San Jose Truck Accident Lawyer

When to consult a lawyer for a truck accident? You should consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident so you can understand your legal options early. Acting quickly can help preserve important evidence, identify all potentially liable parties, and give you enough time to complete the necessary steps for your claim, including filing a lawsuit within California’s two-year statute of limitations under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, when applicable.

Truck accident cases can leave victims with devastating injuries, costly medical treatment, lost income, and long-term or even permanent disabilities because of the massive size and weight of commercial trucks. Along major trucking routes in and around San Jose, such as U.S. Highway 101, Interstate 280, Interstate 680, and Interstate 880, collisions involving tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles can quickly become catastrophic.

Jacoby & Meyers has been representing truck accident victims in San Jose and throughout California for more than 50 years. Our firm’s experienced truck accident attorneys have honed their skills through decades of handling complex motor vehicle accident cases, and we are prepared to protect your rights and fight for rightful compensation.

• More than $2 billion recovered in case results for injury victims over the past 50+ years.
• Trusted by clients across California, as reflected in the reviews and testimonials they have shared about our service.
• Experienced attorneys recognized by the legal community for their excellent work in a wide range of motor vehicle accident and personal injury cases.
• Available 24/7 to answer your questions and schedule a free consultation at our San Jose office or wherever you are in California.

Reach out to us through phone, live chat, or by submitting an online form to learn more about how our San Jose truck accident lawyers can help you.

Past results and testimonials are based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. They do not guarantee, warrant, or predict similar outcomes.

What Our Clients Have To Say

What to do after a truck accident in San Jose?

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles, so your first priority should always be your health and safety by seeking immediate medical attention. Then, if you are physically able, or someone you trust can assist you, have them gather and preserve evidence, such as photographs, videos, and other important details from the scene, while ensuring an accident report is made.

• Call 911 to request emergency assistance from the appropriate authority, whether the San Jose Police Department, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, or the California Highway Patrol, depending on which agency has jurisdiction over the accident.
• Seek immediate medical attention from emergency responders and undergo a thorough medical evaluation at the nearest medical facility, even if your injuries do not seem serious at first.
• Request that a police report be prepared by the responding law enforcement officers and ask how you can obtain a copy once it becomes available.
• If you can, or someone is able to assist you, take photographs and videos of your injuries, the damage to all vehicles involved, the condition of the roadway, skid marks, traffic signs, and any company names or identifying numbers displayed on the truck.
• Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses, or ask someone you trust to do so if you are unable. Their statements may help clarify how the accident happened and support your claim.

These steps may be difficult to remember immediately after a truck accident, but they can play an important role in protecting both your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation later.

What actually happens after a truck accident in San Jose?

After a truck accident along major trucking routes in San Jose, such as U.S. Highway 101, Interstate 280, Interstate 680, Interstate 880, and State Route 87, victims and their families often find themselves dealing with extensive medical treatment while trying to keep up with the deadlines and requirements of the truck accident claims process. Along the way, they may encounter challenges such as:

• Waiting for the police report to be released by the San Jose Police Department, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, or the California Highway Patrol, which may take days or even weeks depending on the agency’s process.
• Submitting an SR-1 Form to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within the required 10-day reporting period, when applicable.
• Responding to insurance companies that may begin contacting you and investigating the accident shortly after it occurs.
• Gathering and preserving evidence such as photographs, witness statements, trucking company information, and other records that may become important as the claim progresses.
• Managing the financial impact of medical expenses, lost income, vehicle damage, and other unexpected costs while recovering from your injuries.

These responsibilities often arise while you are still trying to recover from the physical and emotional effects of the accident. Understanding what to expect can help you better prepare for the claims process and protect your right to pursue compensation.

What injuries are common in San Jose truck accidents?

When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle or another smaller vehicle, the resulting injuries are often severe because of the truck’s size, weight, and force of impact. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 82% of people killed in fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2022 were occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists and not occupants of the large truck.

Along major trucking routes in San Jose, such as the U.S. Highway 101, Interstate 280, Interstate 680, Interstate 880, and State Route 87, victims may suffer life-changing injuries that require extensive medical treatment and can result in permanent disabilities.

• Crush Injuries – The tremendous force of a truck collision can trap or compress parts of the body, causing severe damage to muscles, nerves, bones, and internal organs. These injuries often require multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries – A violent impact to the head can result in memory loss, cognitive impairment, difficulty concentrating, speech problems, and other long-term neurological complications.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spine may lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, partial paralysis, or permanent paralysis, often requiring lifelong medical care.
• Internal injuries – Blunt-force trauma can damage internal organs or cause internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent but requires emergency medical treatment.
• Broken bones – The force of a truck accident can fracture the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, hips, or other bones, many of which may require surgery and extended recovery.
• Lacerations – Broken glass, twisted metal, and debris can cause deep cuts that may lead to permanent scarring, nerve damage, or disfigurement.
• Burns – Fuel leaks, vehicle fires, or contact with hot vehicle components can result in burns ranging from minor injuries to severe burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
• Facial injuries and disfigurement – Direct impact with airbags, shattered glass, or vehicle components can cause facial fractures, dental injuries, permanent scarring, and other disfiguring injuries.

The severity of these injuries often depends on factors such as the speed of the vehicles, the type of truck involved, the weight of its cargo, and the force of the collision. Getting a thorough evaluation at facilities such as the San Jose Regional Medical Center or Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center can help identify injuries that may not be immediately observed and ensure you receive appropriate treatment.

Who may be liable for a truck accident in San Jose?

Under California Civil Code § 1714, those directly involved in a truck accident, such as the truck driver, another motor vehicle driver, or a government agency responsible for road conditions, as well as parties indirectly involved, such as the trucking company, cargo loading company, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance provider, may be held liable if their negligent actions or failure to act contributed to the accident. Depending on the circumstances, more than one party may share liability for the same crash.

Possible liable parties may include:

• The truck driver whose negligent actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or other traffic violations, contributed to the collision.
• The trucking company, if it failed to properly hire, train, or supervise its drivers, required unsafe driving practices, or failed to maintain the commercial truck in a safe operating condition.
• A third-party loading company, if the accident resulted from overloaded cargo, improperly secured loads, or other loading errors.
• A vehicle or parts manufacturer, if the truck accident was caused or made worse by a defective vehicle or faulty component.
• Government entities, such as the City of San Jose, if the accident was caused by a dangerous road condition, poor roadway maintenance, defective traffic control devices, or a government-operated vehicle.

Identifying every potentially liable party is an important part of a truck accident claim, as liability is not always limited to the truck driver alone.

Legal Tip from Our Attorneys

If you think you may be partially at fault after a truck accident, you may still be eligible to recover compensation under California’s pure comparative negligence rule. This rule allows injured parties to recover compensation even if they share responsibility for the accident, although the amount they may recover will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the crash, you may still pursue compensation for the remaining 70% of your damages. Because trucking companies and their insurers often dispute liability in these cases, an experienced truck accident attorney can help protect your rights and challenge allegations that unfairly increase your share of fault.

What are the damages you may recover with a San Jose truck accident claim?

When you file a truck accident claim, you may be able to recover compensation for the financial, physical, emotional, and long-term impact of the accident. This may include medical expenses, property damage, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and other losses recognized as economic and non-economic damages under California Civil Code §§ 3281–3294. In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded when the at-fault party’s conduct involved malice, oppression, or fraud.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the financial losses resulting from the truck accident, including:

• Medical expenses related to the injuries sustained in the accident, including past, present, and future treatment.
• Lost income and reduced ability to work while recovering from your injuries.
• Loss of future earning capacity due to permanent disabilities, impairments, or other conditions that affect your ability to earn a living.
• Property damage for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Rehabilitation and ongoing medical care, when long-term treatment or therapy is necessary because of the injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

This covers the non-monetary impact of the truck accident that affects the victim’s quality of life, including:

• Pain and suffering caused by the physical pain and discomfort resulting from the injuries.
• Emotional distress for the psychological effects of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the frightening or life-threatening experience of the truck accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life when the injuries prevent you from participating in activities, hobbies, or daily routines you once enjoyed.
• Loss of consortium for the negative impact the injuries have on your relationship with your spouse, including the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
• Permanent disability, disfigurement, and the lasting effect these injuries have on your independence, appearance, and overall quality of life.

Punitive Damages

These damages are awarded under California Civil Code § 3294 in limited circumstances to punish an at-fault party whose conduct involved malice, oppression, or fraud, rather than to compensate for the victim’s losses. They are also intended to discourage similar conduct in the future.

The value of these damages often depends on the evidence available and may be disputed by the opposing parties. Proper documentation and experienced legal representation can help ensure the full extent of your losses is accurately presented throughout your claim.

Our Personal Injury Case Results

Our personal injury attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in settlements on behalf of local accident victims in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. Some of our personal injury case results include:

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs.

How long do you have to file a truck accident claim in San Jose?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, victims of truck accidents in San Jose are generally given two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. If this deadline is missed, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. When a government entity is involved in the accident, a much shorter deadline generally applies, requiring an administrative claim to be filed within six months.

These deadlines may be subject to exceptions depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. If you are unsure which deadline applies to your situation, consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney as early as possible can help ensure you meet the applicable legal requirements and avoid missing important deadlines.

Pitfall Alert: What can happen if evidence is not preserved soon enough after a truck accident?

Delays in gathering evidence can make it more difficult to prove liability, determine whether multiple parties contributed to the accident, and fully support the value of your claim. Physical evidence at the scene, vehicle damage, witness statements, skid marks, roadway debris, surveillance footage, and other important evidence can disappear or become more difficult to obtain as time passes.

Unlike ordinary car accidents, truck accident claims may also depend on commercial records such as driver logs, vehicle inspection reports, maintenance records, cargo documentation, and available electronic data that can help establish how the collision occurred. If you are unable to collect or preserve enough evidence because of your injuries or other circumstances, inform your attorney as soon as possible so they can take the appropriate steps to identify, request, and preserve important evidence before it becomes more difficult to obtain.

Why do you need a San Jose truck accident attorney?

Truck accident cases often involve legal and factual issues that can be difficult to handle without experienced legal guidance. While you are recovering from your injuries, undergoing medical treatment, and coping with the physical and emotional impact of the accident, you may also have to deal with insurance companies, legal deadlines, and proving liability against multiple parties.

You need a truck accident attorney to protect your rights because trucking companies and their insurers often begin investigating the accident immediately. They may pressure you into accepting a settlement that does not fully reflect your losses or use your statements and other information to dispute liability or minimize the value of your claim.

Opponent Playbook

While insurance companies offer security of compensation at a time like this, they are still businesses that have profit to earn and assets to protect, so they will look at every angle where they can possibly minimize payout. They do this by:

• Disputing liability or arguing that another party was responsible for the accident.
• Shifting part of the blame to you to reduce compensation under California’s pure comparative negligence rule.
• Questioning the severity of your injuries despite medical records and treatment.
• Offering an early settlement before the full extent of your injuries and long-term losses is known.
• Requesting extensive documentation or recorded statements that may later be used to challenge your claim.

Truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling these tactics and building claims that can withstand them. They do this by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation and collecting and preserving crucial evidence to support your claim.
• Properly establishing liability, including identifying all parties whose negligence contributed to the accident.
• Preparing every case with trial in mind, demonstrating to insurers that your legal team is ready to pursue litigation when necessary.
• Handling communications and negotiations with insurance companies so you can focus on your treatment and recovery.

What does a San Jose truck accident claim process look like?

Filing a truck accident claim is often a lengthy process involving extensive documentation, detailed investigations, negotiations with multiple insurance companies, and, in some cases, litigation. Because commercial trucks are often owned, operated, maintained, and insured by different parties, building a strong claim can take more time than a typical motor vehicle accident case.

1. Case evaluation: Your attorney will start by looking at what happened, who might be responsible, and what your damages are. They will help you decide the best way to move forward.
2. Case Building: Your attorney gathers police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs and videos, trucking company records, vehicle inspections, and other available evidence to establish liability and document the full extent of your losses.
3. Negotiation: Once your damages are clear and the evidence is ready, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance companies and others involved with the goal of reaching a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.
4. Settlement or litigation: If both parties reach a fair settlement agreement, the case is resolved without going to court. If not, your attorney may file a lawsuit and represent your interests before the Santa Clara County Superior Court or another court with proper jurisdiction, allowing a judge or jury to decide the outcome.

Truck accident claims often involve more evidence, more parties, and more legal issues than other motor vehicle accident cases. Having experienced legal representation throughout each stage of the process can help protect your rights while allowing you to focus on your recovery.

How to choose a truck accident lawyer in San Jose?

The truck accident lawyer you choose will be responsible for protecting your rights, representing your interests, and fighting for the compensation you deserve, including in court when necessary. That is why it is important to choose a lawyer with the experience, skills, and resources to handle the complexities of a truck accident case. To better evaluate whether a law firm is the right fit for your case, consider its experience, case results, work ethic, and reputation by asking questions such as:

How long has the firm been representing cases like yours in San Jose?

Experience handling truck accidents and other serious motor vehicle accident cases is important, especially in California where commercial vehicle claims can involve multiple parties, extensive investigations, and strict legal requirements. A lawyer familiar with these challenges and the legal processes in San Jose or Santa Clara County can better guide you through each stage of the claims process.

Our firm has been serving California communities for more than 50 years and has an office dedicated to representing injury victims in San Jose.

What are the results of the cases they handled?

Looking at past case results can show you how experienced a law firm is with serious truck accidents and injury claims. While every case is unique, a strong track record means the firm is committed to helping clients.

Since 1972, our firm has recovered more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for injured Californians.

What is the firm’s reputation?

A law firm’s reputation reflects how it has served its clients and how it is viewed within the legal community. Reading client reviews, testimonials, and learning about the firm’s awards and professional affiliations can help you better understand the quality of representation it provides.

Jacoby & Meyers has built its reputation by remaining committed to its founding mission of making experienced legal representation accessible to Californians for more than five decades.

Is the firm prepared to take your case to trial?

Although many truck accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations, some cases require litigation to pursue fair compensation. Choosing a law firm that prepares every case for trial can strengthen your position during negotiations and ensure your case is ready if court becomes necessary.

At Jacoby & Meyers, our attorneys prepare every truck accident case with trial in mind, allowing us to advocate for our clients through settlement negotiations or in court when needed.

Testimonials from Clients We Served

The trust we’ve earned comes from our firm’s consistent commitment to providing accessible, high-quality legal representation to injury victims. After more than five decades of serving Californians, that commitment continues to be reflected in the experiences and testimonials shared by our clients.

“Very happy and pleased to have contacted Jacoby & Meyers to handle my injury case. Yesica Ramirez is my case manager, thanks to her professionalism and genuine dedication everything has been a breeze and I feel at ease during this unexpected chapter. Thank you for your hard work and assuring me that my case is in great hands!” 

Juan Ramirez from Google Review

Read more client feedback on our page.

Disclaimer: Testimonials are voluntary statements from former clients. They are not intended to create expectations about outcomes and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results.

Our Case Success

The more than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements reflects only a portion of the results our firm has achieved for the thousands of clients who have trusted our advocacy since 1972. Every case represents our commitment to providing dedicated legal representation and pursuing the compensation our clients deserve.

• $19 Million — Rideshare Passenger vs. Auto Collision / Quadriplegic
• $17.5 Million — Bike vs. Truck / Paraplegic
• $11.9 Million — Wrongful Death vs. Truck / Paraplegic
• $6.5 Million —Rear-End Collision
• $1.85 Million — Bus vs. auto collision

Visit our case results page to learn more about the results our attorneys have achieved for injury victims throughout California.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; results are based on the specific facts of past cases.

Areas We Serve

Our San Jose truck accident attorneys proudly represent clients throughout San Jose and the surrounding communities, including major trucking corridors such as:

• Capitol Expressway
• Monterey Road
• Tully Road
• Berryessa
• North San Jose
• Milpitas
• Santa Clara

Our firm also has a total of 14 office locations serving injury victims across California. We have offices in:

• San Jose
• Orange County
• San Francisco
• San Diego
• San Bernardino
• Sacramento
• Ontario
• Oakland
• Los Angeles
• Long Beach
• Fresno 
• Escondido
• Brea
• Bakersfield

Wherever you are in California, Jacoby & Meyers’ attorneys are ready to provide the legal guidance and support you need after a serious truck accident.

San Jose Local Resources

Emergency Rooms

• Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Room – 2425 Samaritan Dr, San Jose, CA 95124
• Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center – 250 Hospital Pkwy, San Jose, CA 95119
• Regional Medical Center – 225 N Jackson Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
• Santa Clara Valley Medical Center – 761 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112

Urgent Care Centers

• Action Urgent Care (Meridian Ave.) – 1432 W San Carlos St #10, San Jose, CA 95126
• Action Urgent Care (Brokaw) – 1038 E Brokaw Rd #30, San Jose, CA 95131
• Action Urgent Care ( Blossom Hill Rd.) – 1375 Blossom Hill Rd #49, San Jose, CA 95118
• Carbon Health Urgent & Primary Care Campbell – 1760 S Bascom Ave Ste 140, Campbell, CA 95008
• Valley Health Center Downtown – 777 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112

Local Courthouses

• Superior Court of Santa Clara County – 191 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113
• Santa Clara County Civil Division – 191 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113
• Santa Clara County Courthouse – 1095 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the truck driver claimed they were blindsided?

Being accused of causing or contributing to the accident does not automatically prevent you from pursuing compensation. Truck drivers and their insurers may have a different account of how the collision occurred, but liability is determined by the available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photographs, surveillance footage, and other documentation. An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate the facts and challenge allegations that are not supported by the evidence.

What if my injuries worsened as the case is ongoing?

If your injuries worsen after filing your claim, your case may still take those additional damages into account. Ongoing medical treatment, updated medical records, and evaluations from your healthcare providers can help document how your condition has changed and how it affects your recovery, ability to work, and future medical needs. It is important to keep your attorney informed of any changes to your condition throughout the claims process.

Do I have to go to court to recover compensation?

Many truck accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and representing you throughout litigation to pursue the outcome your case deserves.

What evidence is important in a truck accident claim?

Evidence such as police reports, photographs, witness statements, medical records, truck driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, cargo documentation, and available dashcam or surveillance footage can all play an important role in establishing liability and proving the extent of your damages. Preserving this evidence as early as possible can strengthen your claim.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

At Jacoby & Meyers, we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees upfront. Our fees are only paid if we successfully recover compensation for your case through a settlement or verdict.

This arrangement allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about the cost of legal representation while your claim is ongoing.

Get Serious Representation for Serious Injuries

When a truck accident along San Jose’s major trucking routes or anywhere in the city leaves you with serious injuries, overwhelming financial burdens, and uncertainty about your future, you need a truck accident lawyer who will thoroughly evaluate the full extent of your losses and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us by phone, live chat, or through our online form to schedule your free consultation and let the San Jose truck accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers help you fight for fair compensation.

Attorney Review & Office Information

Attorney Review Disclosure
This content has been reviewed by California-licensed attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable California law. Legal services are provided by attorneys licensed to practice in the State of California.

Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – San Jose

Plaza West
3031 Tisch Way #110,
San Jose, CA 95128, United States
24/7 Hotline: (408) 341-6883

Other Cases We Take On

• Personal Injury
• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Delivery Accidents
• Uber / Lyft Accidents
• Wrongful Deaths
• Slip and Falls
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Dog Bite Cases