Montclair Truck Accident Lawyer

Montclair Truck Accident Attorney

Large trucks drive on Southern California freeways and surface streets every day. Most of the time, these tractor-trailers share the road with passenger vehicles without incident. When a collision occurs with a commercial vehicle, serious injury and significant property damage can occur. A Montclair truck accident lawyer can help determine how an accident occurred, who may be responsible, and what evidence is necessary to prove liability for a personal injury claim.

Truck Accident

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Personal Injury Representation From Hobbs Law Group

At Hobbs Law Group, our lawyers represent injured people who have been harmed because of someone else’s negligence. We investigate accidents to determine how they happened and find out who may bear legal responsibility for the harm.

Hobbs Law Group provides free consultations and charges a contingency fee. Clients do not pay out-of-pocket fees for our legal services. When we help our clients, we get paid from the settlement amount or jury award we recover on their behalf.

Truck Accidents in Montclair

Montclair borders Interstate 10 close to where Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County meet. Large trucks traveling to and from Los Angeles and the Inland Empire may pass through this area en route to other destinations in Southern California. Central Avenue, Holt Boulevard, and Monte Vista Avenue are other streets that carry commercial traffic through residential and business areas of Montclair.

Commercial trucks take up more space than passenger vehicles and require more distance to maneuver and stop. Accidents may occur when trucks turn, switch lanes, merge onto freeways, or travel in congested traffic. Collisions may involve rear-end crashes, sideswipe accidents, underride collisions, rollovers or incidents involving falling or shifted cargo.

Why Truck Accidents Can Be Different From Car Accidents

Commercial trucks and the businesses that own or work with them can raise unique issues in personal injury cases. Large trucks are regulated by federal safety standards that address topics such as who can drive a truck and how many hours they can drive at a time.

Depending on the trucking company and the type of cargo that it hauls, federal safety regulations may apply to the case. These regulations can provide important information about a truck’s operation before and after a collision. Multiple parties can potentially be responsible for a truck accident. Someone other than the truck driver may be able to bear responsibility depending on what caused the collision.

In 2025, 10,847 trucks were involved in crashes in California. This resulted in 298 fatalities and 4,739 injuries.

Federal Truck Accident Laws

Large trucks involved in interstate commerce can fall under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. 49 CFR Part 395 sets out hours-of-service regulations that limit how long commercial drivers can work before taking a break.

For drivers hauling cargo, there’s generally an 11-hour driving limit after a 10-hour rest period. The driver cannot drive after the 14th hour after coming on duty and must take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving without interruption.

Maintenance records can also become important under federal trucking regulations. If a part on the truck may have contributed to a crash, such as defective brakes, tires, lights, steering components, or another piece of equipment, a lawyer can request the truck’s maintenance records. Federal law also lays out requirements for inspection.

Liability in Truck Accident Claims

Investigating who was at fault begins with identifying what happened. The driver may face liability if they were:

• Driving distracted
• Speeding
• Making unsafe lane changes
• Driving negligently or recklessly
• Breaking road laws (such as driving under the influence, which often leads to devastating drunk truck accidents)
• Driving while fatigued

A motor carrier may be responsible for its own negligence or, under certain circumstances, that of its driver. Companies that load cargo, perform maintenance, or manufacture parts could potentially bear responsibility if their conduct helped cause the collision.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

You may hire a truck accident lawyer in Montclair to investigate the details of your collision. Truck accidents are typically more complex than regular car accidents, so professional legal assistance is essential. Lawyers can identify parties who may bear responsibility and request records related to how the truck was operating at the time of the collision.

A Montclair truck accident attorney can identify which state and federal regulations apply to the crash. If necessary, your lawyer can file a legal claim.

FAQs About Montclair, CA Truck Accident Laws

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

Immediately after a truck accident in Montclair, if you are able, safely move to a different location and call 911. Report the collision and ask for medical assistance. Exchange information, such as identifying data and insurance policies, but avoid discussing who is at fault for the crash. Take photographs of the vehicles and roadway, including skid marks, debris, and visible injuries if possible. Gather the contact information of any witnesses and seek medical attention.

Will I Still Be Able to File a Truck Accident Claim if I Am Partially at Fault in Montclair?

Yes, you can still file a truck accident claim in Montclair even if you were partially at fault. California is a pure comparative negligence state.  Injured people can typically collect recompense even if they are partially to blame for a truck accident. However, an accident victim’s recovery is going to be reduced by their percentage of fault. If the claimant bears 20% of the blame for the crash, their awarded damages would usually be lowered by that exact amount.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in California?

You generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim in California. However, other statutes of limitation may apply in specific situations, such as when a government agency may be liable for the crash. Failing to file your claim within this timeframe can cause you to not be able to recover anything, no matter how strong your evidence is.

Can Family Members File a Claim After a Fatal Truck Accident?

Yes. Certain family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim after a truck accident. California law specifies those individuals who may have the right to file a claim, including the deceased person’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and so on. Costs like funeral and burial, lost income, and some emotional damages from the death are all recoverable.

Request Your Consultation With Hobbs Law Group

A truck accident is a serious thing. Hobbs Law Group can investigate the accident and hold the responsible parties accountable. We can seek compensation on your behalf. Contact us today for more information.