How Long Do Truck Accident Cases Take in California?

Commercial truck crashes often occur for the same reasons as other accidents. Distracted driving, moving violations, and speeding are just a few commonly cited causes. However, these accidents can also result from a truck driver and/or their employer failing to comply with trucking industry regulations. All vehicle accidents in California are resolved on a fault basis, so proving fault will be an essential first step in your truck accident case.

The National Safety Council reported that in 2024, there were 120,724 large trucks involved in injury crashes nationwide. That year, another 5,218 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, and 70% of the victims of these fatal accidents were occupants of smaller passenger cars. If you or a family member is injured in a truck accident, you should hire a truck accident lawyer who can help you establish fault for the resulting damages.

Whether you remember how your accident happened or you have no recollection due to your injuries, proving fault can be a challenging and time-consuming process. A California truck accident attorney can gather and preserve the crucial evidence you need to establish liability for the accident, and they will likely know how to obtain evidence you would not be able to secure on your own.

When it comes to how long your case will take to complete, this can vary based on the severity of your injuries, how much total compensation you are seeking, whether liability is disputed, and whether you can claim compensation just by filing an auto insurance claim or if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant.

Building a Truck Accident Case in California

You have a limited time to file a claim for compensation after any vehicle accident in California, and your California truck accident attorney can secure the evidence needed to prove liability. Once you establish fault, filing an auto insurance claim against the defendant is typically your first option for claiming compensation for your damages, and having an attorney help you will dramatically improve your chances of resolving the insurance claim swiftly.

Most insurance companies will look for justification to deny or devalue a claim for compensation, but they are less likely to engage in bad faith if they see that an injured claimant has legal representation. Your attorney can verify that you are treated fairly and negotiate a suitable settlement from the insurance carrier.

When you must file a personal injury case to recover your damages, this will likely take longer to complete than an auto insurance claim, but the right attorney may be able to settle your claim relatively quickly. During settlement negotiations, the parties involved attempt to reach mutually acceptable terms to resolve the case without the need for litigation. This is not possible in every case, but having an attorney help you increases your chances of settling successfully.

Ultimately, every truck accident case is different, and every injured plaintiff faces unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to claiming compensation for the losses they suffered. The team at Bentley & More LLP has years of proven experience handling a wide range of complex vehicle accident cases throughout California, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can assist with your recovery.

FAQs

What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Fault for a Truck Accident?

The evidence you may need to prove fault for a truck accident could include witness statements, vehicle black-box data, cell phone records, trucking company records, and police reports. You should hire a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident so they can start gathering this evidence; some may not be obtainable for long, and establishing fault quickly could speed up your case’s timetable.

What Happens if I Was Partially at Fault for My Truck Accident in California?

If you were partially at fault for your truck accident in California, you can still claim compensation from the defendant, but you will lose a percentage of the total recovery equal to your percentage of fault. California enforces a pure comparative negligence law, so any fault percentage assigned to the plaintiff is deducted from their settlement or case award. Your attorney can explain how comparative fault may influence the outcome of your case.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Truck Accident in California?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a truck accident in California depends on the nature of the damages you suffered. You may have grounds to claim compensation for vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you experienced. Your California truck accident attorney can accurately determine the full potential value of the damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

You need to hire a truck accident lawyer to have a better chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. Regardless of whether you believe liability for the accident is clear, the right attorney can help you prove fault and recover compensation for the damages you suffered. You are more likely to resolve your case efficiently and obtain suitable compensation with an attorney representing you.

Speak to Our Truck Accident Lawyer

The team at Bentley & More LLP can help you navigate the legal aftermath of a truck accident efficiently. If you are worried about how long truck accident cases take in California, you can trust our team to work diligently to prove fault and assess your damages, and we will do everything we can to secure compensation for you as swiftly as possible. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced California truck accident attorney.

About the author: Greg Bentley

Co-Founder & Trial Lawyer at Bentley & More LLP

Greg Bentley is Co-Founder of Bentley & More LLP in Newport Beach, California. With 36 years of experience, he represents plaintiffs in personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, insurance bad faith, dangerous road and property conditions, and construction-site failure cases. Admitted to the State Bar of California, Greg earned his J.D. from Western State University College of Law in 1990. He is a member of several invitation-only trial organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and is active in multiple statewide and regional trial lawyer associations.

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How Long Do Truck Accident Cases Take in California?

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