Hiring a Lawyer After a Truck Accident: Is Raffi Naljian Right for You?
Truck accidents often involve more complexity than typical car crashes. Raffi Naljian handles commercial vehicle accident cases and can explain the unique challenges these claims present. From federal trucking regulations to multiple liable parties, having an attorney familiar with these issues can be important. This page helps you evaluate whether professional legal representation is needed for your truck accident claim.
Injured in a truck accident?
Raffi Naljian
Lead Personal Injury Attorney
With 15+ years of experience, Raffi Naljian has recovered millions for accident victims across California. Known for aggressive negotiation and compassionate client care.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
Truck accident cases differ from standard auto accidents in important ways. They may involve commercial insurance policies, federal safety regulations, and multiple potentially liable parties (driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, cargo loader). When searching for the "best truck accident lawyer," consider that expertise with commercial vehicle regulations matters. Raffi Naljian has experience with these complex cases in California. Schedule consultations with attorneys who specifically handle truck accidents to find the right match. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
What to Do Next
- 1Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention
- 2Document the truck's company name, DOT number, and license plates
- 3Take photos of the truck, damage, skid marks, and road conditions
- 4Get contact information from witnesses
- 5Request a copy of the police report
- 6Preserve all evidence and do not repair your vehicle yet
- 7Consult with a truck accident attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters
📋Evidence Checklist
- Truck driver's logbooks and hours of service records
- Trucking company safety records
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Black box/event data recorder information
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Driver's qualification file and training records
- Cargo loading documentation
- Photos of the accident scene and all vehicles
Questions about trucking company liability?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not preserving evidence quickly (trucking companies may dispose of records)
- Failing to identify all potentially liable parties
- Accepting quick settlement offers from commercial insurers
- Not requesting preservation of electronic data
- Underestimating the severity of injuries in the days following the crash
- Speaking to trucking company representatives without legal counsel
- Missing important filing deadlines
How the Process Typically Works
Emergency Response
Immediate medical care and accident documentation
Evidence Preservation
Attorney sends spoliation letters to preserve trucking records
Investigation
Review of federal compliance, driver records, and company practices
Expert Analysis
Accident reconstruction and industry expert consultation as needed
Demand and Negotiation
Presentation of case to insurers and settlement discussions
Litigation
Filing lawsuit if fair settlement cannot be reached
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Extensive medical treatment costs
- •Long-term rehabilitation expenses
- •Lost income and future earning capacity
- •Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- •Permanent disability or disfigurement
- •Loss of consortium for family members
- •Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are truck accident cases more complex?
Truck accidents involve federal regulations (FMCSA rules), multiple potential defendants, larger insurance policies, and specialized evidence like ELD data. The injuries also tend to be more severe due to the size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.
Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
Potentially liable parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loading company, maintenance provider, truck manufacturer, or others depending on the circumstances. An investigation helps identify all responsible parties.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?
California's statute of limitations is generally two years for personal injury claims. However, certain circumstances may alter this timeline, and evidence can be lost quickly, so prompt consultation is advisable.
Does Raffi Naljian handle all truck accident cases?
Raffi Naljian handles various commercial vehicle accident cases. During your consultation, discuss your specific situation to determine if his experience aligns with your case needs.
What if the trucking company's insurance contacts me?
It's generally wise to avoid providing recorded statements or signing documents from the trucking company's insurer without legal review. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and early statements can impact your claim.
Are truck accident settlements larger than car accident settlements?
Settlement amounts depend on the specific facts of each case—injuries, liability, insurance coverage, and other factors. Truck accidents often involve more severe injuries and higher policy limits, but every case is different.
Learn about your options after a commercial vehicle crash.
Related Resources
Free Consultation
Speak with Raffi Naljian about your case
Free Case Review
Share the basics first, then we’ll tailor the next step around your injuries, insurance pressure, and how fast you need help.
What happens next
Tell us the case basics.
Add the details that shape urgency.
We reach out with the next best step.
Urgent cases can be triaged faster by phone. If an insurer is already pressuring you, call now and then finish the form.
Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.