Top Rated Bakersfield Truck Accident Attorneys
Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer
Find out why we are one of the best truck accident law firms in Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents can result in devastating consequences. This includes serious injuries, a lot of damage, and even death. Such accidents happen due to negligence, and if you were a victim of one, you can take legal action. Our Bakersfield truck accident lawyers are located at 1701 Westwind Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93301 and are here 24/7 to help you seek compensation and justice.
For 30+ years, we have defended clients like you in truck accident claims. Goldberg & Loren understand the difficulties you must be facing, and we will help and support you through it.
Let us begin today, as we are open now. Call (661) 669-8224 and book a free consultation with our Bakersfield truck accident attorneys.
In 2023, around 392 deaths occurred in California due to truck accidents. [1]
Goldberg & Loren Truck Accident Lawyers
Fight for Maximum Compensation!
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Samuel Pope is our experienced automobile accident attorney for Bakersfield cases. His experience in truck accidents puts him heads and shoulders above others. Book a consultation with Sam to go over your legal options.
Our Verdicts and Settlements
Settlement
In a rear-end collision on Ming Avenue, a semi-truck failed to stop at a red light, injuring two occupants of a sedan.
April 2025
Settlement
A jackknifed tractor-trailer on Rosedale Highway caused a multi-vehicle pileup during heavy fog.
July 2025
Settlement
A delivery truck swerved into oncoming traffic, colliding with our client's minivan.
October 2025
Important Truck Laws in Bakersfield
Truck drivers, commercial truck owners, and freight companies must follow a set of rules. These rules regulate the basics, such as speed and weight limits. Violation of these laws can result in penalties to the truck company and anyone else involved.
That being said, the most important truck laws in Bakersfield include the following:
Hours of Service for Commercial Drivers: Federal laws require truck drivers to be off-duty for 10 hours in a 24-hour period. Therefore, no driver should work 14 hours or more in a day. This is to prevent fatigue and limit driving hours. FMCSA HOS (Hours of Service)
Truck and Bus Regulation: This law regulates diesel trucks over 14,000 pounds GVWR to comply with the emission standards. According to this state code, all diesel engine trucks must use 2010 or newer engines. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 2025+
Trucks Human Oversight: If autonomous trucks are in the service of a company, then a human driver must be physically present in the heavy-duty truck. This applies to all vehicles over 10,001 pounds. Assembly Bill 316 (AB 316)
Truck Speed Limit: Trucks with three more axles are required to stay within the maximum speed of 55 mph on most highways. Specific cities can provide their own limits on roads, intersections, etc. California Vehicle Code Section 22406
Vehicle Size and Weight Limits: The maximum allowable weight for a commercial vehicle is 80,000 pounds, and the length should not exceed 65 feet. Violation of this rule can lead to penalties. California Vehicle Code Sections 35551
What Types of Trucks Are Common in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield is the 5th largest city in California in terms of land area, and the 9th largest in terms of population. Thus, this city requires various types of commercial truck services for deliveries, garbage disposal, and other services.
This means the most common types of trucks in the city include the following:
- Box Truck
- Dump Truck
- Flatbed Truck
- Pickup Truck
- Service Truck
- Stake Bed Truck
- Utility/Mechanics Truck
- Waste Management & Garbage Trucks
Running into an accident with any sort of truck can prove to be devastating. If you or a loved one was involved in one, our truck accident law firm is here to help you.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Bakersfield
Truck accidents vary widely in type and severity. These collisions with cars or other vehicles can take various shapes, such as head-on collisions or a jackknife accident. Understanding the specific type of accident can be key in legal proceedings, as it can assist in establishing facts about the case.
The most common types of truck accidents in Bakersfield are:
Head-On Collisions: One of the most common types of accidents, a head-on collision with a truck can result in devastating results. As the name suggests, this occurs when a vehicle, or another truck, crashes into the truck headfirst.
Jackknife Accidents: This is a common accident involving trucks and cars. It happens when trucks have to brake suddenly, and the trailer swings out at an acute angle, which can collide with the oncoming traffic. This creates the shape of a pocket knife, and that is why it is called a jackknife accident.
Rear-End Collisions: This happens when a truck hits the back of another vehicle or vice versa. This is often due to blind spots caused by the truck’s size and height. In either case, the consequences for the other vehicle involved can be serious.
Rollover Accidents: This happens when a truck tips over to its side or roof after slipping or colliding with another vehicle/object. These accidents usually occur due to high speeds, sharp turns, improper loading, or sudden evasive actions.
T-Bone Accidents: These accidents happen when a truck collides with another vehicle’s side, creating a “T” shape. These are also called side-impact accidents, and they are most common at intersections.
Underride Accidents: These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a truck. These usually happen due to sudden stops or truck drivers turning negligently.
All of these accidents can prove to be fatal or seriously injure the victim. If you were involved in a similar accident, you have the right to pursue legal action. Let our Bakersfield truck accident lawyers examine your case, and we will guide you through the next step of your legal action.
What Kind of Injuries Are Common In Bakersfield Truck Accidents?
The sheer size and mass of a truck can make a collision with it devastating. That is why truck accidents usually result in serious injuries. The injuries that you sustained in a truck collision also determine the compensation you might be entitled to.
In June 2025, a truck accident on highway 58 led to multi-vehicle collision, which resulted in one fatality and 2 serious injuries. [2]
In the truck accident cases that we have handled; we found the following to be the most common injury types:
- Amputations
- Burns and Scarring
- Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Lacerations and Contusions
- Neck Injuries
- PTSD Injuries
- Shoulder Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
If you have suffered similar injuries, then you are entitled to pursue compensation. Our personal injury lawyers will pursue this compensation to cover the losses you sustained because of the injuries. Rest assured that our truck accident attorneys will fight hard for you.
Types of Compensation Available for Truck Collision Victims in Bakersfield
Suffering in a truck collision may entitle you to various types of compensation. This compensation aims to cover not only the financial losses, but the non-economic ones as well. Therefore, you may be entitled to various economic and non-economic compensation types.
This compensation may include the following:
Economic Compensation:
- Cost of past, current, and future medical expenses
- Cost of rehab or therapy (if applicable)
- Funeral or burial expenses (if the truck accident led to wrongful death)
- Loss of wages or impact on the ability to work
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic Compensation:
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
Goldberg & Loren have fought countless truck accident claims, and we know the sort of losses they can bring. Our priority will be to recover your losses, and our truck accident lawyers will pursue maximum compensation.
Table of Contents
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Bakersfield Truck Accident Attorney
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Our Verdicts and Settlements
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Important Truck Laws in Bakersfield
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What Types of Trucks Are Common in Bakersfield?
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Common Types of Truck Accidents in Bakersfield
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What Kind of Injuries Are Common In Bakersfield Truck Accidents?
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Types of Compensation Available for Truck Collision Victims in Bakersfield
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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Bakersfield?
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How to Prove Liability in A Truck Accident in Bakersfield
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What To Do After A Truck Accident in Bakersfield?
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Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Claim in California
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Get A FREE Consultation From Our Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyers
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Bakersfield Resources for Truck Accidents
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FAQs
Bakersfield Practice Areas
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Bakersfield?
Various types of parties can be liable in a truck accident claim, depending on the cause, accident type, and other key factors. In most truck accident claims, the truck driver can be liable, but indirect liability can fall upon various other parties as well.
This usually includes the following:
Cargo Loader: This is the party responsible for properly loading the cargo and ensuring that it is secure. If the negligence from the cargo loader’s end contributes to the accident, then they can be liable for any injuries or accidents.
Truck Driver: This is usually the primary liable party in most cases, as negligence of truck drivers is the primary cause of such accidents. This applies if the driver was speeding, distracted, or violating traffic laws. However, if the truck driver was fatigued or overworked, then the commercial company will be liable.
Truck Manufacturer: This is rare, but the truck manufacturer can be liable if they produced defective parts. This applies if any sort of mechanical errors or design flaws result in a truck accident.
Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): The trucking company (owners of the truck) can be liable under vicarious liability. This applies whether the driver was negligent, or if the company was negligent in hiring, or pressuring drivers to overwork.
Vehicle Maintenance Company: Most truck companies hire third-party maintenance providers and mechanics. When they fail to do their job properly, it may lead to accidents and make the maintenance company liable.
Determining liability requires understanding the cause of the accident. Our capable Bakersfield truck accident attorneys thoroughly examine each case and analyze the cause. This helps us determine the party liable for the truck accident.
How to Prove Liability in A Truck Accident in Bakersfield
Proving negligence in a truck accident claim requires proof. This includes dashcam or traffic cam footage of the accident and photos of the accident scene. Other than this, witness statements, expert testimonies, medical records, and accident reports are also important.
Once our Bakersfield truck accident lawyers have the necessary evidence, here is how we prove negligence:
Duty of Care: The first thing we will do is establish the duty of care owed to you by the truck driver. This will include demonstrating standards expected of them, such as speed limits, size and weight limits, behavior on the road, etc.
Breach of Duty: We will demonstrate that the driver breached their duty of care. Whether the truck driver was negligent, drunk, or distracted when the accident happened, we will show that they breached the standards of care that are expected from them.
Causation: We will show that the injuries you suffered were due to the truck accident. Thus, you would not have been injured, were it not for the negligence of the truck driver. This will establish the link between the injuries and the accident.
Damages: This will require us to show the economic and non-economic damages that you suffered due to the accident. It is a key step in claiming compensation and demonstrating the responsible party’s liability in your cases.
What To Do After A Truck Accident in Bakersfield?
You should ensure getting medical attention for your injuries first. After that, you should begin documenting your case and gathering key evidence to pursue legal action against the responsible party.
Therefore, here are the actions you should take after a truck accident:
- Ensure Safety and Call 911: After an accident, ensure your safety and move away from the moving traffic to a safe spot. Then call 911 and seek the police and paramedics on scene, especially if you or someone is injured.
- Get Medical Attention: Seek prompt medical attention for any injuries that you have suffered. Even if you are not visibly injured, you must get medical attention. This medical report will be key in proving your injury claim.
- Gather Evidence: Gather key evidence at the scene. Take photos of the accident scene, damage, injuries, etc. Also, exchange information with the involved driver(s). Gather witness contact information if you can. After the accident, gather medical records and the police report as well.
- Document the Case: Begin documenting your case right away. This includes documenting the injuries you sustained, their impact on your life, symptoms, and treatment. Also, keep track of expenses for treatment and losses due to the injury.
- Talk to Our Truck Accident Law Firm: Speak to our Bakersfield truck accident attorneys as soon as you can. We will handle the legal claim for you. This includes building the case, filing your lawsuit, and pursuing maximum compensation.
Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Claim in California
Taking prompt legal action is necessary, as the longer you delay it, the more chances there are that you will go past the time limit. This time limit is called the Statute of Limitations, which gives you a specific time to file a legal claim.
In California, the stipulation to file a claim is two years. This means you will have to file a truck accident claim within two years from the day of the accident or discovery of injury. CCP 335.1.
If the truck accident resulted in a fatality, then the family of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. In this case, the time limit will be two years from the day of the person’s death. CCP 377.60
Get A FREE Consultation From Our Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyers
The aftermath of a truck accident can leave you with serious injuries and a variety of challenges. The losses and trauma from a truck collision can be overwhelming. However, you are not alone, as you have our local Bakersfield truck accident attorneys by your side.
Here is what we will do for you:
- Analyze your case and establish facts
- Complete investigation of your case to gather evidence
- Communicate and interview witnesses to strengthen your case
- File a lawsuit and push for maximum compensation
- Handle communication with insurance and involved parties
- Negotiate a fair settlement, or take the case to trial
- Provide compassionate support throughout the case
- Take no pay until the case is won
We are here and ready to discuss the details in person or via online appointments. Call (661) 669-8224 now and book a free consultation with our Bakersfield truck accident lawyers.
Goldberg & Loren
1701 Westwind Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 669-8224
Bakersfield Resources for Truck Accidents
Hospitals & Emergency Rooms:
Kern Medical – Emergency Room (Level II Trauma Center)
Phone: (661) 326-2000
Address: 1700 Mount Vernon Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93306
Adventist Health Bakersfield Emergency Room
Phone: (661) 395-3000
Address: 2615 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Repair Shops:
Bakersfield Mobile Auto Repair and Dba. Jesse Mobile Auto Repair
Phone: (661) 241-8581
Address: 326 21st St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
*Note: We do not endorse these hospitals or medical facilities. These are suggestions made by our clients in Bakersfield.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Start by ensuring your safety and getting medical attention. Follow it up by gathering key evidence to back up your claim. Then, speak to a truck accident attorney to take legal action and get compensation for your injuries and damages.
You should keep a detailed personal diary of the accident, including date, time, movement, road conditions, and potential negligence. Document the losses that you suffered due to the accident and injuries. Also, secure key evidence to back up your claim.
The most important evidence in a truck accident claim includes photos or videos (traffic cams/dashcams), witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Witness statements and expert testimonies can also be important in such cases.
Report the incident to the insurance company and provide all the necessary details and documents. However, you should avoid giving any statements or agreeing to any settlement offers without talking to an attorney first.
The first thing you should avoid is posting on social media or discussing your case with the involved parties. Do not accept settlement offers without having your lawyer present during negotiations. Also, never sign any documents that you do not fully understand.
Sources:
[1] The states with the highest percentage of large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2023. (2024). National Safety Council. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/
[2] Staff, B. (2025, June 27). One dead, two hospitalized after multi-vehicle crash on Highway 58, roads closed. KBAK. https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/hwy-58-closed-following-deadly-crash-near-greeley-road
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