Car vs Truck Accident Claims in California: What’s the Difference?

Car vs Truck Accident Claims in California

California follows a fault-based system for resolving all vehicle accident cases that involve two or more drivers. If you believe another party caused your recent accident, you must establish liability before you can claim any compensation from anyone else. Fault may be obvious in some accident cases and hotly contested in others.

You should hire an Orange County car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident so they can start gathering evidence to prove fault. If you were injured in a collision, understanding what to do after a car accident that is not your fault in California is essential to protecting your legal rights.

Both car and truck accidents can cause devastating injuries, but the risk of serious injury is generally greater in truck accident cases. This is primarily due to the fact that commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles. The National Safety Council reported that in 2024, there were 5,218 large trucks involved in fatal crashes nationwide, and 70% of the victims of these accidents were occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.

The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 4,061 fatalities from vehicle accidents statewide in 2023, and driver negligence is the leading cause of accidents each year. Driver negligence could include distracted driving, speeding, moving violations, or any other failure to use reasonable care behind the wheel. Truck accidents may also result from such causes, but they may also occur due to failure to comply with trucking industry regulations.

Your California car accident attorney can gather the evidence you need to prove the exact cause of your recent car or truck accident, and they can accurately calculate all of the damages you are eligible to claim from the at-fault driver. Evidence in car vs truck accident claims in California is generally similar and may include vehicle computer data, witness statements, police reports, and traffic camera footage, if available. Trucking company records may be necessary in truck accident cases.

One major difference in car vs truck accident claims in California is that in truck accident cases, a truck driver’s employer could be held vicariously liable for the accident. For example, if the employer did not comply with any industry regulations and this contributed to the driver causing your accident, the employer is vicariously liable for the accident. Your attorney can explain how vicarious liability applies to your case and how it could influence your recovery.

Recovering Compensation in Car Vs Truck Accident Claims in California

In any vehicle accident case in California, if one driver is responsible for injuring another driver, the victim has the right to claim compensation for any economic and non-economic damages the at-fault driver caused. The recovery process for both types of accident cases is relatively similar; filing an auto insurance claim is usually the injured driver’s first option for recovering compensation, and dealing with an insurance company is easier with an attorney’s help. Additionally, you must keep track of strict filing deadlines, as knowing how long after a car accident you can sue in California prevents you from losing your right to compensation.

Whether you are filing a claim against an individual driver’s personal policy or a truck driver’s commercial policy, most insurance companies attempt to settle injury claims for as little as possible. Your California car accident attorney can help file your claim and verify that you are treated fairly. If the insurance company disputes your claim in any way, your attorney will know how to respond.

Ultimately, you could face various legal challenges in a car or truck accident case in California, but truck accidents tend to involve greater damages and raise more complex legal questions. The team at Bentley & More LLP has extensive experience handling a wide range of vehicle accident cases, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can help with your claim.

FAQs

Is California a No-Fault State for Car or Truck Accidents?

No, California is not a no-fault state for car or truck accidents. All accidents involving more than one driver are resolved on a fault basis, so whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages. If you believe another driver caused your recent accident, you must establish fault before you can claim any compensation for the damages you suffered, and your attorney can gather the evidence you need to build your case.

What Damages Can I Claim After a Car or Truck Accident in California?

In California, the damages you can claim after a car or truck accident include economic losses like your vehicle repair costs, medical bills, and lost income, and you also have the right to claim compensation for non-economic damages, such as your physical pain and psychological suffering resulting from the accident. A California car accident attorney can accurately determine the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim in your case.

Can I File an Auto Insurance Claim for a Truck Accident in California?

Yes, you can file an auto insurance claim for a truck accident in California, and most truck drivers are covered by commercial policies that include extensive coverage. However, insurance companies will almost always attempt to settle injury claims for as little as possible, so you should hire a car accident lawyer before attempting to file any type of auto insurance claim in California. Your attorney can make the process easier and verify that you are treated fairly.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a car accident lawyer to increase your chances of securing a favorable result from your case. Your attorney can gather the evidence you need to prove liability for the accident, accurately determine the full extent of the damages you are eligible to claim, and guide you through your case proceedings efficiently, likely reducing the time you must wait to receive compensation for your damages.

Protect Your Future With Experienced Counsel

Bentley & More LLP has years of experience handling a wide range of complex vehicle accident cases for clients throughout California, and we are confident we can provide unmatched legal counsel for car or truck accident victims statewide. When it comes to car vs truck accident claims in California, both types of cases can present unique challenges. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can help you recover.

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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