Glendale Truck Accident Lawyer: Your Guide to Legal Representation After a Commercial Vehicle Collision

Get help finding a Glendale, CA Truck Accident Lawyer near you by contacting us.

Last Reviewed: January 2026

Publisher: PI Law News

Author: Peter Geisheker

Key Takeaways

• California had 12,243 large truck crashes in 2024, resulting in 321 deaths and 5,097 injuries, with Los Angeles County recording over 2,300 truck-related injuries

• You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, but only six months to file claims against government entities

• Truck accident cases differ fundamentally from car accidents due to federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and significantly higher insurance policies

• Average truck accident settlements in California range from $148,279 for injury cases to $7.2 million for fatal accidents, though outcomes vary widely

• Interstate 5, State Route 134, and State Route 2 represent Glendale's highest-risk corridors for truck accidents due to heavy commercial traffic and complex interchanges

• California's pure comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, with compensation reduced by your percentage of fault

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations govern truck driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement—violations of these rules strengthen your claim

• Most truck accident cases involve multiple defendants including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and vehicle manufacturers

• Glendale's proximity to major distribution corridors creates constant truck traffic through residential and commercial areas, increasing collision risk

• Truck accident claims require immediate evidence preservation including electronic logging device data, black box recordings, and maintenance records that trucking companies may destroy within days

AI Anchor Box: California Truck Accident Statute of Limitations

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident. This deadline applies to claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a government entity is involved, you must file an administrative claim within six months under Government Code § 905. Missing these deadlines typically results in permanent loss of your right to compensation.

Table of Contents

This article answers the following commonly asked questions:

• What makes truck accidents in Glendale particularly dangerous?

• How do truck accident cases differ from regular car accident claims?

• Who can be held liable after a Glendale truck accident?

• What damages can I recover in a California truck accident case?

• How long does a truck accident lawsuit take in California?

• Do I really need a lawyer if the insurance company seems cooperative?

• What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Glendale?

• Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle on Glendale's congested freeways, the consequences extend far beyond twisted metal and shattered glass. Victims face life-altering injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and complex legal battles against well-funded trucking corporations. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Glendale, understanding your legal rights represents the critical first step toward recovery.

This guide provides evidence-based information on truck accident law in California, the unique risks facing Glendale residents, and the process of pursuing compensation after a commercial vehicle collision. The information here draws from federal safety data, California statutes, and medical research to help you make informed decisions about your case.

Glendale sits at the intersection of three major Southern California freeways—Interstate 5, State Route 134, and State Route 2—creating a constant flow of commercial truck traffic through the city. This geographic reality, combined with California's position as the nation's largest freight corridor, places Glendale residents at elevated risk for truck accidents.

Unlike standard automobile collisions, truck accidents involve unique federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and injuries that tend to be catastrophically severe due to the extreme size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.

Why Glendale Faces Elevated Truck Accident Risk

Glendale's location in Los Angeles County positions the city as a critical junction for commercial freight moving between the Port of Los Angeles, distribution centers in the San Fernando Valley, and destinations throughout Southern California. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that California recorded 12,243 large truck crashes in 2024, resulting in 321 deaths and 5,097 nonfatal injuries. Los Angeles County alone documented over 2,300 truck-related injuries during the same period.

Several factors contribute to Glendale's truck accident risk profile. Interstate 5, known as the Golden State Freeway, carries heavy truck traffic through Glendale's western border. The freeway experiences severe congestion near the Glendale Boulevard and Los Feliz Boulevard interchanges, creating conditions where rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle pileups occur with disturbing frequency.

State Route 134, the Ventura Freeway, presents its own hazards. The corridor features frequent truck accidents near the busy junction with Interstate 5, where trucks must navigate complex merging patterns while sharing lanes with commuter traffic. The combination of heavy volumes, limited sight lines, and aggressive lane changes creates dangerous conditions during peak hours.

State Route 2, the Glendale Freeway, is notorious among local drivers for sharp curves and heavy traffic merging onto SR-134. These geometric challenges contribute to jackknife accidents and rollover crashes, particularly when truck drivers exceed safe speeds or fail to account for their vehicle's higher center of gravity.

Beyond freeways, Glendale's surface streets present collision risks. Central Avenue and Colorado Street handle high truck traffic volumes from nearby commercial areas. Industrial corridors along San Fernando Road and Flower Street see trucks constantly entering and exiting warehouses and distribution centers, often colliding with commuter vehicles during blind-spot maneuvers or while making wide turns.

Medical Evidence on Truck Accident Injuries

The physics of truck accidents explain why injuries tend to be severe. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs approximately 4,000 pounds. This twenty-to-one weight ratio means that in a collision, the passenger vehicle absorbs the vast majority of the impact force.

According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 70 percent of all fatalities in truck-involved crashes are occupants of passenger vehicles. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety documented that truck occupants face relatively lower risk because their larger, higher vehicles provide more structural protection.

Traumatic brain injuries represent one of the most common and serious consequences of truck accidents. Research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that motor vehicle crashes, including those involving trucks, constitute a leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations. These injuries occur when the violent forces of a collision cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue. TBI symptoms may not appear immediately, making medical evaluation essential even when victims feel they escaped serious harm.

Spinal cord injuries pose another devastating outcome in truck accidents. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reports that vehicular accidents account for 38 percent of new spinal cord injury cases annually. The sudden compression or severing of the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis below the injury site. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, lifetime costs for spinal cord injury patients can exceed several million dollars depending on injury severity and the age at which the injury occurs.

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries affect a significant percentage of truck accident victims. The Mayo Clinic describes whiplash as a neck injury caused by forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. While often dismissed as minor, whiplash can cause chronic pain, headaches, and reduced range of motion that persist for months or years. Medical literature indicates that approximately 50 percent of whiplash patients continue experiencing symptoms beyond one year post-injury.

Internal organ damage presents particular danger because symptoms may develop gradually. The force of impact can cause bleeding, tissue tears, or organ rupture without external signs of trauma. The American College of Emergency Physicians emphasizes that internal injuries require immediate medical attention, as delayed treatment can prove fatal.

These medical realities underscore why truck accident victims require comprehensive medical evaluation immediately following a collision, even when they believe their injuries are minor. Medical documentation also serves critical legal purposes, establishing the causal connection between the accident and your injuries.

Legal Framework for Truck Accident Cases in California

California operates under a fault-based liability system for traffic accidents. This means the person or entity responsible for causing the accident bears legal responsibility for resulting damages. California also applies pure comparative negligence, codified in California Civil Code § 1714. Under this doctrine, victims can recover damages even if they were partially at fault, though their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury determines that a truck driver was 80 percent responsible for an accident and you were 20 percent responsible, you can recover 80 percent of your total damages. This differs from contributory negligence states, where any fault on the victim's part completely bars recovery.

The statute of limitations imposes critical deadlines. California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 establishes a two-year deadline from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Missing this deadline typically results in the court dismissing your case, permanently barring you from seeking compensation.

Government entity claims face much stricter deadlines. If your accident involved a government vehicle, such as a city-owned truck or a postal service vehicle, or if government negligence contributed to the accident through poor road maintenance or defective traffic signals, you must file a written claim with the appropriate government agency within six months of the accident under California Government Code § 905. The government agency then has 45 days to respond. Only after this administrative claim process can you file a lawsuit in court.

Truck accidents also fall under extensive federal regulation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, operating under the Department of Transportation, establishes and enforces safety regulations for commercial motor vehicles. These regulations appear in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations and cover numerous aspects of trucking operations.

Hours-of-service rules, found in 49 CFR Part 395, limit how long truck drivers can operate their vehicles without rest breaks. Property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. These rules exist because fatigued driving significantly increases accident risk. Violations of hours-of-service regulations can provide powerful evidence of negligence in a truck accident case.

Vehicle maintenance requirements mandate regular inspections and repairs. Trucking companies must maintain detailed records of all maintenance and repairs. Brake system failures, tire blowouts, and steering mechanism defects cause numerous truck accidents each year. When inadequate maintenance contributes to an accident, the trucking company may face liability even if the driver committed no errors.

Cargo securement standards, detailed in 49 CFR Part 393, specify how freight must be loaded and secured. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced and leading to rollovers or lost loads. If cargo securement violations contributed to your accident, cargo loaders and shipping companies may share liability.

Understanding Multiple Liable Parties in Truck Accidents

Truck accident cases differ fundamentally from typical car accidents because multiple parties may bear legal responsibility. Identifying all liable parties is essential because it affects both the investigation strategy and the potential compensation available.

The truck driver represents the most obvious potential defendant. If the driver violated traffic laws, drove while fatigued, operated while intoxicated, or committed other negligent acts, they can be held personally liable. However, individual truck drivers often lack sufficient assets or insurance coverage to compensate victims adequately. This reality makes identifying other liable parties crucial.

The trucking company typically bears vicarious liability for accidents caused by its employees acting within the scope of their employment. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for the negligent acts of their employees performed during work duties. Trucking companies also face direct liability for their own negligence, such as hiring drivers with poor safety records, failing to provide adequate training, pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules to meet delivery deadlines, or neglecting vehicle maintenance requirements.

California trucking companies must carry substantial insurance coverage. Federal law requires interstate commercial trucks to maintain minimum liability insurance of $750,000 for most cargo, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many trucking companies carry even higher policy limits. These larger insurance policies mean greater resources are available to compensate injury victims.

Cargo loading companies can face liability when improper loading contributes to an accident. If a shipping company overloaded a truck beyond legal weight limits or failed to properly secure freight, causing a loss-of-control accident, that company may be named as a defendant.

Maintenance contractors may be liable if they performed inadequate or negligent repairs that led to mechanical failure. If a brake repair contractor improperly serviced a truck's braking system and that failure caused the accident, the contractor shares responsibility.

Vehicle and parts manufacturers can be held liable under product liability law if a defective truck component caused or contributed to the accident. Defective tires, faulty brake systems, or steering mechanism failures may trigger claims against manufacturers.

Leasing companies sometimes own trucks that are operated by other parties under lease agreements. Depending on the lease structure and the degree of control the leasing company maintains over vehicle operations, they may share liability for accidents.

This complex web of potential defendants explains why truck accident cases require thorough investigation and legal expertise. Identifying all liable parties maximizes your potential compensation and ensures that responsible entities are held accountable.

Damages and Compensation in Glendale Truck Accident Cases

California law recognizes two primary categories of damages in personal injury cases: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages represent objectively verifiable financial losses. Medical expenses constitute the most straightforward economic damage. This includes emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physician visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and future medical care. Victims should preserve all medical bills, receipts, and statements documenting these expenses.

Lost wages compensate for income lost while recovering from injuries. If your injuries prevented you from working, you can recover the wages you would have earned during that period. This includes salary, hourly wages, commissions, bonuses, and lost self-employment income. Future lost earning capacity addresses situations where injuries cause permanent disability or impairment that reduces your ability to earn income going forward.

Property damage covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. In truck accidents, passenger vehicles are often totaled due to the severity of impact. Property damage claims also include personal belongings destroyed in the accident.

Non-economic damages compensate for subjective harm that lacks a precise dollar value. Pain and suffering encompasses the physical pain and discomfort caused by injuries. Emotional distress addresses psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disturbances that commonly follow traumatic accidents. Loss of enjoyment of life compensates victims who can no longer participate in activities and hobbies they previously enjoyed due to their injuries.

According to national data compiled by legal research organizations, the average commercial truck accident resulting in injury costs approximately $148,279. Fatal trucking accidents carry an average cost of $7.2 million when accounting for all economic and non-economic damages, including wrongful death claims. These figures represent averages across all truck accident cases and should not be interpreted as predictions for any specific case.

Settlement amounts vary dramatically based on injury severity, clarity of liability, quality of evidence, victim age and occupation, and other factors. Cases involving catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, traumatic brain injury, or permanent disfigurement typically result in substantially higher settlements than those involving soft tissue injuries that resolve within weeks or months.

California does not impose general caps on non-economic damages in truck accident cases. The state eliminated most damage caps through legislation, though specific caps apply in medical malpractice cases under the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act. This means that truck accident victims can potentially recover full compensation for pain and suffering without arbitrary limits.

Punitive damages represent a third category, though they apply only in exceptional cases. California Civil Code § 3294 allows punitive damages when the defendant acted with oppression, fraud, or malice. In the truck accident context, punitive damages might be awarded if a trucking company knowingly allowed an intoxicated driver to operate a vehicle or deliberately falsified maintenance records. Punitive damages aim to punish egregious conduct and deter similar behavior, not merely to compensate victims.

Glendale Context for Truck Accident Claims

Glendale residents benefit from access to quality medical facilities equipped to handle serious trauma. Adventist Health Glendale and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital both maintain emergency departments experienced in treating truck accident injuries. Seeking immediate medical attention at these facilities creates documentation essential for both your health and your legal claim.

Accident reporting in Glendale typically involves the Glendale Police Department for surface street accidents and the California Highway Patrol for freeway collisions. The investigating agency will create an official accident report documenting the scene, vehicle positions, witness statements, and any citations issued. This report becomes a foundational piece of evidence in your case.

Glendale's position within Los Angeles County means truck accident cases are filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court system. The court maintains several courthouses where truck accident cases may be heard, depending on the specific location where the accident occurred and other jurisdictional factors.

The local legal landscape includes numerous attorneys practicing personal injury law. When selecting representation, victims should consider the attorney's specific experience with truck accident cases, their track record in securing favorable settlements or verdicts, their resources to conduct thorough investigations and retain necessary expert witnesses, and their willingness to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse fair settlement offers.

Process and Timeline for Truck Accident Claims

Understanding the typical progression of a truck accident case helps set realistic expectations. The process generally unfolds in several stages.

Immediately following the accident, the focus centers on medical treatment and initial evidence preservation. You should seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine, as some serious injuries manifest symptoms only after hours or days. Report the accident to police and collect contact information from witnesses, take photographs of the scene if physically able, and notify your insurance company of the accident.

Within the first weeks after the accident, consult with a truck accident attorney. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case. During this period, your attorney will send spoliation letters to the trucking company and other potentially liable parties. These letters legally require recipients to preserve evidence including electronic logging device data, black box recordings, driver logs, maintenance records, and other documentation. Trucking companies may destroy or overwrite this evidence quickly without a spoliation letter.

The investigation phase typically lasts several weeks to months. Your attorney will gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographic evidence, obtain trucking company records through legal demands, hire accident reconstruction experts if necessary, consult medical experts to establish the extent and permanency of injuries, and research the driving records and employment histories of involved truck drivers.

Insurance negotiations often begin once your attorney has assembled comprehensive evidence and you have reached maximum medical improvement or have a clear prognosis for ongoing treatment. Your attorney will prepare a demand letter presenting evidence of liability and documenting all damages. The insurance company will likely respond with a settlement offer, which your attorney will evaluate against the true value of your claim.

Settlement negotiations can resolve many truck accident cases within six to eighteen months of the accident. However, this timeline varies widely based on injury severity, investigation complexity, the number of liable parties, and insurance company cooperation. Cases involving permanent disabilities or disputed liability typically take longer to resolve.

If settlement negotiations fail to produce a fair offer, your attorney may file a lawsuit. Once filed, the case enters the litigation phase, which includes discovery where both sides exchange information through written questions, document requests, and depositions. This phase typically lasts six to twelve months, though complex cases may take longer.

Settlement negotiations continue throughout litigation. Many cases settle even after a lawsuit is filed, often as the trial date approaches and both sides gain a clearer picture of the case's strengths and weaknesses.

If the case proceeds to trial, the trial itself typically lasts several days to several weeks depending on complexity. A jury or judge will hear evidence from both sides and render a verdict determining liability and damages.

The entire process from accident to resolution typically spans one to three years for cases that settle, and three to five years for cases that proceed through trial. However, every case is unique. Simple cases with clear liability and cooperative insurance companies may resolve in months, while complex cases involving multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries may take longer.

Key Differences Between Truck and Car Accident Cases

Truck accident cases present distinct challenges that set them apart from standard automobile collision claims. Understanding these differences helps explain why specialized legal representation matters.

Regulatory complexity distinguishes truck accidents from car accidents. While all drivers must obey traffic laws, commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must also comply with extensive federal regulations covering hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, cargo securement, and hazardous materials transport. Your attorney must understand these regulations and investigate whether violations contributed to your accident.

Multiple defendants characterize truck accident litigation. Car accidents typically involve one or two drivers and their insurance companies. Truck accidents may implicate the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, parts manufacturers, and leasing companies. Identifying and pursuing all liable parties requires legal sophistication and resources.

Insurance policy limits differ dramatically. California requires passenger vehicle owners to maintain minimum liability insurance of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Federal regulations require commercial trucks to carry minimum coverage of $750,000 to $5 million depending on cargo type. These higher policy limits mean more resources are available to compensate victims, but also mean insurance companies have greater financial motivation to fight claims aggressively.

Evidence preservation becomes more urgent in truck accidents. Critical evidence including electronic logging device data, black box recordings, video footage, and maintenance records may be destroyed or overwritten within days or weeks after an accident. Immediate legal action to preserve this evidence can determine whether liability can be proven.

Corporate defendants employ sophisticated defense strategies. Trucking companies and their insurers maintain in-house legal teams or retain experienced defense firms to minimize payouts. They may dispatch investigators to the accident scene within hours to gather evidence favorable to their position. Individual truck accident victims need equally experienced representation to level the playing field.

FAQ: Common Questions About Glendale Truck Accident Claims

Do I Really Need a Glendale Truck Accident Lawyer for My Truck Accident Case?

The short answer is almost certainly yes if you sustained significant injuries. While California law does not require you to hire an attorney, truck accident cases present complexities that make self-representation risky. Insurance companies employ experienced adjusters and attorneys whose job is to minimize what they pay you. They may pressure you to give recorded statements that undermine your claim, offer quick settlement amounts that seem large but actually fall far short of your actual damages, or argue that you share fault to reduce their liability under comparative negligence rules.

An experienced truck accident attorney understands federal trucking regulations and can identify violations that strengthen your case, knows how to preserve critical evidence before it disappears, can accurately value your claim including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity, negotiates from a position of knowledge about the true value of similar cases, and is prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement.

Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they receive payment only if they recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to obtain experienced representation without upfront costs, and it aligns your attorney's financial incentive with maximizing your recovery.

Who Pays My Medical Bills While My Case Is Pending?

Medical expenses create immediate financial pressure after a truck accident. Several sources may cover these bills depending on your circumstances. Your health insurance may cover accident-related medical treatment, though your insurer may seek reimbursement from any settlement or verdict you later receive. This is called subrogation.

Personal injury protection coverage, if you carry it on your auto insurance policy, can pay medical expenses regardless of fault. California does not require PIP coverage, but some drivers purchase it as optional coverage. Medical liens allow some healthcare providers to treat you with payment deferred until your case resolves. The provider's payment comes from your settlement or verdict. This option helps when you lack adequate health insurance.

Some attorneys advance medical costs on behalf of their clients, with repayment from the eventual recovery. Not all attorneys offer this, and arrangements vary. Your attorney can help you navigate these options and may refer you to healthcare providers experienced in treating accident victims with payment deferred pending case resolution. The critical point is that you should not delay necessary medical treatment due to cost concerns. Delayed treatment harms your health and your legal claim.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. California applies pure comparative negligence, which allows you to recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. If a jury determines you were 30 percent at fault and the truck driver was 70 percent at fault, you can recover 70 percent of your total damages.

For example, if your total damages equaled $200,000 and you were found 30 percent at fault, you would recover $140,000. This differs from some states that completely bar recovery if the victim bears any fault, or that prohibit recovery if the victim was more than 50 percent at fault. California's pure comparative negligence rule is more favorable to injury victims.

However, insurance companies often inflate your degree of fault to reduce what they must pay. They may argue that you were speeding, distracted, or violated traffic laws even when evidence does not clearly support these claims. An experienced attorney protects against unfair fault allocation by gathering evidence that demonstrates the truck driver's primary responsibility for the accident.

How Long Will My Truck Accident Case Take?

Case duration varies widely based on several factors. Simple cases with clear liability, cooperative insurance companies, and moderate injuries may settle within six to twelve months. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, multiple defendants, or insurance companies refusing reasonable settlement offers typically take eighteen months to three years or longer.

Several factors influence timeline. Injury severity matters because you should not settle your case until you understand the full extent of your injuries and future treatment needs. Settling too early risks leaving you without adequate compensation for complications that develop later. Investigation complexity affects timing, as cases requiring extensive accident reconstruction, numerous witness interviews, or expert analysis take longer to prepare.

Insurance company behavior significantly impacts duration. Some insurers negotiate in good faith and make reasonable settlement offers. Others engage in delay tactics, make unreasonably low offers hoping you will accept out of desperation, or refuse to settle at all, forcing litigation. Court schedules matter once a lawsuit is filed. Court dockets vary in congestion, affecting how quickly your case proceeds through litigation to trial.

While most clients understandably want quick resolution, rushing the process often results in inadequate compensation. Your attorney should move your case forward diligently while ensuring all damages are documented and all liable parties are identified before settling.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Glendale?

Your actions in the hours and days following a truck accident can significantly impact both your health and your legal claim. First, seek immediate medical evaluation even if you feel uninjured. Some serious injuries including internal bleeding, traumatic brain injury, and spinal damage may not cause immediate symptoms. A medical examination creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident.

Report the accident to police by calling 911. Request that both police and paramedics respond to the scene. The official accident report becomes important evidence. If you are physically able, document the scene by photographing vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and the overall accident scene. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident occur. Their independent accounts can prove crucial if the truck driver disputes fault.

Exchange information with the truck driver, including driver's license, insurance information, trucking company name and contact information, and truck license plate and identification numbers. Note any visible cargo or placards indicating hazardous materials.

Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters may contact you within hours or days of the accident requesting recorded statements. They may seem friendly and concerned, but their job is to minimize what the insurance company pays. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to elicit responses that can be used against you later. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you have consulted with an attorney.

Notify your own insurance company that the accident occurred, as your policy likely requires prompt notice. However, you can provide basic information without giving a detailed recorded statement. Contact a truck accident attorney promptly. Early involvement allows your attorney to send spoliation letters preserving critical evidence, conduct independent investigation while the scene is fresh and witnesses' memories are clear, and protect you from insurance company tactics designed to minimize your claim.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Glendale Truck Accident Lawyer?

Most Glendale truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, the attorney receives a percentage of any settlement or verdict recovered, typically ranging from 33 percent to 40 percent depending on whether the case settles before trial or proceeds through litigation. If the attorney recovers nothing for you, you owe no attorney fees.

Case costs differ from attorney fees. Costs include expenses such as court filing fees, fees for obtaining medical records and police reports, accident reconstruction expert fees, medical expert fees, deposition transcript costs, and trial exhibits and presentation technology. Some attorneys advance these costs on behalf of their clients, with reimbursement from the eventual recovery. Others require clients to pay costs as they are incurred. Fee structures should be clearly explained in your retainer agreement.

The contingency fee structure provides several advantages. It allows you to obtain experienced representation without upfront payment. It aligns the attorney's financial interest with maximizing your recovery. It transfers financial risk to the attorney, who receives nothing if the case is unsuccessful.

When evaluating attorney fees, consider that experienced attorneys typically recover significantly more compensation than unrepresented individuals negotiate on their own. Even after paying attorney fees, clients typically receive substantially more than they would have recovered without representation.

What If the Trucking Company Offers Me a Settlement Right Away?

Early settlement offers from trucking companies or their insurers should be viewed with skepticism. These offers typically come within days or weeks of the accident, often before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and certainly before you have consulted with an attorney about the true value of your claim.

Insurance companies make early settlement offers for strategic reasons. They hope you will accept a relatively small amount before realizing the full extent of your damages. They want to close the claim before you hire an attorney who would ensure fair compensation. They exploit the financial pressure accident victims face from mounting medical bills and lost wages.

Early offers typically fall far short of adequate compensation. They may not account for future medical treatment you will need, lost earning capacity if injuries cause permanent impairment, non-economic damages like pain and suffering, or all liable parties who should contribute to your compensation.

Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation later even if you discover your injuries are more severe than initially believed or develop complications down the road. Before accepting any settlement offer, you should have your case evaluated by an experienced truck accident attorney who can determine whether the offer fairly compensates you for all damages. Most attorneys offer free initial consultations for this purpose.

If the insurance company pressures you to accept quickly or claims the offer expires soon, these are red flags that the offer likely undervalues your claim. Legitimate settlement negotiations do not require split-second decisions. Protect your rights by consulting with an attorney before accepting any settlement.

What Evidence Strengthens a Truck Accident Case?

Successful truck accident cases rest on thorough documentation and evidence. Several categories of evidence prove particularly valuable. The official accident report created by the Glendale Police Department or California Highway Patrol provides an official account of the accident including officer observations, witness statements, and any citations issued. While not conclusive proof of fault, these reports carry significant weight.

Electronic logging device data and black box recordings from the truck document the vehicle's speed, braking, and other functions in the moments before the accident. They also record the driver's hours of service, potentially revealing hours-of-service violations. Trucking companies must preserve this data when properly notified through a spoliation letter.

Driver logs, employment records, and driving history reveal whether the trucking company properly vetted the driver, whether the driver had prior accidents or violations, and whether the driver falsified logbooks to exceed hours-of-service limits. Maintenance records show whether the trucking company properly maintained the vehicle and whether mechanical defects contributed to the accident.

Witness statements from independent third parties who observed the accident provide unbiased accounts of how the collision occurred. Photographs and video evidence from the accident scene, surveillance cameras, dashcams, or traffic cameras document vehicle positions, road conditions, and traffic signals. Medical records establish the nature and extent of your injuries, link your injuries causally to the accident, and document the treatment you required and future care needs.

Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, vocational rehabilitation experts, and economists may be necessary to prove complex aspects of your case. Your attorney will identify what evidence is needed and take steps to preserve and obtain it.

Can I Sue If a Loved One Died in a Truck Accident?

Yes. When a truck accident results in a fatality, certain surviving family members can bring a wrongful death lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. Eligible plaintiffs include the deceased's spouse or domestic partner, children, and if none of the above survive, other individuals who would inherit through intestate succession laws.

Wrongful death claims seek compensation for losses suffered by surviving family members, including loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, loss of household services, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of companionship, affection, and moral support. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. This may differ from the accident date if the victim survived for some period before succumbing to injuries.

Wrongful death cases involving truck accidents often result in substantial settlements or verdicts due to the severe negligence typically involved and the profound impact on surviving family members. However, no amount of compensation can truly address the loss of a loved one. These cases serve not only to provide financial support for surviving family members but also to hold negligent parties accountable and potentially prevent similar tragedies in the future.

What If I Don't Have Health Insurance?

Lack of health insurance should not prevent you from seeking medical treatment after a truck accident. Several options may be available. Some healthcare providers will treat accident victims on a lien basis, meaning they agree to defer payment until your case resolves. The provider's fee is then paid from your settlement or verdict. Many personal injury attorneys maintain relationships with healthcare providers who offer lien treatment.

Your attorney may be able to advance medical costs on your behalf in some cases, though not all attorneys offer this and policies vary. County hospitals and community clinics may offer treatment on a reduced-fee basis depending on your financial circumstances. Emergency rooms must provide stabilizing treatment regardless of insurance status under federal law, though they will bill you for services.

The worst choice is to avoid medical treatment due to cost concerns. Delaying or foregoing treatment harms your health by allowing injuries to worsen and complications to develop. It also severely undermines your legal claim, as insurance companies will argue that your injuries were not serious if you did not seek treatment, or that your injuries resulted from something other than the accident if significant time passed before you sought care.

Discuss your situation openly with your attorney, who can help you access medical treatment while your case is pending. The goal is to ensure you receive necessary care while documenting injuries to support your claim.

How Are Truck Accident Settlements Calculated?

Settlement valuation involves analyzing all economic and non-economic damages you suffered. Your attorney will compile all medical expenses incurred to date plus estimated future medical costs based on expert medical opinions about ongoing treatment needs, all lost wages from time missed from work, future lost earning capacity if injuries cause permanent disability or impairment, property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Several factors influence the value of non-economic damages. Injury severity matters, as catastrophic injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injury typically warrant higher non-economic damage awards than injuries that fully resolve within weeks or months. Permanency affects value. Injuries causing permanent impairment, scarring, or disability typically result in higher compensation.

Age and occupation matter because younger victims with decades of working life ahead face greater lost earning capacity than older victims near retirement.

Active individuals who can no longer participate in sports or hobbies they previously enjoyed may receive higher compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.

Liability clarity influences settlement value. Cases with clear evidence of the truck driver's fault typically settle for more than cases where fault is disputed. Multiple liable parties can increase potential compensation because several defendants or insurance policies may contribute.

Quality of evidence affects value. Well-documented cases with strong medical evidence, expert testimony, and preserved accident scene evidence typically command higher settlements than poorly documented cases. Your attorney will review comparable verdicts and settlements in similar cases to establish a baseline for evaluating settlement offers. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but this analysis provides context for determining whether an offer is fair.

Editorial Standards & Review

This article was reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with current legal and medical understanding as of January 2026.

Editorial Principles:

• All legal information is verified against primary sources including California statutes and federal regulations

• Medical claims are supported by peer-reviewed research or credible medical institutions

• Statistical data comes from government sources including FMCSA, NHTSA, and California state agencies

• Settlement and verdict data represents general ranges and outcomes vary significantly based on case specifics

• This content is educational only and does not constitute legal advice for any specific situation

Last Reviewed: January 2026 .

Next Scheduled Review: July 2026.

For specific legal guidance on your truck accident case, consult a licensed California attorney who can evaluate your unique circumstances.

Authoritative Resources

California Personal Injury Statute of Limitations. California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=335.1]

Government Claims Requirements. California Government Code § 905. [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=905]

Pure Comparative Negligence Standard. California Civil Code § 1714. [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1714&lawCode=CIV]

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Crash Statistics. U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved January 2026. [https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics]

Hours of Service Regulations for Property-Carrying Drivers. 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 395. [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-395]

Cargo Securement Standards. 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 393. [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-393]

Traumatic Brain Injury Information. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury]

Spinal Cord Injury Facts and Figures. National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. [https://www.nscisc.uab.edu]

Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths Overview. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. [https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks]

Truck Accident Statistics by State. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Retrieved January 2026. [https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts]

Whiplash: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash]

California Traffic Safety Data. California Office of Traffic Safety. [https://www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/data-and-statistics]

Los Angeles County Traffic Statistics. Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS). [https://tims.berkeley.edu]

Wrongful Death Actions. California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=377.60]

Punitive Damages Standards. California Civil Code § 3294. [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=3294]