California 18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers: What Victims Need to Know

Why Truck Accidents in California Are More Complicated Than Car Crashes

Truck accidents in California, especially along major corridors like I-5 through San Diego, I-15 through Riverside, or the busy Los Angeles ports, bring a level of complexity far beyond typical auto collisions. These cases involve state negligence laws layered with federal trucking regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Unlike car accidents, trucking companies often deploy rapid-response teams within hours of a crash. Their goal is to protect the company—not the victim. Without an experienced California truck accident lawyer, evidence like driver logbooks, black box data, and cargo records may vanish before it’s reviewed.

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Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents Across California

Truck crashes in San Diego County and beyond happen for many reasons, but the most common include:

• Drivers pushed to exceed hours-of-service limits, leading to fatigue on long hauls.
• Distracted or impaired driving while navigating Southern California’s congested freeways.
• Poor vehicle maintenance or defective parts, including brake or tire failures.
• Overloaded or unbalanced cargo heading in or out of the Port of San Diego.
• Negligent hiring and training practices by trucking companies.

These accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, making it vital to establish exactly what caused the crash.

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Who May Be Liable in a California Truck Accident Case?

In a San Diego car accident, liability usually rests with one driver. But in trucking cases, multiple entities may share fault. Responsible parties often include:

• The truck driver who caused the crash.
• The trucking company that pressured drivers to cut corners.
• Cargo loaders whose negligence led to shifting freight.
• Vehicle manufacturers if a defective component failed.
• Maintenance contractors who overlooked safety issues.

Our team investigates every angle, ensuring no responsible party escapes accountability.

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Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in California

Because of the severity of injuries, compensation in California truck accident cases often goes beyond basic medical bills. Victims may recover:

• Emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Long-term costs for catastrophic injuries, including paralysis or brain trauma.
• Lost wages and future loss of earning potential.
• Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.
• Property damage, including replacement of totaled vehicles.

In cases of wrongful death, families may also recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future financial support.

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Why San Diego Victims Need Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers

Insurance carriers for trucking companies are aggressive and well-funded. They often argue that victims share responsibility or push for low settlements that don’t reflect lifelong costs. Having a San Diego truck accident lawyer who knows the local courts, freeways, and insurance defense strategies makes a critical difference.

Phillips & Pelly has recovered millions for accident victims across California, including some of the state’s largest truck accident settlements. Our firm works on a contingency basis, so clients pay no attorney’s fees unless we win.

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Contact Phillips & Pelly: California Truck Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck or commercial vehicle accident anywhere in California—whether on the freeways of San Diego, the streets of Los Angeles, or the highways of the Central Valley—don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies move fast to shield themselves.

Call Phillips & Pelly today at (858) 794-1700 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our team of California truck accident attorneys is ready to fight for your rights and help you rebuild after a devastating crash.