West Covina Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney In West Covina, CA

Living in West Covina, California, means you are no stranger to the 18-wheelers traveling through the San Gabriel Valley along Interstate 10. These large vehicles are crucial to the economy of both our state and the nation, but they can pose an extreme risk to other vehicles on the roadways. If you have been injured in a trucking accident in West Covina, you are likely suffering from severe injuries. A West Covina truck accident lawyer is here to help.

At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation, our West Covina personal injury attorneys are here for you, ready to fight and ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Due to their sheer size and weight, these trucks can cause victims to suffer serious injuries and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, let our team fight for your right to compensation while you focus on your recovery.

Common Kinds of Truck Accidents That Occur in West Covina

In 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes across the United States. There are several different shapes these accidents can take, and thanks to West Covina’s proximity to Los Angeles, many of them occur in our area. The type of accident you suffer can shed light on the liable party responsible for your damages. The most common kinds of truck accidents that occur in West Covina include the following:

Rollover Accidents

These accidents occur when cargo inside a truck suddenly shifts, sharp braking must occur, tight turns are required, or the truck has suffered a heavy impact that causes it to roll over. In these instances, trucks typically roll over onto their sides or roofs, and they can damage other vehicles or cause obstacles in the roadway. These are typically severe accidents that can involve multiple vehicles, catastrophic injuries, and even death.

Jackknife Accidents

When the cab and trailer of a large commercial truck pivot at an angle and then crash into one another, they typically create a shape resembling a jackknife. These accidents often occur because the truck driver has lost control of their vehicle, typically due to having to brake suddenly or when dealing with poor road conditions. The truck will slam into other vehicles around it, causing severe accidents and injuries.

Lost Load Accidents

When a large commercial truck is improperly loaded or the cargo has not been properly secured, spillage or trailer detachment can occur. This leads to dangerous roadway conditions and causes other drivers to suffer severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.

Underride or Override Accidents

When a passenger vehicle gets stuck beneath the trailer of a truck or the cab of a truck, this is considered an underride or override accident. In many situations, these accidents involve some kind of front-end or rear-end collision due to heavy traffic.

Lane Changing Accidents.

Commercial trucks have large blind spots, meaning that for some drivers, it is difficult to see you in their rearview mirrors. This can make lane changing extremely dangerous. If you are not able to see the driver in their rearview mirror, they are most likely not able to see you.

California Large Truck Crash Statistics

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains detailed statistics on large truck (commercial motor vehicle) crashes in California:

• As of June 6, 2025, their Crash Query Tool provides interactive dashboards showing crash rates, fatality rates (per 100 million vehicle miles traveled), and breakdowns by truck weight, roadway type, and more NHTSA+10ai.fmcsa.dot.gov+10fmcsa.dot.gov+10.

• For example, in 2020 across the U.S., 4,998 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes. While this is nationwide, FMCSA’s tool can be filtered to show California-specific metrics fmcsa.dot.gov.

You can access detailed breakdowns—such as fatal vs. injury vs. property-damage crashes—for California, including by urban/rural areas, light conditions, age groups, and more, by selecting “State Level CMV Report” in the FMCSA Crash Statistics tool

Top Causes of West Covina 18-Wheeler Accidents

Truck accidents in West Covina can happen for a wide range of reasons. No matter how the accident occurred, however, you maintain the right to seek financial compensation for the injuries and property damage you have suffered from the liable party. The top causes of West Covina truck accidents include the following:

• Driver fatigue. One of the most common reasons for trucking accidents in West Covina is driver fatigue. Truck drivers must stick to strict and rigorous schedules. They can often grow tired, especially if they are not afforded the necessary breaks.
• Driving while intoxicated. In California, it is illegal to operate a large commercial truck while holding a BAC, or blood alcohol content level, of 0.04% or higher. Not only is this practice illegal, but it can also lead to an increased risk of car accidents.
• Distracted driving. When a truck driver operates their vehicle while distracted through behaviors like texting, eating, drinking, or interacting with radio or temperature controls, this can cause them to take their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road, which can lead to accidents.

FAQs About West Covina Truck Accidents

Q: What Compensation Can I Get for a Truck Accident in West Covina, CA?

A: Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries suffered in a truck accident, there are several forms of compensation you may be entitled to receive. These forms of compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, the loss of any future earning ability, pain and suffering damages, the loss of quality of life, punitive damages, and wrongful death damages.

Q: What Injuries Happen in a Truck Accident?

A: There are several kinds of injuries that can occur in a truck accident in West Covina, California. The most common kinds of injuries include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
• Road rash
• Severe burns
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Damage to the spinal cord
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Whiplash
• Internal bleeding
• Damage to the internal organs
• Nerve damage

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident in California?

A: In California, there is a strict deadline placed on all personal injury accidents and their claims, including those following a truck accident. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations, and it currently stands at two years starting on the date of your injury. This means you have exactly two years from the date of your injury to file an injury claim. Otherwise, you may lose out on your chances to recover damages.

Q. Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault for a Truck Accident In California?

A: If you were partially at fault for a recent truck accident in West Covina, CA, you may still be able to recover compensation thanks to California’s comparative negligence rule. Here’s what you need to know:

California Is a Pure Comparative Negligence State

Under this rule, each party is assigned a percentage of fault, and your compensation is reduced by your share of responsibility.
Example: If a court finds that your damages total $100,000, but you were 30% at fault, you could still recover $70,000 (i.e., 100k – 30%).

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer After a Truck Accident in California?

A: After suffering a truck accident in California, it is vital that you seek the assistance of an attorney. Your attorney can review the details of your case, help uncover the evidence necessary to support your claim, determine the cause of the accident, identify the liable party or parties, enter into negotiations with the involved parties in order to seek a fair and reasonable settlement, or bring your case to trial in order to receive compensation.

Speak to a Trusted West Covina Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries and property damage in a West Covina truck accident, the attorneys at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation, are here to help. Contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our legal services. Remember, you do not have to face this alone.

West Covina, CA Truck Accident Resources

• The Differences Between Truck Accidents and Car Accidents
• How Do I Know Who to File a Claim Against in a Truck Accident in California
• Who Is Liable For Truck Accidents In California?

Client Testimonials

About West Covina, CA

West Covina, CA is a vibrant city in Los Angeles County, about 19 miles east of Downtown L.A., with a population of approximately 109,500. Known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, quality schools, and retail hubs like Plaza West Covina, the city blends suburban charm with urban convenience. It’s part of the dynamic San Gabriel Valley and enjoys access to major freeways including I-10 and SR-60.

New California Law – AB 316 (effective Jan 1, 2025)

• Heavy-duty trucks (GVW > 10,001 lb) cannot operate autonomously on public roads without a human safety operator physically present, who must be trained and licensed. Manufacturers also must report collisions and disengagements to the DMV.

Court Case Alert
In March 2025, California’s Court of Appeal in Lorenzo v. Calex Engineering, Inc. expanded legal duties for developers after a fatal pedestrian death involving a dump truck. Though the incident didn’t occur in West Covina, the ruling strengthens liability standards across the state—including here, signaling broader safety trends for construction and trucking operations.