acting quickly ensures that critical records are preserved, making it easier to prove fault and hold the responsible parties accountable. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Federal Regulations Governing Trucking Companies

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict regulations to improve road safety and prevent truck accidents. These rules hold both truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for driver working hours, vehicle maintenance, and overall safety compliance. Ignoring these regulations significantly increases the risk of serious accidents.

One of the most important regulations addresses truck driver fatigue, a major cause of crashes. Studies show that 13% of all large truck crashes involve fatigued drivers. To prevent exhaustion-related accidents, the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limit drivers to:

• A maximum of 11 consecutive driving hours after at least 10 hours off duty
• A total workday limit of 14 hours, including non-driving tasks
• A 30-minute rest break after driving for eight consecutive hours
• A weekly cap of 60 hours over seven days or 70 hours over eight days

Trucking companies are also responsible for maintaining their vehicles to prevent mechanical failures that can lead to crashes. Required safety measures include:

• Daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections to check for mechanical issues
• Regular maintenance logs documenting all servicing and repairs
• Annual FMCSA inspections to ensure compliance with federal safety standards

Failure to follow these safety measures can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions, all of which increase the likelihood of truck accidents.

To further protect public safety, federal law mandates drug and alcohol testing for truck drivers at key points during their employment:

• Pre-employment testing before hiring
• Random drug testing throughout the year
• Post-accident testing if the crash results in injury, a fatality, or vehicle tow
• Return-to-duty testing after a previous violation

Truck drivers who exceed a 0.04% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or test positive for drugs must be immediately removed from duty and complete a rehabilitation program before returning to work.

When trucking companies or drivers violate FMCSA regulations, they put lives at risk. These violations often serve as key evidence in truck accident claims, helping victims prove negligence and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims

If you’ve been in a truck accident, you can seek compensation for both financial losses and emotional suffering. Economic damages cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage—anything with a clear price tag. You’ll need medical records, pay stubs, and repair estimates to back up your claim.

Non-economic damages are for the things you can’t put a dollar sign on—pain, emotional distress, and how the accident has changed your life. These damages recognize the real impact beyond just bills.

Getting full compensation means covering both your immediate expenses and long-term recovery. A Fullerton truck accident lawyer can help you fight for what you deserve so you can focus on healing.

Statute of Limitations for Filing Truck Accident Lawsuits

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is generally two years from the accident date. This time limit for personal injury claims means victims must act quickly to preserve their right to seek compensation. If the victim is a minor, the time limit begins when they turn 18.

However, there are exceptions that can affect the deadline. If the claim is against a government entity, such as a city or state-owned vehicle, victims must file a notice of claim within six months of the accident. Additionally, in cases where injuries were not immediately apparent, the clock may start from the date the injury was discovered rather than the accident itself.

Missing the deadline can bar victims from recovering compensation, so it’s important to act fast and consult a truck accident attorney to ensure all legal timelines are met.

Contact Our Experienced Fullerton Truck Accident Lawyers Today

A truck accident can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with pain, stress, and unanswered questions. You don’t have to face this alone. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’re here to listen, guide, and fight for you every step of the way.

We know the road ahead feels overwhelming, but you deserve justice without the worry of upfront costs. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay a thing unless we win.

Call our law firm (213) 927-3700 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s talk about your case, your rights, and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. We’re ready to stand by your side.