On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, an 18-wheeler accident in Los Angeles involving a semi-truck shut down the 10 Freeway near Central Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. At least one person died, and several others were injured. Just two months prior, two semi-trucks collided and overturned on the 60 Freeway near Diamond Bar, claiming another life and leaving a trail of destruction that halted traffic for hours. From overturned rigs on the 5 Freeway to deadly crashes in Shadow Hills and North Hollywood, recent 18-wheeler accidents in Los Angeles have drawn renewed attention to the devastation these massive vehicles can cause.
For those involved in these collisions, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences are life-changing. Unlike a typical car accident, an 18-wheeler crash introduces more complex legal, medical, and insurance factors. If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident in Los Angeles, knowing what to do next is essential for your recovery and your right to compensation.
This guide explains the critical steps to take after an 18-wheeler accident, based on California law, best legal practices, and the firsthand experience of our truck accident attorneys at LA Injury Lawyers.
Step 1: Call 911 and Seek Emergency Medical Help
Your safety and the safety of others should be your top priority. Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request emergency medical responders. The police will come to secure the scene and prepare an official accident report, which can be vital to your personal injury claim.
If you or anyone else has suffered injuries, do not delay medical attention. Even if you feel okay, symptoms like internal bleeding or a concussion may not appear right away.
Injuries common in large truck accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and burns
Prompt medical care also creates a record that connects your injuries directly to the accident, which is key in proving your case later.
Step 2: Remain at the Scene and Document Everything
Once it’s safe to do so, start gathering information at the accident scene.
Here’s what to collect:
- Photos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, skid marks, and visible injuries
- The truck driver’s name, license number, employer, and commercial driver’s license (CDL) number
- Insurance and registration information for all vehicles involved
- Contact information for any witnesses
If a big rig accident occurs near surveillance cameras or traffic lights, note their locations so your attorney can later obtain footage.
Never admit fault at the scene, and avoid discussing the details of the accident with the trucking company or its insurer.
Step 3: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Provider
Under California law, you are required to report an accident to your insurer within a reasonable time. However, be cautious in your communication.
Keep the conversation brief and factual:
- Where and when the crash occurred
- The types of vehicles involved (passenger car vs. semi-truck)
- Whether you are seeking medical treatment
Do not provide recorded statements or estimate the value of your claim until you consult with a truck accident lawyer.
Step 4: Do Not Accept Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies representing commercial trucking companies are aggressive and well-funded. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible.
Often, they will offer a quick settlement to resolve the matter before you have a chance to speak with an attorney. These initial offers rarely reflect the true value of your truck accident claim and often exclude long-term care, emotional damages, and lost income.
Declining a low settlement offer and retaining legal counsel can dramatically change the outcome of your financial recovery.
Step 5: Consult an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Los Angeles
Due to the size and commercial nature of 18-wheelers, the legal process is very different from a standard car accident case.
A knowledgeable Los Angeles truck accident attorney can:
- Identify all potentially liable parties (driver, employer, truck owner, parts manufacturer)
- Preserve black box data and driver logs before they’re erased
- Investigate compliance with federal and state trucking regulations
- Calculate the total impact of serious injuries, including future care and lost earning potential
- Handle communication with the insurance company
At LA Injury Lawyers, our experienced truck accident attorneys have handled some of the most complex commercial truck accidents in Southern California and recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims.
Step 6: Know What Makes Truck Accident Cases Legally Complex
Several factors make trucking cases more difficult than standard vehicle collisions:
- Multiple parties may be at fault, including the driver, the trucking company, the freight company, or the manufacturer of defective parts.
- Trucking companies often fight hard; they have aggressive legal teams and significant resources.
- Federal and state regulations apply: including rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- Truck driver fatigue and distracted driving are common issues and often require expert investigation.
This is why you need a lawyer in Los Angeles who is specifically experienced in semi-truck accident litigation, not just general personal injury.
Step 7: Track All Damages and Expenses Related to the Crash
To ensure you receive fair compensation, document every loss connected to the accident.
This includes:
- Medical expenses (hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home care, prescriptions)
- Pain and suffering or emotional distress
You may also be entitled to special damages for long-term or permanent disabilities, and general damages for how your life has changed after the accident.
Step 8: Understand the Statute of Limitations Under California Law
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a truck accident lawsuit. If you fail to file before the deadline, you could lose your right to financial compensation entirely.
If the accident involved a government vehicle or public roadway, a government claim must usually be filed within six months. Your attorney will help determine the correct filing deadline and legal strategy.
Let LA Injury Lawyers Handle Your Claim While You Recover
At LA Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical pain, stress, and uncertainty that follow a serious truck accident. We are proud to represent victims of 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle crashes across Los Angeles.
Our team offers:
- A free consultation to evaluate your case
- No fees unless we win (contingency-based)
- A history of recovering millions in compensation for accident victims:
- $11 million – Brain injury case
- $10 million – Car accident settlement
- $8.2 million – Motorcycle crash case
- $7 million – Back injury settlement
We go beyond the basics to gather critical evidence, challenge trucking companies, and fight for maximum compensation.
You Only Have One Chance to Get It Right
What you do after an 18-wheeler accident in Los Angeles matters. From getting medical help to hiring the right lawyer, every decision affects your health and your ability to hold the trucking company accountable.
Do not leave your case in the hands of an insurance adjuster. Let LA Injury Lawyers protect your future.
Injured in a Truck Accident in Los Angeles? Call Us Today.
Our attorneys are standing by to review your case and guide you through every legal step. You focus on healing. We’ll focus on getting you the justice you deserve.
📞 (818) 539-5390
📧 in**@*************rs.com
📍 6200 Canoga Ave Suite 310, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Schedule a Free Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Los Angeles?
Call 911, get medical care, document the scene, and contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
2. How is a truck accident case different from a car accident case?
Truck accidents involve more severe injuries, federal regulations, and potentially multiple liable parties, which makes them more complex.
3. What compensation can I recover after a truck accident?
You may be entitled to medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and compensation for long-term or permanent injuries.
4. Who is liable in a commercial truck accident?
Liability can fall on the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance contractor, or even a parts manufacturer.
5. How much is a truck accident claim worth?
Each case is unique. Settlement values depend on the severity of the injuries, liability evidence, and long-term impact. Consult a lawyer to evaluate your claim accurately.
