Maison Law can help you if you’ve been injured in a big rig accident in Redding. Every day, big rigs and other trucks move up and down I-5, across Highway 44, and through busy intersections like Cypress Avenue and Hilltop Drive in Redding. When an accident happens, we’ll be there to guide you through the process and support you every step of the way. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
You don’t have to hire a lawyer—but here’s the truth about big rig accidents: they’re rarely simple. It’s not just you and another driver–it’s likely going to involve a lot of different people: the truck driver, the company pushing their schedule, a repair shop that skipped maintenance, or even the people who loaded the cargo.
On top of that, big rigs are simply huge. When they hit, the damage is life-changing, and trucking insurance companies fight hard to limit what they pay. That’s where we come in. Our team of Redding big rig accident lawyers can:
- Look into the details of the accident—from driver logs to maintenance records—to find out what really happened.
- Preserve evidence that can disappear quickly if no one’s watching.
- Deal with the insurance companies so you don’t get pressured into a low offer.
- Walk with you through the process, explaining each step in plain language.
You can try handling a big rig accident claim on your own, but most people find it’s a lot smoother—and often more successful—when they have experienced legal help guiding the way.
What Do You Need to Build a Strong Big Rig Accident Claim?
After a crash with a big rig, it’s tempting to think the damage alone should prove your case. The crushed car, the hospital bills, the weeks you’ve had to miss work—it feels obvious. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t see it that way. To them, every accident is a puzzle, and they’ll question who’s at fault, how badly you’re hurt, and whether all your expenses are truly related.
That’s why building a strong claim comes down to evidence. The more proof you have, the harder it is for an insurer to dismiss your losses. Here are some of the most important pieces, and why they matter:
- Police reports – In Redding, either CHP or Redding PD will usually handle the scene. Their reports provide an official starting point—recording details like time, weather, witnesses, and initial fault determinations. Even if they don’t assign blame, insurers take these reports seriously.
- Medical records – Every ER visit, physical therapy appointment, or prescription helps connect your injuries back to the crash. If you needed emergency treatment at Mercy Medical Center, that documentation becomes one of the strongest anchors in your claim.
- Trucking records – These are gold in truck cases. Black box data, driver logs, GPS records, and maintenance reports can reveal if the driver was fatigued, speeding, or driving a truck that wasn’t roadworthy. Without legal help, these records are nearly impossible to get before they disappear.
- Photos and videos – A picture really does tell the story. Images of skid marks on Highway 44, debris scattered across I-5, or the damage to your car give context that words can’t. Videos from dashcams or nearby businesses can also be powerful.
- Witness information – Neutral third parties often carry the most weight. If someone waiting at the light on Cypress and Hilltop saw the truck run a red light, their testimony can confirm what really happened.
- Receipts and expenses – Recovery isn’t just about medical bills. Towing invoices, rental car receipts, and pay stubs showing lost wages all add up. These small details paint the picture of how the crash disrupted your everyday life.
On your own, trying to get this evidence can feel overwhelming. You’re still in recovery and simply don’t have the energy to chase down records or press trucking companies for data. That’s where our team can be vital—making sure nothing important slips through the cracks.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Accident?
One of the trickiest parts of a truck accident case is figuring out who should pay. Unlike a two-car accident, where fault usually rests with one driver, big rig crashes often involve several players. Here are the most common ones:
- The driver or trucking company – Maybe the driver was speeding through a merge on I-5, or maybe the company pressured them to keep going past their hours-of-service limit. In most cases, both share responsibility: the driver for their actions, and the company for pushing unsafe practices.
- Truck or parts manufacturers – With such a large, heavy vehicle, part failures can be devastating. If brakes fail coming down Highway 44 or a tire blows on Highway 273, the manufacturer or parts supplier could be liable.
- Maintenance crews – Big rigs log thousands of miles each month. If a repair shop in Shasta County cut corners or missed a red flag during routine service, that negligence could be a factor and make them partially responsible.
- Cargo loaders – Loading is more complicated than stacking boxes. An unbalanced or unsecured load can cause a trailer to sway, jackknife, or tip. If improperly loaded cargo led to your accident, the loading company may share fault.
- Government agencies – Sometimes, the road itself is to blame. Deep potholes, worn-out guardrails, or missing signage on rural Shasta County roads can contribute to serious crashes. In these cases, a city, county, or state agency could be responsible.
- Other drivers – Truck drivers don’t operate in a vacuum. If a car cut in too close or slammed their brakes on Cypress Avenue, they may have triggered the chain of events.
Untangling all these possibilities takes a lot of time and effort. It’s not unusual for multiple parties to be responsible in some way. That’s why these cases are rarely “open and shut”—and why victims often need someone to sort through the details and push for accountability.
What’s the Claims Process Like After a Big Rig Accident?
On paper, the claims process after a truck accident in Redding looks straightforward. In reality, it’s more like a maze. Still, your options are the same as any other accident–filing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit. Here’s how both usually work after a big rig accident:
- Filing an insurance claim – Most claims start here. You make a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance. The challenge, of course, is that insurance companies have one goal: paying as little as possible. They may question your injuries, argue about fault, or delay your claim in hopes you’ll settle for less.
- Filing a lawsuit – If negotiations with insurance break down, the next step is taking the case to court. That doesn’t always mean a trial; many lawsuits still settle beforehand. But filing one shows you’re serious and can push the trucking company and their insurance to be more reasonable.
Through either option, it’s all about recovering financial support for your “damages,” which can be quite large with a big rig accident. Specifically, though, you can potentially get back costs for:
- Medical bills, including ongoing care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral and burial expenses in fatal cases
It’s also important to remember California’s two-year deadline to file a personal injury claim. That might sound like a long time, but evidence fades quickly. Trucking companies often act within days to limit their exposure, which is why starting early makes a big difference.
Where Do Most Big Rig Accidents Happen in Redding?
While an accident can happen anywhere you come across a big rig, certain roads and areas of the city are more prone to these accidents:
- I-5 interchanges – High speeds, merging traffic, and distracted drivers create constant risk with big rigs. Rear-end and side-impact collisions here are common.
- Cypress Avenue & Hilltop Drive – One of the busiest intersections in town, Cypress and Hilltop is always busy with commuters rushing and drivers running lights.
- Highway 44 and Highway 273 – Both of these highways serve as major routes for a lot of big rigs. Lane changes, speeding, and congestion make these hotspots for accidents.
- Eureka Way near Buenaventura Boulevard – With shopping traffic, trucks, and everyday drivers mixing together, big rig accidents here are unfortunately frequent.
Of course, rural roads in Shasta County bring their own hazards—steep grades, sharp turns, and narrow lanes that can challenge even the most skilled truck drivers. All of this adds up to frequent accidents. And they take many forms—rear-ends collisions, jackknifes, underrides, or rollovers. But the result is often the same: devastating injuries for drivers in smaller vehicles. If you’ve been hit, we’re here to help you understand your options and take the next step forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the ER right away?
Yes, but it may be harder. Insurance companies love to argue that a delay in treatment means you weren’t really hurt. If your injuries showed up later—like whiplash, back pain, or a concussion—it’s important to get checked out as soon as possible and keep clear records of when symptoms started.
Will my case go to trial if I file a lawsuit?
Most truck accident cases settle before trial. That said, we prepare every case as if it will go to court. That way, if the trucking company or its insurance refuses to make a fair offer, we’re ready to stand up for you in front of a judge or jury.
How long does a truck accident case take?
Anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on your injuries and whether the insurance company tries to devalue your claim.
Reach Out to Maison Law After a Truck Accident in Redding
A big rig accident in Redding doesn’t just leave behind wreckage—it can leave you facing months or years of recovery. Whether it happened on I-5, Highway 44, or a rural Shasta County road, you shouldn’t have to take on the trucking company and its insurance company by yourself. At Maison Law, we know how to work a big rig accident claim and can help you and your family get a measure of justice. Let’s start with a free consultation so you know your options and your next steps.
