Truck Accident Attorneys in Fresno, California

At Nunes Law, Inc., our truck accident lawyers in Fresno provide customized legal representation for all our California clients who have suffered injuries in collisions with large semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles.

Our Fresno truck accident attorneys represent clients throughout Fresno County, Kings County, Kern County, Madera County, Merced County, and Tulare County and provide free consultations to answer your most pressing questions, so you can gain the confidence you need to pursue the financial compensation necessary to recover fully.

We understand each of our clients has unique challenges, medical requirements, and financial losses, and we provide the legal guidance they need to make informed decisions about the direction of their case to improve and empower their position against the insurance company.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Fresno, California?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported thousands of semi-crashes last year that caused over 116,000 injuries across the country, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said resulted in over 5,000 deaths, a nine percent increase from the previous year.

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Fresno Include the following:

• Truck driver negligence caused by speeding, drug or alcohol use, and aggressive, fatigued, or distracted drivers
• Trucking company negligence when hiring inexperienced truck drivers, failure to properly train them or conduct background checks, or forcing drivers to violate the Hours of Service Regulations to increase deliveries and their revenue
• Maintenance or manufacturing negligence that leads to tire blowouts, transmission malfunctions, brake failures, and damaged safety equipment
• Third-party cargo loaders or other companies/employees that violate weight limits or proper loading requirements

While most truck-related accidents involve 18-wheelers, they are not the only heavy vehicles that can cause severe injuries when negligence is a factor.

At Nunes Law, Inc., our truck accident attorney in Fresno, California also represents clients who have been injured in collisions with other large commercial vehicles.

Including:

• Corporate cars, trucks, and SUVs
• Delivery vehicles
• Buses
• Concrete trucks
• Dump trucks
• Box trucks
• Flatbed trucks
• Heavy equipment vehicles
• Trash trucks

If you have been hurt in a collision with a semi-truck or commercial vehicle, contact our experienced truck accident lawyers in Fresno, CA, today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you hold the negligent party responsible for your financial recovery.

What Are The Most Common Truck Accident Injuries in Fresno, California?

Because of the weight and size of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, occupants of much smaller passenger vehicles can suffer catastrophic injuries when a collision occurs.

Some of the most common truck accident injuries can include, but are not limited to:

• Broken or crushed bones
• Internal bleeding
• Seatbelt and airbag injuries
• Organ damage
• Rib and torso injuries
• Head injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal injuries and paralysis
• Loss of limbs
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Wrongful death

Suffering severe injuries in a collision with a commercial vehicle can change your life without notice and may require costly medical care and extended time away from work. When your collision was caused by a negligent truck driver, trucking company, another third party, or a combination of each, contact our Fresno truck accident lawyers to discuss your complete needs so that together we can pursue a fair and just settlement for your overall damages.

How Does Nunes Law, Inc. Help Fresno Truck Accident Injury Victims?

Our law firm’s founder and lead counsel, Frank Nunes, is a former attorney for a national insurance company, which gives us the knowledge and insight to know exactly how the negligent party’s insurance company will respond to our recovery demands.

Since 2007, our truck accident lawyers in Fresno, CA at Nunes Law, Inc. have used our intimate knowledge of how the insurance companies work to pursue the best outcome for each of our clients because we know first-hand they will do everything they can to delay, undervalue, or deny your injury claim. We will not allow the insurance company to impose standard practices on our clients.

We will fight for the financial recovery our clients require to get their lives back on track — never taking no for an answer.

What If I Have Lost A Loved One In A Semi-Truck Collision In Fresno, California?

The size and weight of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles can cause instant fatalities and even severe injuries that the individual cannot overcome the physical harm of their collision. Unfortunately, most of the deaths that occur during truck accidents in Fresno typically involve those who are outside of the truck.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that nearly 75% of those killed in large truck accidents annually are occupants of other vehicles, and another 10% of those fatalities are pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-vehicle occupants.

If your loved one was killed in a truck accident caused by negligence or succumbed to injuries caused by the collision, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim against the liable party.

Those who may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim in California include:

• Spouses
• Domestic partners
• Children
• Parents
• Siblings

Wrongful death claims can be extremely complex, especially if there is more than one party responsible for the collision, which can be overwhelming for someone who is grieving the loss of their loved one.

At Nunes Law, Inc., our Fresno wrongful death attorneys will review your case and provide the legal representation to confidently pursue the truck driver, trucking company, or another third party whose negligence caused the collision that took your loved one too soon.

We know that no amount of money can bring your loved one back. However, pursuing a financial settlement may give you the time you need to grieve fully so you do not have to endure the stress accompanying unpaid bills, funeral and burial expenses, and the future lost revenue and companionship taken from you.

What Do You Need to Know About Fresno Truck Accident Laws?

California has some of the most stringent laws regarding truck accidents, primarily because the state is home to a vast network of highways and commercial vehicles. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, understanding these laws can help you better your case and ensure you’re receiving the full compensation you deserve.

Negligence and Liability in Truck Accidents

California follows a comparative fault rule when determining liability in accidents. This means that if you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are deemed to be 20% responsible for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by 20%.

In cases involving commercial trucks, multiple parties may be held responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially even third parties responsible for vehicle maintenance or loading.

Federal Trucking Regulations

In addition to California state laws, trucking companies must also comply with federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle inspections, and other critical aspects of trucking operations. Violations of these regulations can be crucial in establishing negligence and liability in your truck accident case.

A skilled Fresno truck accident attorney will be well-versed in both state and federal laws and can use this knowledge to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case for your compensation.

What Do Truck Accident Statistics Reveal About Fresno and California?

Fresno County continues to experience high traffic injury and fatality totals, with 5,377 victims killed or injured in all crashes in 2023, one of the highest county totals in the state, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. This includes collisions involving all vehicle types on Fresno roadways, where commercial trucks contribute significantly to serious and fatal crashes.

Statewide, California reported 6,546 large truck‑involved crashes in 2025, which included about 96 fatal truck crashes and 6,450 non‑fatal crashes, reflecting the ongoing risk that truck traffic presents on Central Valley highways like Highway 99.

Additionally, regional analyses have found that the Central Valley, including Fresno, often sees a disproportionately high share of truck‑related fatalities despite having a smaller share of the state’s population, highlighting the danger that heavy commercial vehicles pose in the area.

What Are California’s Vehicle Weight Limits and Why Do They Matter?

In California, there are strict regulations governing truck weight limits to ensure road safety. The weight limits are in place to prevent accidents caused by overloaded trucks, which can lead to dangerous conditions on the highway, including tire blowouts, brake failures, and loss of control.

Weight Limits for Trucks

Under California Vehicle Code Section 35551, the maximum gross weight for a single truck is typically 40,000 pounds, while the weight for a combination of a truck and trailer (commonly known as a tractor-trailer) is limited to 80,000 pounds. These weight limits help ensure that trucks can safely use the state’s highways without damaging the roads or creating dangerous driving conditions.

Overweight Truck Accidents

When a truck is overloaded, it can make the vehicle unstable, increasing the risk of accidents. In such cases, the trucking company, driver, or other parties responsible for loading the truck may be held liable for any injuries or damages that result.

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an overweight truck, a Fresno truck accident attorney will investigate the vehicle’s weight and loading procedures to determine whether violations of California’s weight limits contributed to the crash.

What is the Typical Timeline of a Truck Accident Case and What Can Delay It?

Truck accident cases can be complex, and the timeline for resolving these claims can vary based on several factors. Below is a typical timeline for a truck accident case in Fresno:

• Initial Consultation and Investigation (1-2 Months): After the accident, you’ll meet with a Fresno truck accident lawyer who will review the details and gather evidence, such as police reports and witness statements.
• Filing the Claim (1-2 Months): Once the investigation is complete, your attorney will file the necessary paperwork to initiate the claim, either with the insurance company or through a lawsuit if negotiations fail.
• Discovery and Negotiation (3-6 Months): Both sides exchange evidence and conduct depositions. During this stage, settlement negotiations may occur.
• Trial (6 Months to 1 Year): If a settlement is not reached, your case may go to trial, which can take several months to prepare for and may last weeks in court.

What Can Make a Truck Accident Case Last Longer?

Several factors can impact the timeline of your Fresno truck accident attorney case, including:

• Complexity of the Case: Cases involving multiple parties or intricate liability issues can take longer to resolve.
• Injury Severity: If the injuries are severe, it may take longer to assess long-term medical needs and future care costs.
• Disputes Over Liability: If the defendant disputes liability or attempts to shift blame, this can prolong the process.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Fresno, California?

In California, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, as of June 2026. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in the loss of the right to seek compensation. It’s important to act quickly and consult with a Fresno truck accident attorney to ensure all steps are taken on time.

Some exceptions, such as claims against government entities or underinsured motorist coverage, may apply, so having an experienced attorney is crucial for guiding these details.

Federal FMCSA Hours of Service Violations in Truck Accident Cases

Many serious truck accidents in Fresno involve violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue, which is one of the leading causes of commercial truck crashes.

Under federal law, a property-carrying truck driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. This driving time must fall within a 14-hour on-duty window, which begins the moment the driver starts work. Once that 14-hour period expires, the driver is no longer legally allowed to continue driving, even if they have not used all 11 driving hours. Drivers are also required to take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. In addition, federal rules limit weekly driving to 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on the carrier’s schedule.

When trucking companies or drivers violate these limits, fatigue increases significantly, leading to slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and a higher risk of catastrophic collisions.

Why Are ELDs Important in Fresno, CA Truck Accident Cases?

Most commercial trucks are now required to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to automatically record driving time, rest breaks, and duty status. These systems replace traditional paper logbooks and are designed to prevent falsified or incomplete records.

In a truck accident case, ELD data is often one of the most important pieces of evidence. It can reveal:

• Whether the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit
• Whether required rest breaks were skipped or shortened
• If the driver violated the 14-hour duty window
• Patterns of repeated HOS violations by the carrier

ELD records can also be compared with GPS data, dispatch instructions, and delivery timelines to determine whether a trucking company pressured a driver to stay on the road illegally.

How Is Evidence Preserved After a Truck Accident in Fresno, CA?

Truck accident investigations require immediate action to preserve critical evidence before it is lost or overwritten. Key evidence includes:

• ELD and logbook data (which may be deleted or reset after a short retention period)
• Black box (ECM) data, showing speed, braking, throttle input, and crash force
• Maintenance and inspection records, which may reveal neglected safety issues
• Driver qualification files, including training, licensing, and violation history
• Dispatch records and communications, showing scheduling pressure or unsafe instructions

Attorneys often send a spoliation or preservation letter to ensure the trucking company is legally required to retain this evidence. Without quick legal action, crucial data may disappear, making it harder to prove negligence.

Why Do Trucking Regulations Matter in Fresno, CA?

In addition to federal FMCSA rules, trucking operations in Fresno must also comply with California-specific regulations enforced by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and state transportation authorities.

California law adds stricter oversight in several areas, including:

• Enforcement of FMCSA HOS rules for both interstate and intrastate carriers
• Vehicle safety inspections conducted by CHP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
• Weight restrictions on highways and local roads to prevent overloading
• Compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards
• Strict rules for hazardous material transportation and labeling

Because Fresno sits in a major freight corridor, CHP regularly conducts roadside inspections, weigh station checks, and compliance audits to identify unsafe trucking operations.

What Are Agricultural Trucking Risks in Fresno, CA, and the Central Valley?

Fresno is located in the heart of California’s agricultural region, where large volumes of farm-related trucking occur year-round. These agricultural trucks often operate under different scheduling pressures due to seasonal harvesting demands.

Common agricultural trucking activities include:

• Transporting fresh produce from farms to processing facilities and markets
• Hauling farming equipment and machinery between agricultural sites
• Seasonal bulk shipping during harvest periods, often under tight deadlines

While certain agricultural operations may qualify for limited exemptions under federal rules, drivers are still expected to operate safely. Fatigue, overloaded vehicles, and rushed delivery schedules in agricultural trucking significantly increase the risk of serious roadway accidents, especially on rural highways and intersections around Fresno.

Why These Violations Matter in a Truck Accident Claim

When a truck driver or company violates FMCSA rules, ignores ELD compliance requirements, or fails to maintain safety records, it can be strong evidence of negligence. These violations often help establish that the crash was preventable and caused by unsafe corporate practices rather than unavoidable circumstances.

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Fresno At Nunes Law, Inc. Today To Schedule A Free Consultation

If you have been hurt in a truck accident or have tragically lost a loved one to negligence, with our No Win, No Fee guarantee, you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact our experienced truck accident attorneys in Fresno, CA, today by calling (559) 436-0850 or contacting us online to schedule a free consultation.

Truck Accident Resources:

• Jackknife Truck Accidents
• Big Rig Accident
• 18-Wheeler Accident
• Fatal Truck Accident
• T-bone Truck Accident

Why Choose Us?

Aggressive Representation

We’ll Call You Back

We Will Go to Trial

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Frequently Asked Questions for Truck Accidents Attorney in Fresno, California