At Hulburt Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing expert legal representation for truck accident victims. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and a deep understanding of California and federal trucking regulations. From analyzing maintenance records to calculating the full extent of your financial losses, our legal team is here to support you.
We know how to navigate the complexities of these cases to build a strong, effective claim. Our award-winning attorneys will guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Large truck accidents have increased by 49% over the last 10 years.*
Throughout the process, we keep you informed, answer any questions you may have, and provide ongoing support. We limit the number of cases we take on so that we can dedicate the time and attention needed for each case.
With Hulburt Law Firm by your side, you can focus on your recovery while knowing that your legal claims are being taken care of. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact us today for a free case review.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of achieving extraordinary results.
A sudden tire failure caused an SUV to fishtail and crash, killing a beloved husband and father.
An improperly installed gate fell on a construction worker, killing him.
A concrete block wall fell on a construction worker, killing him.
A truck backed into a construction worker, crushing his leg.
A commercial truck struck and killed a bicyclist riding on the side of the road.
A fatigued box truck driver drove into the wrong lane of traffic and struck an RV, causing the occupants injuries.
During your free case review, we listen to your story, collect preliminary information, and provide an honest evaluation of your case’s strengths and potential challenges.
Once the scope of work is signed, our team gets to work conducting a thorough investigation to build a strong foundation for your case including accident scene examinations, reviewing police reports and witness statements, accessing the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) and black box data, and analyzing maintenance records.
To strengthen your case, our firm collaborates with experts, including accident reconstructionists, truck safety experts, medical professionals, and economists in order to recreate the accident scenario, provide detailed assessments of your injuries and necessary treatments, and calculate the full extent of your financial losses.
Based on our investigation and expert collaboration, we develop a tailored legal strategy involving identifying all liable parties, determining claims, and calculating damages.
We are skilled negotiators committed to securing a fair settlement. During negotiations with insurance companies and opposing parties, we present a strong, evidence-backed case, counter attempts to undervalue your claim, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and are skilled at telling your story, presenting evidence and expert testimony, cross-examining witnesses, and making compelling arguments to the judge and jury.
If you’re involved in a truck accident in California, it’s important to understand the basic legal principles that govern these cases. See several key points below to help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident.
At-Fault State: California operates under a fault-based system, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. This system requires determining who was negligent and caused the accident.
Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with both federal and state regulations, including hours of service (HOS) rules, vehicle maintenance standards, and driver qualifications. Violations of these regulations can be critical evidence in a truck accident case.
Commercial trucks are required to carry higher liability insurance limits than passenger vehicles due to the potential for severe damage and injury. Minimum coverage amounts can range from $750,000 to $5 million, depending on the type of cargo being transported.
At the Hulburt Law Firm, our truck accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and recover maximum compensation.
Forget surface-level research and mediocre inquiries. We dive deep to conduct extensive investigations and gather evidence in order to build your strongest case.
We use technology to your advantage. By using video and photography, scene recreations, and graphics, we tell your story in a visually-compelling way that other law firms cannot match.
Defense attorneys and insurance companies know us and respect us. We assess the full extent of your damages and pursue all responsible parties in order to maximize the compensation you deserve.
Catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases are rarely simple. We have taken on the largest corporations, insurance companies, and defense firms in the country and won.
We understand how important it is to have a compassionate and considerate lawyer. From providing regular case updates to ensuring clients are adequately prepared for each step of the case, we continually demonstrate our care for all of our clients.
You may have a valid case if:
An attorney can help evaluate the specifics of your situation and determine the viability of your case.
Potentially liable parties can include:
You may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:
Key evidence includes:
The duration varies based on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. It can take several months to a few years.
When a truck accident causes serious injury or death, having an experienced personal injury lawyer is highly recommended. An attorney can help:
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and no legal fees unless we win your case. This arrangement ensures that you can access high-quality legal representation without financial strain.
Yes, California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Many truck accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may advise taking the case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.
In California, anyone whose negligence caused or contributed to your accident or injuries is responsible for compensating you. This includes:
If a loved one is involved in a fatal truck accident in California, the family members can pursue wrongful death and survival claims against the responsible parties.
Wrongful Death Claim: A wrongful death claim is filed by the family members of someone who died because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Wrongful death claims allow family members to seek compensation for the death of their loved one. Wrongful death damages include compensation for the loss of relationship, love, companionship and care. They also include compensation for the loss of financial support, household services, and funeral expenses.
Survival Claim: A survival claim allows family members to pursue damages on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. A survival claim focuses on damages suffered by the deceased person before they died. For example, a survival claim may seek damage for the deceased person’s pre-death pain and suffering, and punitive damages for egregious negligence or recklessness.
Insurance requirements for commercial trucks vary depending on the jurisdiction, the type of operation, and the size of the vehicles involved.
Interstate Commerce: For interstate commerce (driving across state lines), the federal government requires that truckers carry commercial truck insurance as follows:
Intrastate Commerce: For intrastate commerce (driving within state lines), California law requires that truckers carry commercial truck insurance as follows:
Many trucking companies opt to purchase higher coverage limits to provide greater financial protection.
In California, there are specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for bringing a truck accident lawsuit. These statutes state the timeframe within which a lawsuit must be filed after the accident. Failing to file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations can give up the right to pursue legal action.
The time limits for bringing a truck accident lawsuit in California include:
Consult with an attorney to make sure you timely file your claim within the applicable time limits.
Health insurance liens arise when your health insurance provider has covered medical expenses related to your injuries caused by another’s negligence. Health insurers seek reimbursement from your lawsuit recovery for the medical expenses they paid.
Semi-trucks go by many names depending on the region and context:
The Vehicle Code provides specific regulations regarding commercial vehicles. Whether a vehicle qualifies as a commercial truck depends on:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) establish safety standards for commercial motor vehicles engaged in interstate commerce.
Trucking accidents occur due to various factors and often involve a combination of factors. Some of the common causes of trucking accidents include:
Simply fill out the form or call 619.821.0500 to receive a free case review. We’ll evaluate what happened, your injuries, and potential defendants to determine how we can best help you.