Maison Law can help you when you’re hurt in a truck accident in Porterville. With 18-wheelers and big farm trucks moving through Highway 65, Highway 190, and the busy streets around downtown Porterville, accidents can happen in an instant. And they’re not like a normal car accident–they’re much more serious. Our team will be there to help you through the next steps. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
For as serious and devastating as they are, truck accidents are rarely straightforward. Unlike a regular car accident, these cases often involve multiple parties, higher stakes, and aggressive insurance tactics. And because trucks weigh 20–30 times more than most cars, the damage is almost always more severe. Injuries are often serious, recovery can take months or even years, and insurance companies push hard to reduce or deny claims. This is where a lawyer can make a real difference. Our team can:
- We dig into every detail of your accident to figure out who’s really at fault. Sometimes more than one company shares responsibility, and they’re not going to tell you that themselves.
- We also track down all the important evidence—things like black box data, driver logs, GPS records, and maintenance reports—so nothing gets missed.
- Dealing with insurance adjusters can be stressful—they’re trained to protect the trucking company, not you. We handle those conversations for you, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing.
Throughout the whole process, we’re here for you. From your first call to the final resolution, we answer your questions, explain your options clearly, and make sure you always know what’s happening next.
What Evidence Makes a Strong Truck Accident Claim?
After a truck accident, it’s natural to think that the wreckage speaks for itself. And while it does in a lot of ways, the claims process is—unfortunately—rarely that straightforward. To get the most out of a claim, you need detailed evidence showing not just what happened, but also how it has impacted your life. Some of the most important evidence to do that involves:
- Police reports – In Porterville, accidents are usually handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or Porterville Police Department. Their reports provide an official record of the scene, witnesses, and initial observations.
- Medical records – Your medical records are going to be very strong evidence of your injuries and will link them directly to the accident itself.
- Photos and videos – Images of the crash scene, skid marks, damage to vehicles, and visible injuries are critical. If you can safely capture video of the scene immediately after the crash, it can be especially helpful.
- Witness information – Statements from other drivers, pedestrians, or bystanders can confirm what happened.
- Trucking records – Black box data, logbooks, GPS tracking, and maintenance logs often reveal driver fatigue, missed inspections, or other violations.
- Bills and other expenses – You’ll want to keep any receipts for towing, rental cars, lost wages, prescriptions, and any other costs related to the accident.
Think of these items as the building blocks of your claim. The more complete your evidence, the stronger your case is likely to be. But you don’t have to gather all of this on your own, or even have it right away. Our team can help you, and make sure it’s all put together effectively.
How Can I Get Damages After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance companies all at once. Understanding how the process works can make it a little easier. Usually, there are two main ways to file a claim (and get damages):
- Filing an insurance claim – Most cases start here. This happens outside of court and can lead to a settlement if the insurance company acts fairly. The downside is that companies often try to minimize payouts, which is why having guidance can make a difference.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance company refuses to give you a reasonable offer, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. It takes more time, but it gives you a fairer shot at getting full damages.
When we talk about “damages,” we mean the full range of losses you face because of the truck accident. That’s not just medical bills—it includes the impact on your daily life, your ability to work, and the emotional and physical toll the crash has taken. No matter which path you take, damages can include things like:
- Medical bills, both current and future
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or scarring
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial expenses in fatal accidents
In California, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you miss it, you can’t file a claim or get damages from whoever is responsible. And with a truck accident, that’s one of the hardest parts of the entire situation.
Who Pays for My Damages After a Truck Accident?
Even though they ultimately involve a collision, truck accidents are rarely as simple as the truck driver being at-fault. Seemingly everything can come into play. Was the driver distracted, the truck poorly maintained, the cargo loaded incorrectly, or the road itself unsafe? In many truck accidents, it’s a combination of all these factors, and that means a lot of different people could be on the hook for paying for your damages. Usually, though, it falls on:
- The driver and trucking company – If the truck driver was speeding on Highway 65, distracted, or fatigued after long hours, both the driver and the company may share responsibility. Companies can also be liable if they encouraged unsafe schedules or failed to monitor driver safety.
- Manufacturers or parts suppliers – A defective tire, faulty brakes, or other mechanical failure could make the manufacturer or supplier responsible.
- Maintenance crews or shops – Skipped repairs or poor-quality maintenance can directly contribute to an accident.
- Cargo loaders – If cargo wasn’t secured properly, shifting loads can cause the driver to lose control.
- Government agencies – Dangerous road conditions, potholes, faded signage, or unsafe intersections could make city, county, or state agencies liable.
- Other drivers – Sometimes a driver in another vehicle triggers the accident, like if they cut off the truck or braked suddenly.
Knowing who might be responsible is only part of the picture—where the accident happens can also play a big role in both how it happened and how serious it was.
Where Do Most Truck Accidents Happen in Porterville?
Truck accidents in Porterville can happen on any road, but some areas see more crashes than others. Busy highways, commercial corridors, and intersections with heavy truck traffic create higher-risk situations where even a small mistake can lead to serious damage and injuries, especially in the following areas of the city:
- Highway 65 – The busiest corridor for trucks moving north and south. Lane-change collisions, rear-end accidents, and high-speed crashes are common.
- Highway 190 – Curves, elevation changes, and rural stretches make this highway a frequent spot for rollovers and cargo-shift accidents.
- Henderson Avenue – Busy shopping areas with delivery trucks increase the risk of collisions with smaller vehicles.
- Main Street and Downtown – Tight intersections, frequent left turns, and heavy pedestrian traffic create high-risk zones.
- Rural farm roads – Farm trucks hauling crops or equipment can create wide turns, shifting loads, and unexpected obstacles.
Even if you ride or drive cautiously, sharing the road with a large truck means accidents can happen quickly. Awareness and preparation are important, but when a crash occurs, you need a team ready to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after my truck accident?
After the accident, call 911, move to safety, document the scene, gather witness info, stick to the facts with police and insurance, and save all records—these steps protect your health and strengthen your claim.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
California law still applies, and out-of-state drivers or companies can be held responsible.
Who files a claim if my truck accident ends up being fatal?
In tragic cases of fatal truck accidents, certain family members–spouses, children, other close relatives–can file what’s called a “wrongful death” claim for funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.
Reach Out to Our Porterville Truck Accident Lawyers
You never want to be involved in any type of accident in Porterville, let alone one as serious as one involving a large commercial truck. But unfortunately, living here means coming into contact with these vehicles on a daily basis, and that always raises the stakes. At Maison Law, we understand what you’re going through and know how to help you and your family. Reach out today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
