How Does Liability for a California Truck Accident Case Work?

 Posted on August 15, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in California are often more complicated than typical car crashes because multiple parties and laws may be involved. If you were injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, determining who is legally responsible is essential for recovering damages. An experienced LA County, CA truck accident attorney can help guide you through the process of identifying liability and filing your claim for compensation.

Who Could Be Liable for a Truck Accident in California?

Liability in a truck accident depends on the facts of the case, and more than one party may be responsible. Possible liable parties include:

• The truck driver: Drivers may be liable if they violate traffic laws under the California Vehicle Code (CVC) §22350, which prohibits driving at unsafe speeds. They may also be responsible if they were distracted, impaired, or fatigued.

• The trucking company: Employers can be held liable for how their drivers behave on the job. They may also face liability if they fail to follow safety standards, such as the FMCSA Hours-of-Service regulations, which limit driving time and require rest breaks.

• The repair or maintenance contractor: If the truck’s brakes, tires, or other mechanical parts failed due to negligent maintenance, the company that performed or oversaw the work could share responsibility.

• The cargo loading company: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause trucks to jackknife, tip over, or lose control. In these cases, the company that loaded the trailer may be liable.

• Truck or parts manufacturers: If the accident resulted from a defective design or faulty truck part, the manufacturer could face liability for producing unsafe equipment.

What Happens if Both Parties From the Accident Are at Fault in California?

Truck accident cases sometimes involve fault on both sides. For instance, a truck driver may be speeding, but another driver may have been texting at the time of the collision. California’s pure comparative negligence system, governed by California Civil Code §1714, states that everyone is responsible for injuries caused by their lack of ordinary care. In theory, you could be as much as 99 percent responsible for the accident and still receive a portion of the compensation.

This system allows you to recover damages in an amount that is reduced by your own share of fault. For example, if you were found 40 percent at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you could still recover $60,000 from the other responsible party or parties.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an LA County, CA Truck Accident Attorney

Liability in a California truck accident case is often complex, and multiple parties may try to avoid responsibility. Understanding how state statutes and negligence rules apply to your situation is an important part of obtaining fair compensation. The Glendale, CA truck accident lawyers at Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. have the knowledge and experience to handle these complicated cases.

Founding Attorney Jilbert Tahmazian brings more than 30 years of legal experience. His extensive courtroom background provides clients with knowledgeable and dedicated representation in even the most challenging cases. Call 818-242-8201 to schedule your free consultation and discuss your legal options.