Who Can Be Sued in a California Truck Accident Case?

Truck accidents are among the most devastating motor vehicle collisions on California roads. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, victims often suffer severe injuries, long-term disabilities, or even death. One of the most important steps in pursuing justice is identifying who can be held legally responsible. In California, liability may extend beyond just the truck driver—and understanding who can be sued is crucial for recovering full compensation.

Here’s a breakdown of the parties that may be held liable in a California truck accident case.

1. The Truck Driver

The most obvious defendant in any truck accident case is the truck driver, especially if they were:

Speeding or driving recklessly
Driving while fatigued (violating hours-of-service regulations)
Distracted by a phone or GPS
Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Violating traffic laws

Truck drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely. If they breach that duty, they can be sued for negligence.

2. The Trucking Company (Employer)

Under California’s respondeat superior doctrine, an employer may be held liable for the actions of its employees if those actions occurred within the scope of employment. Trucking companies may also be directly liable for:

Negligent hiring or training of drivers
Failing to maintain their fleet
Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines

Many accident cases involve corporate defendants, and trucking companies often have larger insurance policies that can cover more substantial damages.

3. The Truck Owner (If Different From the Driver or Company)

In some cases, the truck is owned by a third party, not the driver or company operating it. The owner may be liable if they failed to maintain the vehicle or knowingly allowed unsafe operation. California law allows claims against all negligent parties contributing to a crash.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can make a truck dangerously unbalanced, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents. If a third-party logistics or freight company was responsible for loading the cargo, they may be held liable for:

Overloading the truck
Uneven weight distribution
Failing to secure hazardous materials properly

5. Truck or Parts Manufacturers

If a mechanical failure contributed to the crash, such as:

Faulty brakes
Tire blowouts
Steering system defects

…the manufacturer or distributor of those parts could be held liable under a product liability claim. These claims require a thorough investigation and expert analysis.

6. Maintenance or Repair Companies

Trucks require regular inspections and maintenance. If a repair shop or contractor negligently performed maintenance, skipped safety checks, or failed to report worn-out components, they could be liable for the resulting accident.

7. Government Entities (in Limited Cases)

If poor road conditions, such as potholes or missing signage, contributed to the accident, a government agency may be held responsible. However, suing a public entity in California involves strict procedural rules and short deadlines—often just 6 months from the date of the accident.

Why Identifying All Liable Parties Matters

Truck accident cases in California often involve multiple parties, and each may carry a different level of insurance coverage. By identifying all those responsible, your attorney can pursue the maximum compensation possible for:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Long-term care
Wrongful death (in fatal accidents)

How Razavi Law Group Can Help

At Razavi Law Group, we understand the complexity of California truck accident cases and the devastating impact they have on victims and families. Our experienced attorneys are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable and fighting for the full compensation you deserve.

Here’s how we help truck accident victims across California:

Thorough Investigations: We uncover every liable party, from the driver to corporate entities, by examining black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and cargo loading documents.
Aggressive Negotiation: We handle all communication with insurance companies and fight back against lowball settlement offers.
Courtroom Advocacy: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, our trial-ready team will represent your interests in court.
No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win.

Whether your crash occurred in Los Angeles, Orange County, the Bay Area, or the Central Valley, Razavi Law Group is here to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation—and let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.

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