1. Kubota & Craig
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, product liability, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, brake failure accidents, tire blowout accidents, overloaded truck accidents, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver log analysis, evidence preservation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Combined 50+ years of trial-proven experience. Recovered hundreds of millions for clients. Cynthia Craig recognized as one of Southern California’s formidable personal injury attorneys with over 20 years of trial experience and landmark multimillion-dollar victories. Recognized on Super Lawyers List year after year.
Location: Orange County, CA (serves Irvine, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, and throughout California)
Contact: https://www.kubotacraig.com
Consultation: Free consultation, no fee unless case is won
2. Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler crashes, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, car accidents, motorcycle accidents
Case Types Handled: Driver negligence accidents, equipment malfunction accidents, brake failure accidents, intoxicated driver accidents, fatigued driver accidents, manufacturing defect accidents, maintenance negligence accidents
Legal Services: Comprehensive accident investigation, federal trucking regulations analysis, driver log review, vehicle maintenance record investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Reputable personal injury law firm in Irvine specializing in truck accident cases. Well-versed in California laws with proven track record of successfully handling truck accident claims. Focus on holding multiple liable parties accountable including trucking companies, cargo loaders, and manufacturers.
Location: Irvine, CA (also serves Orange County and Whittier)
Contact: (949) 239-7011 | https://www.hanningsacchetto.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. MOET Law Group
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler crashes, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Driver negligence accidents, overloaded truck accidents, brake failure accidents, tire blowout accidents, fatigued driver accidents, distracted driving accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations investigation, evidence preservation, driver log analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Years of experience dealing with trucking accident lawsuits. Concluded countless successful negotiations and litigations. Serve Irvine and throughout Orange County including Huntington Beach, Irvine Spectrum Center, Woodbridge, University Town Center, and surrounding communities.
Location: Irvine, CA (serves Orange County)
Contact: https://www.moetlaw.com
Consultation: Free no-obligation consultation, no payment unless case is won
4. Crockett Law Group
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, personal injury, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Commercial truck crashes, semi-truck accidents, driver negligence accidents, pedestrian accidents involving trucks
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Kevin Crockett is managing partner, graduated first in class from University of California, Irvine with degree in Criminology, Law, and Society, followed by law degree from UCI School of Law. Recognized as standout in plaintiffs’ litigation for personal injury law by Best Lawyers. Previously senior attorney at one of California’s largest personal injury law firms. Secured $1 million settlement in case involving child struck by commercial truck.
Location: Irvine, CA (also offices in Palm Springs, Indio, Moreno Valley, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Norwalk)
Contact: https://crockettlawgroup.com
Consultation: Free consultation, no upfront fees
5. Law Offices of David Azizi
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Big rig accidents, multi-car pileups caused by trucks, driver negligence accidents, distracted driving accidents, fatigued driver accidents
Legal Services: Accident investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence gathering, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages
Background: David Azizi has devoted entire career to personal injury law. Recognized as Rising Star Super Lawyer for several consecutive years, now distinguished as California Super Lawyer. Works with accident reconstructionists, local police, private investigators, and doctors to build cases. Handles cases throughout Irvine and California.
Location: Irvine, CA (serves all of California)
Contact: 800-991-5292 | https://www.azizilawfirm.com
Consultation: Free case review available 24/7
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in California
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from truck accidents. The deadline runs from the date the accident occurred.
Statute of Limitations for Government Entity Claims: If a government vehicle or entity is involved, the plaintiff must file a formal administrative claim within six months of the accident. Failure to do so bars any subsequent lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: California imposes a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, running from the date of death.
Fault System: California is an at-fault (tort) state. The party responsible for causing the truck accident is financially liable for resulting damages.
Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows pure comparative negligence. A plaintiff can recover damages even if they are 99% at fault, though their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, a plaintiff found 40% at fault in a $100,000 case would receive $60,000.
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: Commercial trucks are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. Trucks over 10,000 pounds carrying non-hazardous freight require minimum coverage of $750,000. Trucks hauling hazardous materials require $1 million to $5 million depending on cargo type.
Damage Caps: California does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury or wrongful death cases. Punitive damages are available in cases involving malice, oppression, or fraud.
Vicarious Liability: California recognizes respondeat superior doctrine. Trucking companies may be held vicariously liable for negligent acts of employee drivers acting within the scope of employment.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Applicability: FMCSA regulations are applicable in California courts. Violations may be used as evidence of negligence.
Hours of Service Violations: Violations of federal hours of service regulations are admissible to establish driver and trucking company negligence.
Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Commercial trucks must maintain ELD records per federal mandate. This data is discoverable in litigation.
Lane Restrictions: California Department of Transportation maintains lane restrictions for commercial trucks to improve traffic safety.
Spoliation of Evidence: California courts may impose sanctions for intentional destruction of evidence, including adverse inference instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit in Irvine, California?
A: Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, you have two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if a government vehicle or entity is involved, you must file a formal administrative claim within six months of the accident under the California Tort Claims Act. Missing these deadlines permanently bars your right to pursue compensation. Evidence in truck accident cases, including black box data, driver logs, and surveillance footage, can be destroyed or lost quickly, so consulting with an Irvine truck accident attorney promptly is critical.
Q: How does California’s comparative negligence rule affect truck accident claims?
A: California follows pure comparative negligence. Unlike states with modified comparative negligence that bar recovery if the plaintiff exceeds a certain fault percentage, California allows recovery even if you are mostly at fault. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages total $200,000, you would receive $140,000. This rule is more favorable to plaintiffs than many other states, but trucking companies will still attempt to shift blame to reduce their liability. Working with an experienced attorney helps present evidence that minimizes any fault attributed to you.
Q: What insurance coverage is available in Irvine truck accident cases?
A: Commercial trucks in California must carry substantially higher insurance than passenger vehicles. Trucks over 10,000 pounds transporting non-hazardous materials require minimum coverage of $750,000, while trucks hauling hazardous materials must carry $1 million to $5 million depending on cargo type. This significantly exceeds California’s minimum passenger vehicle requirements of $15,000/$30,000/$5,000. Multiple insurance policies may apply in truck accident cases, including those covering the driver, trucking company, cargo shipper, and vehicle owner. This provides greater potential compensation for catastrophic injuries.
Q: Who can be held liable for a truck accident in Irvine?
A: Multiple parties may bear liability in California truck accident cases. The truck driver may be liable for negligent driving including speeding, distraction, fatigue, intoxication, or traffic violations. The trucking company may be liable under respondeat superior for employee driver negligence, or directly liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, improper scheduling, or failure to maintain vehicles. Cargo shippers and loading companies may be liable for improperly secured or overloaded freight. Truck manufacturers may be liable for defective components such as brakes, tires, or steering systems. Maintenance contractors may be liable for negligent repairs or inspections. Given the heavy truck traffic on I-5, I-405, SR-55, SR-133, and SR-261 through Irvine, identifying all liable parties is essential.
Q: What federal regulations apply to truck accident cases in Irvine?
A: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations govern commercial trucking operations and are fully applicable in California courts. Key regulations include hours of service rules limiting driving time to 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty, with mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving. Electronic logging device requirements mandate accurate recording of driver hours. Driver qualification standards require CDL licensing, medical certification, and background checks. Vehicle maintenance regulations require regular inspections and repair documentation. Weight limits restrict cargo to 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Any vehicle over 10,000 pounds gross weight is considered a commercial truck under FMCSA rules. Violations of these regulations constitute strong evidence of negligence.