1. Aitken Aitken Cohn
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, semi-truck accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, delivery truck accidents, cargo spill accidents, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, brake failure accidents, driver fatigue accidents, hours of service violations
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis, black box data retrieval, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims
Background: Aitken Aitken Cohn has recovered over $53 million in truck accident cases. Serving Orange County communities including Irvine, Anaheim, and Santa Ana, their attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Southern California Super Lawyers. The firm is experienced in handling cases involving federal trucking regulations (FMCSRs) and aggressive insurance defense tactics.
Location: Santa Ana, California (serves Orange County)
Contact: (714) 434-1424 | https://www.aitkenlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. A1 Accident Lawyer
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, semi-truck accidents, big rig accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, delivery truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, cargo spill accidents, underride accidents, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, cargo loader negligence claims, maintenance provider negligence claims, manufacturer defect claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims
Background: A1 Accident Lawyer handles truck accident cases throughout Orange County. Their attorneys understand that truck crashes often involve multiple parties including drivers, trucking companies, freight handlers, and insurers. The firm manages every aspect of claims from filing paperwork to negotiating settlements and taking cases to trial when necessary.
Location: Orange County, California (serves Santa Ana and surrounding areas)
Contact: (714) 535-5090 | https://a1accidentlawyer.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Law Offices of Jacob Emrani
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, big rig accidents, semi-truck accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer collisions, big rig accidents, semi-truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, underride accidents, cargo spill accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, property damage claims
Background: The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani serves Orange County and Southern California. The firm is experienced in holding truckers and truck companies liable for financial damages. Their attorneys handle cases involving all types of large commercial vehicles and understand California’s traffic records system. Data shows significant truck accident activity in Orange County communities including Santa Ana.
Location: Orange County, California (serves Santa Ana)
Contact: (888) 952-2952 | https://www.calljacob.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available, attorneys can come to you
4. Razavi Law Group
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, semi-truck accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Commercial truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, delivery truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, driver fatigue accidents, hours of service violations, maintenance failure accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, evidence gathering and investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims
Background: Razavi Law Group is a personal injury law firm with offices throughout California including Santa Ana. Their attorneys are dedicated to fighting for injury victims and ensuring they receive justice and compensation. The firm has in-depth knowledge of California’s trucking laws and federal regulations and works to build compelling cases that protect clients’ rights.
Location: Santa Ana, California (Orange County)
Contact: (949) 500-1234 | https://www.razavilawgroup.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Setareh Law, APLC
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, big rig accidents, semi-truck accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, semi-truck collisions, delivery truck accidents, cargo accidents, overloaded truck accidents, driver fatigue accidents, brake failure accidents, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, cargo loading negligence claims, vehicle manufacturer defect claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims
Background: Setareh Law has recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients. The firm handles truck accident cases throughout California including Santa Ana and Orange County. Their attorneys understand the complexities of commercial truck accident cases and the multiple parties that may be held liable.
Location: 315 South Beverly Drive, Suite 315, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (serves Santa Ana and Orange County)
Contact: (310) 659-1826 | https://www.setarehfirm.com/
Consultation: Free case consultation available
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in California
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. If filing a claim against a government entity, you must file an administrative claim within six months of the accident.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Three years from the date of the accident under California Code of Civil Procedure section 338.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: California is an at-fault (tort) state. The party determined to be at fault for causing the accident is responsible for paying damages.
Comparative Negligence Rules: California follows a pure comparative negligence standard. You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, with your compensation reduced by your percentage of fault. There is no threshold that bars recovery.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: California requires minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage (15/30/5).
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: California follows FMCSA requirements. Trucks under 10,000 pounds require $300,000 minimum coverage. Trucks over 10,001 pounds require $750,000 minimum coverage. Hazardous materials carriers require higher limits.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: California requires CDLs for commercial truck operators through the California DMV with appropriate knowledge tests, skills tests, and endorsements.
Hours of Service Requirements: Federal Hours of Service regulations apply. Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off duty. No driving beyond 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty. 30-minute break required after 8 hours of driving.
Vicarious Liability: California recognizes respondeat superior. Trucking companies can be held liable for employee negligence and directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
Damage Caps: California does not cap compensatory damages in truck accident cases.
Punitive Damages: Available under California Civil Code section 3294 for oppression, fraud, or malice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit in Santa Ana, California?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from truck accidents is two years from the date of the accident. Property damage claims have a three-year deadline. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of death. Claims against government entities require filing an administrative claim within six months before any lawsuit can proceed.
How does California’s pure comparative negligence rule work in truck accident cases?
California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 25% at fault and your damages total $400,000, you would recover $300,000. California allows recovery regardless of fault percentage, unlike states with modified comparative negligence rules.
What parties can be held liable in a Santa Ana truck accident?
Potentially liable parties include the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loading companies, maintenance providers, truck or parts manufacturers, and other negligent drivers. California allows claims against all parties whose negligence contributed to the accident, making thorough investigation essential.
What federal regulations apply to truck accident cases in California?
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) govern commercial trucking including hours of service limits, driver qualification standards, vehicle maintenance requirements, cargo securement rules, and electronic logging device mandates. Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence in California courts.
What compensation can I recover in a California truck accident case?
You may recover economic damages including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future care costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving egregious misconduct.