Injured in an Accident with a Semi-Truck in the Central Valley?

Mon Jul 28 2025 Jan Nelson 0 Comments

Here's what to do.

Accidents involving semi-trucks and commercial vehicles can be catastrophic—especially on the busy highways and rural roads of Tulare County, Kings County, and the broader San Joaquin Valley. With the sheer size and weight of big rigs, these crashes often result in serious injuries, extensive property damage, and complex legal claims.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident in Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, Hanford, or any town across California’s Central Valley, you need experienced legal representation. At Nelson, Rozier, and Christenson Law (NRC Law), we fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.

Step 1: Call 911 and Get Medical Attention Immediately

If you’ve been in an accident involving a large truck or tractor-trailer, your first priority is safety.

Call 911 right away—even if injuries seem minor.

Whether you're near Farmersville, Exeter, or Dinuba, emergency responders can assess injuries and begin medical treatment. Truck collisions often cause delayed injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury, so it’s vital to get evaluated and follow up with care.

Step 2: Stay at the Scene and Document Everything

Stay at the scene unless you are medically transported. Then begin gathering evidence if it’s safe:

Take photos of the truck, your vehicle, license plates, skid marks, and the surrounding area.
Get the truck driver’s information—including the company name, insurance details, license number, and any identifying numbers on the truck.
Collect contact information from witnesses, especially in populated areas like Reedley, Fowler, Selma, and Kingsburg.

📸 Pro Tip: Include photos of road signs and conditions in places like Goshen, Tipton, or Pixley, where rural infrastructure may play a role in liability.

Step 3: Report the Accident to Law Enforcement and the DMV

In California, you must report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Complete and file the SR-1 accident form within 10 days of the crash.

For truck accidents in more rural towns such as Stratford, Sunland, Riverdale, or Laton, it’s especially important to get a formal police report, as truck companies may dispute the facts later.

Step 4: Avoid Admitting Fault and Limit What You Say

You may feel pressure to explain what happened to the truck driver, their company, or your own insurance company—but resist the urge. Do not admit fault, even casually, and avoid giving recorded statements without legal counsel.

Insurance companies representing trucking companies are trained to minimize claims. Before you speak to anyone or sign anything, contact NRC Law.

Step 5: Preserve Evidence and Track Medical Expenses

Trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties: the truck driver, the trucking company, third-party maintenance providers, and even manufacturers. That’s why it’s important to preserve evidence, such as:

The police report
Witness statements
Medical records
Photographs and video
Property damage receipts

Keep detailed logs of any treatment you receive in Lemoore, Woodlake, Ivanhoe, or any local medical facility. Include travel to and from appointments, prescriptions, and assistive devices.

Step 6: Understand the Complexity of Truck Accident Claims

Truck accidents differ from car accidents in several critical ways:

Federal regulations apply, including those from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Trucks may carry black box data that needs to be preserved.
Companies may try to limit their liability by shifting blame to subcontractors.

These cases are complicated—and time-sensitive. At NRC Law, we handle cases involving accidents with 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles throughout California’s Central Valley.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Central California

We’ve seen a variety of contributing factors in truck accidents across Tulare County and Kings County, including:

Driver fatigue or logbook violations
Distracted or impaired driving
Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
Poor truck maintenance
Speeding or unsafe lane changes
Dangerous conditions in rural areas like Poplar, Elderwood, or Raisin City

What You Shouldn’t Do After a Truck Accident

To protect your rights, avoid:

Admitting fault or saying “I’m sorry”
Accepting an early settlement offer
Posting about the accident on social media
Ignoring follow-up medical care

Instead, let an attorney review your case and advocate on your behalf.

Get Legal Help Today – Free Consultation With NRC Law

Semi-truck accidents can result in long-term medical issues, permanent disability, or wrongful death. Whether you were hit in Corcoran, Orosi, Caruthers, or anywhere in the San Joaquin Valley, our team is here to support you.

At Nelson, Rozier, and Christenson Law, we handle serious truck accident cases and know what it takes to hold trucking companies accountable. Let us fight for:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Long-term rehabilitation
Wrongful death claims (if applicable)

🛑 Don't wait. Evidence can disappear and deadlines can pass.

📞 Call 559-713-0159 today for your free consultation and let us start building your case.

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