September 22, 2026 | By Greene Broillet & Wheeler
Whether you are stuck in traffic on the I-10 during rush hour or traveling the speed limit on the 5 headed to Griffith Park on a less congested weekend morning, the threat of a collision with a commercial truck is ever-present throughout Los Angeles. If you are involved in one of these collisions, what follows can vary dramatically based on severity. However, there are rarely minor truck crashes. Common truck accident injuries range from neck and back soreness to broken bones to catastrophic trauma that reshapes daily life forever. Even what seems like a minor incident often leads to injuries that worsen over time. Recovering from these kinds of injuries often means facing devastating medical bills and an uncertain future. There is no need to face these challenges alone.
At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, our Los Angeles truck accident attorneys have spent decades helping people recover from harm caused by negligent drivers, irresponsible trucking companies, poor manufacturing processes, and unsafe cargo storage practices. We offer our clients options and can outline the legal options available to pursue justice after a serious truck accident injury in Los Angeles.
Available 24/7
A commercial truck’s size and weight often produce injuries far more severe than those seen in a typical car accident. Occupants of smaller vehicles absorb much of the impact force, even in crashes at moderate speeds.
Some of the most common truck accident injuries our attorneys see include:
Many victims suffer many of these injuries concurrently, often a direct result of the size and weight involved. Burn injuries combined with a traumatic brain injury, for instance, are not uncommon results from a truck accident.
Commercial trucks can weigh twenty times more than a passenger car. When these two mismatched vehicles collide, the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the force. Passenger cars and pickup trucks often crumple on impact while the semi-truck continues forward. Certain crash types push that danger even further: underride collisions, jackknife incidents, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups all increase the impact on occupants. Shifting cargo, fuel leaks, and fires add further risk of injury to everyone nearby after a Los Angeles area commercial truck crash.
Even after the collision itself, danger persists. A minor ache or bruise can turn into a serious condition without prompt evaluation and follow-up care. Not all injuries are obvious to the untrained eye. Internal bleeding, closed brain injuries, or spinal cord damage, for example, may not show clear symptoms in the immediate aftermath of a truck crash. A prompt and thorough medical evaluation is essential after a truck collision even if the crash seems “minor.”
Anyone involved in a truck accident should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. This is true even when symptoms appear mild. Symptoms can worsen over time and lead to pain and suffering that may have been addressed with early medical intervention. Following a full treatment plan matters just as much as the initial injury evaluation. Additionally, if new symptoms present, these should be reported as soon as possible to get treatment, as well as to keep records accurate and ensure all damages are formally documented.
Consistent documentation of diagnoses and work restrictions supports a claim for medical expenses and lost income. This only grows more important once legal action begins.
You should speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a truck crash, since California law only allows a limited window to file suit. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, injured individuals generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, though certain circumstances can shorten or extend this window. Waiting too long can weaken a truck accident injury claim, since electronic logging data, maintenance records, and witness statements become harder to obtain over time.
A crash involving a commercial truck is rarely the result of just one driver’s mistake. Liability can extend to the trucking company, a cargo loader, or another party entirely. Prompt legal guidance helps injured individuals understand the full scope of their claim and who may be held liable. Additionally, even if a passenger car driver bears some responsibility for a truck crash, such a finding does not mean they forfeit their right to file a claim for injuries. Even victims who are partially at fault can still recover compensation.
Recovering from common truck accident injuries rarely follows a pre-determined path. Treatment can stretch on for months, and, in some cases, years. Surgeries, prescriptions, medical appointments, and physical therapy may become an integral but unexpected part of daily life. Medical bills, insurance questions, and bureaucratic demands may be unrelenting. A Los Angeles truck accident lawyer from Greene Broillet & Wheeler can step into the process, review your case and pursue accountability on your behalf. Not only can we pursue justice. We can be an ally during a uniquely challenging time in your life. Contact us today (866) 634-4525 to schedule a free consultation with our team.
Tim J. Wheeler is the Firm’s Managing Partner and a highly accomplished California trial lawyer with decades of experience in product liability, personal injury, employment, and complex negligence cases. He has secured over 150 verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million, including landmark results such as the largest personal injury verdict against the City of Los Angeles at the time and record jury awards for brain injury and wrongful termination cases. Tim is a former Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year and Product Liability Lawyer of the Year in Los Angeles, and a long-standing honoree of Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers.
Every legal situation has specific details that only an attorney can properly evaluate. Before making any decisions, please contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
This page was written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Greene Broillet & Wheeler LLP.
Call us at 866-634-4525