What to Do After Being Rear-Ended by a Truck
Imagine you’re traveling along the 10, 91, or 101 freeways in the middle of the usual traffic, when suddenly you’re forced to come to a stop due to the car in front of you. You feel the abrupt and forceful impact of a collision behind you, forcing you to collide with the car in front.
The sheer force of the impact leaves you with serious back pain and an inability to move your left arm. Then, you see the massive truck that’s struck your smaller vehicle idling in the back and realize that you weren’t rear-ended by any small car after all.
BD&J rear-end truck accident attorneys discuss the next steps after a being rear-ended by a truck, and where responsibility may lie.
BD&J truck accident lawyers in California are here to help after an accident.
Rear-Ending Accidents Are Common in California
Rear-end accidents as a whole are pretty common in California. These accidents typically happen due to:
- Distracted driving, such as eating, texting, or changing the music while on the road
- Reckless driving, including failing to yield, speeding, or tailgating other vehicles
- Impaired driving, which is the illegal operation of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor road conditions, like a flawed road design, lack of road signage signaling curves or similar, or even the presence of neglected potholes
Truck rear-accidents often happen for all of these reasons and more, such as a speeding truck driver eager to make a deadline or complete the trip due to fatigue, a distracted truck driver who is checking their GPS, or a truck driver who is tailgating or even brake-checking another driver for following too closely.
By the Numbers
According to national data published in 2025 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), rear impact is the 2nd most frequent location for fatal accidents involving large trucks, coming only after frontal impact.
In California, large trucks travel to commercial areas like Los Angeles, San Jose, Long Beach, and more. So far in 2026, the state has seen over 2,200 van and box trucks involved in crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities.
Key Steps to Take After Being Rear-Ended by a Large Truck
Rear-ending or being rear-ended by a large commercial truck can lead to anxiety, fear, and other high emotions. However, keeping your head and doing the following is key to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and the ability to present a claim.
- Move to Safety
Right after the impact, it may be second nature to stay frozen or try to comprehend what just happened. But it’s crucial you find a safe spot on the road and away from traffic, such as a shoulder or curb.
- Report the Accident
Call 911 immediately to report the accident and get a police response and medical attention. This can also help you get a police report to use as evidence in your personal injury claim.
- Check Yourself and Passengers for Injuries
Severe injuries may be visible, so check yourself and your passengers for any physical signs of injuries, including bleeding, swelling, visible deformity or misalignment of limbs, and even loss of consciousness.
- Gather Scene Evidence
Take photos and videos of the environment, vehicles involved (with damage close-ups), and any of your visible injuries. Talk to any other drivers or bystanders who saw the accident unfold and ask for their names and contact information just in case.
- Get the Driver and Vehicle Information
Gather all information about the driver and truck involved, including the driver’s license information, truck logo and license plate, the truck’s DOT (Department of Transportation) number, and employer information.
- Talk with a Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer
Do not wait to sit down and talk with a rear-end truck accident lawyer in California as soon as you can. An attorney can review your case, present it in the proper jurisdiction, help with evidence collection, negotiate using specialized tactics, and more.
Are Truck Rear-End Accidents More Dangerous Than Regular Car Rear-End Accidents?
Absolutely, and for a few different reasons:
- Weight, because commercial trucks can end up weighing 80,000 lbs., leading to a greater impact on small passenger vehicles which average a weight of 4,000 lbs.
- Cargo, which can impact other motorists and for large trucks may often include hazardous materials like flammable liquids, oxidizing substances, corrosives, etc.
- Underride accident risks, which can lead to serious and catastrophic injuries for drivers who are behind a large truck with a higher height frame.
- Crash force, since large trucks require larger stopping distances and may not be able to in the event of having to suddenly brake, which inflicts smaller cars with a greater crash force.
Who is Responsible if a Truck Rear-Ended Me?
There may be a few parties responsible depending on the circumstances of your accident, including:
- A truck maintenance crew
- A truck parts manufacturer
How To Prove Fault After a Rear-End Truck Accident
Proving fault in a truck accident is the basis of any claim. Do the following steps to help support your case:
- Avoid apologizing after the accident. – Avoid saying phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I had to come to a stop too fast” because these phrases may often be seen as admissions of guilt or help to minimize liability on a truck driver.
- Collect all evidence. – Collect all available evidence at the time of the accident, including photos and videos of the accident, vehicles, and scene, as well as witness contact information and truck and driver information.
- Don’t skip going to the hospital. – While you may be tempted to delay or just not go to the hospital at all, this can harm your potential accident claim and minimize the extent of your injuries.
- Schedule your free consultation with a lawyer. – Scheduling a free consultation with a California truck accident injury lawyer can bring you closer to successfully presenting a claim for justice after an unexpected accident.
Where Do Rear-End Accidents Happen the Most?
While data doesn’t specify the type of accident, common trends in truck accidents show higher numbers in:
- Interstate highways and major roads
- Between 6 pm and 3 am, with the most fatalities happening around noon
- Mondays and Wednesdays (IIHS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I At Fault if I Rear-Ended a Truck?
While the driver that rear-ends another vehicle is usually the one who is found responsible for an accident, there are instances where the other driver is held liable.
For example, a truck driver who brakes suddenly, reverses into your vehicle, or a truck that has malfunctioned brake lights that have been neglected could place responsibility on another party.
What Are Underride Accidents?
Underride accidents are critical accidents that occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the side or rear of a truck. These accident types often parallel rear-end truck accidents and lead to serious injuries.
Are Truck Accident Cases Hard to Win?
Truck accident cases can be much more complex than a standard personal injury case, because there are often more complications with liability, insurance policies, and the severity of injuries.
However, this doesn’t mean truck accident claims are impossible to win. With the help of a truck accident attorney and strong evidence, you can successfully bring forth a claim and fight for compensation.
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Some of the things that you should look for when choosing a truck accident attorney in California can include successful case results, whether a firm offers free consultations to talk with an attorney, more about the attorney’s background and similar cases represented, and their communication skills.
Should I Speak to an Attorney Before or After Speaking with Insurance?
You are not obligated at all to speak to an insurance company before speaking with an attorney. An attorney can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, so your recorded statements aren’t used against you in your claim.
How Long Will My Rear-End Truck Accident Case Take to Resolve?
Some truck accident claims may take months to resolve, while more complex ones can take up to a year or more.
Should I Just Accept the First Settlement Offer?
No, because insurance companies will typically always send initial lowball offers that aren’t even close to what may be the actual value of your case.
Also, keep in mind that these offers are made during the healing process for your injuries, so Maximum Medical Improvement and future care needs aren’t taken into consideration.
What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the peak stage in the recovery process where an injury has reached maximum healing, and no further treatment will improve it. This is also the stage where a medical provider will assign a disability rating and give a patient a lifelong prognosis on further treatments an injury may need.
How Can I Win a Rear-End Collision Case?
While there’s never any guarantee on winning a personal injury claim, a strong case establishes liability, provides strong evidence to support both liability and your damages, has no instances of you admitting to any kind of fault or wrongdoing in the accident, and includes you working with a committed accident attorney who has sharp negotiation skills.
Does BD&J Offer Free Consultations?
Yes! You can schedule a free consultation with one of BD&J’s expert attorneys by calling 855-906-3699 or completing our online form.
Will BD&J Work with Me Even if I Was Partially at Fault for My Accident?
Definitely. BD&J attorneys know that California recognizes comparative negligence, which means that injured victims who were found to have partial fault for their accidents can still recover reduced compensation for their damages.
A Law Firm Dedicated to Fighting Against Big Truck Companies and Their Insurance
You’re fighting a battle to heal, so let BD&J fight the legal battle for you to hold responsible parties accountable for a rear-end truck accident.
Contact the BD&J law firm now to book your free consultation!