1. Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, delivery truck accidents, big rig accidents, wrongful death from trucking collisions, catastrophic injuries from truck crashes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis cases
Case Types Handled: Rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, crossing center line accidents, equipment failures, driver fatigue accidents, hours of service violations, broker negligence, negligent training cases, jackknife accidents, underride accidents, overloaded truck accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, black box data retrieval, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims, accident reconstruction, expert witness coordination
Background: Firm established in 1959, over six decades of experience. Michael A. Kelly (CA Bar #77072), admitted 1976, UC Hastings College of the Law J.D., Consumer Attorneys of California Finalist for Consumer Attorney of the Year (2008, 2010, 2014), Super Lawyers Top Ten list (four times since 2019), Best Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year (2023, 2024), Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers, recovered over $150 million for trucking victims in last 5 years. Richard H. Schoenberger (CA Bar #122190), admitted December 1985, UC Hastings College of the Law J.D., Super Lawyers since 2004, American Board of Trial Advocates member, Fellow of International Society of Barristers, twice nominated finalist for SFTLA Trial Lawyer of the Year. Firm members of Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America (APITLA). Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating for all eligible attorneys. Notable results include $45 million trucking settlement, $18 million child v. trucking company settlement, $15 million cyclist v. forest products distributor settlement.
Location: 650 California Street, 26th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108
Contact: (415) 981-7210 | https://www.walkuplawoffice.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless recovery obtained)
2. Bostwick & Associates
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, semi-truck accidents, delivery van accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death, paralysis, amputation injuries
Case Types Handled: Rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, underride accidents, rear-end truck collisions, T-bone collisions, distracted driving accidents, fatigued driver accidents, speeding accidents, reckless driving accidents, negligent hiring cases, equipment failure accidents, improper maintenance accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulation violation investigation, black box data analysis, driver log review, maintenance record investigation, manufacturer defect claims, third-party maintenance provider claims, cargo loading negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations
Background: James S. Bostwick (CA Bar #42718), founder, over 45 years of trial experience, member of California and Hawaii State Bar Associations. Inner Circle of Advocates member (limited to top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in U.S.), former President of International Academy of Trial Lawyers (limited to top 500 trial lawyers in U.S.), American Board of Trial Advocates member, Nationally Certified Medical Malpractice Specialist by American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys. Named in Best Lawyers in America since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers Trial Lawyer of the Year 2012, featured in Forbes, Newsweek, and California Bar Journal. Firm recovered over $1 billion for clients. U.S. News Best Law Firms Tier 1 rated. Record verdicts and settlements in California, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Washington, and Colorado.
Location: 50 California Street, Suite 1500, San Francisco, CA 94111 (also Mill Valley office)
Contact: (888) 831-8448 | [email protected] | https://www.bostwickfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no fee unless recovery obtained)
3. Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, taxi cab accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, T-bone collisions, rear-end collisions, lack of maintenance accidents, truck regulation violations, driver fatigue accidents, speeding accidents, hours of service violations
Legal Services: Federal and state trucking regulation compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, evidence preservation, accident reconstruction, black box data retrieval, driver log analysis, maintenance record review, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims
Background: Firm established 1980, over 40 years of experience. John M. Feder (CA Bar #83391), partner, admitted 1978, UC Hastings College of the Law J.D., former President of Consumer Attorneys of California (2014), former President of San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (2007), CAOC Presidential Award of Merit recipient (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013), Super Lawyers since 2006, Best Lawyers in America since 2013, finalist for CAOC Attorney of the Year (2006, 2010), finalist for SFTLA Trial Lawyer of the Year (2007). Cynthia McGuinn, partner, Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year for Plaintiff Personal Injury Litigation (2012) and Product Liability Litigation (2019), Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated. Timothy G. Tietjen, partner, CAOC Attorney of the Year finalist. Firm recovered over $500 million for clients. U.S. News Best Law Firms Tier 1 for San Francisco Personal Injury Litigation. Notable results include $47.5 million settlement for injured child, $24 million drunk driving car accident settlement.
Location: 417 Montgomery Street, Suite 910, San Francisco, CA 94104
Contact: (415) 940-7176 | [email protected] | https://www.rftmlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no attorneys’ fees unless recovery obtained)
4. Venardi Zurada LLP
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, pedestrian accidents involving trucks, bicycle accidents involving trucks, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, delivery truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, sideswipe accidents involving trucks, rear-end collisions with trucks, driver fatigue accidents, improper maintenance accidents, brake failure accidents, tire blowout accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations investigation, evidence preservation, black box data retrieval, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, accident reconstruction coordination
Background: Mark L. Venardi (CA Bar #173140), founding partner, admitted 1994, UC Hastings College of the Law J.D., UC Berkeley B.A. 1991, graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College (2013), certified mediator from Pepperdine University Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution, former partner at Holland & Knight LLP. Super Lawyers Northern California (2009-2024), Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating (2004-2024), National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (2013-2024), Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum member. Martin Zurada, partner, National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Civil Plaintiff division. Firm serves as Official Injury Attorneys of the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland A’s. Practice covers Northern California for over 35 years. Notable results include $28 million confidential settlement (HMO failure to supervise surgeon), $7.125 million settlement (boating accident spine fracture), $4.9 million arbitration award.
Location: 1418 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA 94612 (also serves San Francisco)
Contact: (833) 893-6763 | https://www.vzlawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (only paid when client wins)
5. The Hassell Law Group, P.C.
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial truck accidents, UPS truck accidents, FedEx truck accidents, delivery vehicle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions with commercial trucks, head-on truck collisions, sideswipe accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, mechanical failure accidents, brake failure accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations investigation, evidence preservation, black box data retrieval, driver log analysis, maintenance record investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, accident reconstruction
Background: Dawn L. Hassell (CA Bar #200080), managing attorney, admitted 1998, UC Hastings College of the Law J.D., Binghamton University B.A. (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, top 1% of class). Super Lawyers Northern California for 10 consecutive years (2014-2024), National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum member, Attorney and Practice Magazine Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney. Undefeated record in trial and arbitration. Board of Directors member, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (2002-2012). Top Verdict recognition including Top 10 Truck Accident Settlements California (2022), Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements California (2022, 2024). Firm established 1999, over 25 years serving Bay Area. Notable truck accident results include $12.5 million settlement for head-on truck collision victim, $1.75 million settlement for client rear-ended by commercial truck.
Location: 4079 19th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132
Contact: (415) 334-4111 | https://hasselllawgroup.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless recovery obtained)
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in California
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1).
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Three years from the date of the accident to file a property damage claim.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of the victim’s death.
Government Entity Claims: If the truck accident involves a government vehicle or employee, a notice of claim must be filed within six months of the accident. If the claim is denied or there is no response within 45 days, a lawsuit may be filed.
Fault System: California is an at-fault state. The party responsible for causing the accident is financially liable for damages.
Comparative Negligence: California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. An injured party can recover damages even if partially at fault for the accident. Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party. For example, if a victim is found 20% at fault and damages total $100,000, the victim can recover $80,000.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: California requires 15/30/5 minimum liability coverage: $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, $5,000 for property damage. Effective January 1, 2025, minimums increase to 30/60/15.
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates minimum insurance based on cargo type: $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil transport, $5,000,000 for hazardous materials transport. California Department of Motor Vehicles requires commercial trucks to carry proof of insurance.
No-Fault Status: California is not a no-fault state. Victims may pursue claims directly against the at-fault party.
Damage Caps: California does not impose caps on economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Medical malpractice cases have separate limitations under MICRA.
Uninsured Motorist Provisions: Uninsured drivers generally cannot recover non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in California unless the accident was caused by a DUI driver.
Vicarious Liability: California law holds trucking companies liable for the negligent acts of their drivers under respondeat superior doctrine. “For hire” motor carriers are subject to non-delegable duty doctrines and cannot avoid liability by hiring independent contractors.
Federal Regulations: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) apply to commercial trucks in California and are admissible in state court litigation. These include hours of service rules, driver qualification standards, vehicle maintenance requirements, and electronic logging device (ELD) mandates.
Dram Shop Liability: California has limited dram shop liability. Social hosts who serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated adults are generally not liable for resulting accidents, but liability may apply for serving minors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for filing a truck accident lawsuit in California?
California law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from truck accidents. This period begins on the date of the accident. Property damage claims have a three-year statute of limitations. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period starts from the date of death rather than the accident date. Claims involving government entities require filing a notice of claim within six months. Missing these deadlines typically results in losing the right to pursue compensation, regardless of the strength of the case.
How does California’s pure comparative negligence rule affect my truck accident claim?
Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, an injured party can recover damages even if found partially at fault for the accident. However, the recovery amount is reduced proportionally by the percentage of fault assigned. For example, if a jury determines total damages of $500,000 but finds the injured party 30% responsible for the accident, the recovery would be $350,000. This differs from modified comparative negligence states where fault exceeding 50% bars recovery entirely. Insurance adjusters often use this rule during settlement negotiations to reduce offers by attributing fault to the victim.
What makes truck accident cases in California different from regular car accident cases?
Truck accident cases involve additional layers of complexity not present in standard vehicle collision claims. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations establish specific standards for driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement that apply to commercial trucks. Multiple parties may bear liability, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, cargo loader, maintenance provider, and vehicle or parts manufacturers. Trucking companies typically deploy legal teams immediately after accidents to preserve favorable evidence and minimize liability, making prompt investigation by the victim’s attorney essential.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for a truck accident in San Francisco?
Yes. California’s pure comparative negligence law allows recovery even when the injured party shares fault. Courts or juries assign fault percentages to each party, and compensation is reduced accordingly. There is no threshold that bars recovery. A victim found 90% at fault can still recover 10% of their damages from the other responsible party. This approach recognizes that multiple factors often contribute to accidents and prevents complete denial of recovery based on minor contributory negligence.
What types of compensation can I recover in a California truck accident lawsuit?
California law permits recovery of both economic and non-economic damages in truck accident cases. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, attendant care, property damage, and other quantifiable financial losses. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct such as willful disregard for safety or fraudulent behavior by the trucking company, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.