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San Jose Truck Accident Lawyer | Truck Accident Attorneys in San Jose

San Jose Truck Accident Lawyers Committed to Your Recovery

We understand the devastating effects a truck accident can have on a victim’s life. With nearly 70 years of combined experience representing truck accident victims, our legal team is prepared to stand up to trucking companies and insurance providers to fight for the compensation you need. Contact us to speak with a San Jose truck accident lawyer today.

We Don’t Just Represent Clients — We Fight for Their Future

At Caputo & Van Der Walde, we understand the life-altering consequences of a truck accident. These are not minor collisions. They are devastating events that can permanently impact a victim’s ability to work, walk, or care for their family. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in a truck crash in San Jose or anywhere in Santa Clara County or Northern California, you need a legal team that can deliver results.

Our attorneys bring nearly 70 years of combined experience handling complex personal injury claims, including many involving large commercial trucks. We don’t operate like a volume-based law firm. Instead, we focus on a smaller number of high-stakes injury cases, giving our clients the individual attention and aggressive representation they deserve, with direct access to the handling attorney.

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Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

With over $100M+ in settlements, our firm has a proven history of success and dedication to achieving significant outcomes for our clients.
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Why Clients Choose Caputo & Van Der Walde

Selective with Cases. Relentless in Pursuit of Justice.

We intentionally limit the number of cases we take. That’s because we represent people whose lives have been turned upside down. We focus exclusively on catastrophic injuries, and our team brings the experience and resources to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers.

Personal Access to Attorneys

No voicemail runarounds. You speak with a real person, every time.

Trial-Tested Lawyers

We do not shy away from courtrooms. In fact, we're prepared to take every case to trial, if necessary.

Rooted in San Jose

Founding attorney Paul Caputo was born and raised here. We are committed to the people of this community. We know the community and are known and respected by the local judges.

No Upfront Costs

We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle everything else — from paperwork to negotiations to court appearances.

Visit Our San Jose Office

San Jose Office

1165 Lincoln Ave Suite 218, San Jose, CA 95125
If you've been involved in a truck accident in or around San Jose, our personal injury legal team at Caputo & Van Der Walde is here to help. Our conveniently located San Jose office allows us to serve clients throughout Santa Clara County and the surrounding areas with compassion, dedication, and legal excellence. We're proud to serve the San Jose community and are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of California injury victims. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.

Paul Van Der Walde was referred to me by a family friend. I was getting overwhelmed in my search for a personal injury attorney as there are so many. I am incredibly grateful for the work that Mr. Van Der Walde did on my case. I never felt intimidated by the legal jargon and instead felt like family. He has great knowledge and understanding of the law. We would never have gotten the results we did without a great law firm! My case was settled outside of court. Julia, Evangelina, Shawn, and Paul Van Der Walde are a great team! It is the best decision I ever made. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Michelle S.

Client Testimonials

For decades, Caputo & Van Der Walde has served victims in Southern California
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I was referred to Caputo & Van Der Walde as I was in an unfortunate accident at the beginning of 2024 leaving me with a permanent injury. Kathryn was super helpful in the beginning and was able to explain everything simply to me so tha...
AA
Erin Keikoan
Motor Vehicle Accident
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Bottom Line: Caputo & Van Der Walde, LLP is an outstanding law firm and I would very highly recommend them to all my family and friends needing injury and/or accident legal help. About 1.5 years ago I was involved in a car accident....
AA
happyclient
Motor Vehicle Accident
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I can’t say enough good things about my experience with this firm. From start to finish, they were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and genuinely cared about my case. They took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all m...
AA
Lauren Bariteau
Motor Vehicle Accident
Google Review
Very helpful and overall easy to work with. My family and I used them for a case on a car accident and they were able to turn it around and finish the case in a very timely manner. Everyone I spoke to from their office was extremely helpfu...
AA
Tyler Moore
Motor Vehicle Accident
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I am grateful for the team at Caputo & Van Der Walde. Initially I was very stressed out and afraid of what would happen and how to navigate the legal process, but Corene and Don put my mind at ease. They were able to speak to me calmly...
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Melanie E.
Motor Vehicle Accident
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The anticipation of a legal battle is stressful for anyone, especially in times of tragedy. Paul Van Der Walde and his amazing staff are the most kind, attentive and professional legal team a person can encounter. Evangelina, Corene and Ju...
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Juanita Castillo
Motor Vehicle Accident

Injuries Common in Truck Accidents

Due to their immense size and weight, commercial trucks are far more likely to cause serious harm in a crash than a standard passenger vehicle. The following injuries are among the most common — and most severe — that our clients face after a trucking accident.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI). Truck crashes often result in severe spinal trauma, including herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or paralysis. Victims may require long-term rehabilitation, in-home care, or lifelong use of a wheelchair.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). From concussions to severe brain trauma, TBIs can impact everything from memory and speech to personality and behavior. These injuries frequently require long-term cognitive therapy and ongoing neurological care.
  • Internal Organ Damage. High-speed truck collisions can cause internal bleeding, punctured lungs, ruptured organs, and other hidden injuries. Without immediate treatment, these injuries can become fatal.
  • Complex Bone Fractures and Crush Injuries. Severe impact can result in shattered bones, crushed limbs, and multiple fractures. These injuries often require extensive surgery and physical therapy and can lead to permanent disability.
  • Amputations and Loss of Limbs. In cases where a body part is crushed beyond repair or severed during impact, amputation may be necessary. Recovery often involves physical therapy, prosthetics, and significant lifestyle changes.
  • Severe Burns and Chemical Exposure. When trucks carrying hazardous materials crash, victims may suffer severe burns or chemical exposure. These injuries can be disfiguring and extremely painful, requiring skin grafts and specialized burn care.
  • Vision or Hearing Loss. Head trauma and facial injuries can cause temporary or permanent vision or hearing loss, dramatically affecting quality of life.
  • Whiplash, Ligament Tears, and Muscle Damage. While commonly associated with less severe crashes, these injuries can become part of a broader pattern of trauma when combined with other, more serious harm.
  • Wrongful Death. When a truck collision leads to the death of a loved one, families may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

Proving Liability in a Truck Accident Case

Truck accident cases are more complex than typical car accidents. There are usually multiple liable parties, each with their own insurance providers and legal teams.

There are four elements of liability for truck accident cases: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Whether you’re making a claim through the insurance company or pursuing your claim through a lawsuit, your truck accident lawyer will need to establish each of these four elements. 

  • Duty of Care: Both the driver and the truck company have a duty of care when it comes to the safe inspection, maintenance and operation of their vehicles on California roadways. Drivers must ensure that they are well-rested, sober, alert, and compliant with all safety laws. Likewise, trucking companies must monitor their drivers and properly inspect and maintain their trucks.
  • Breach of Duty of Care: To pursue a claim of liability, personal injury lawyers must then demonstrate there was a breach of duty. For example, if the driver was fatigued because they didn’t take the mandatory breaks or used alcohol or drugs while driving. Another example would be commercial trucking companies (FedEx, UPS, CRST, Swift Transportation, Stevens Transport, Amazon and others) failing to maintain their tractor-trailers in a manner consistent with trucking industry laws and regulations.
  • Causation: The third element that personal injury attorneys must demonstrate is causation. The plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer must show that some portion of the damages was caused by the defendants’ breach of duty. California follows the pure comparative negligence principle, so the plaintiff only has to show partial responsibility to collect a portion of the damages.
  • Damages: In order to collect compensation, the plaintiff’s law firm must show that their client suffered damages. Damages can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, vehicle damage, etc.

We investigate and pursue liability from:

  • Truck drivers who were fatigued, distracted, or reckless
  • Trucking companies that failed to properly hire, train, or supervise drivers
  • Maintenance providers who failed to inspect brakes, tires, or mechanical systems
  • Cargo loaders are responsible for shifting or handling dangerous loads
  • Truck manufacturers in cases involving defective parts

Our team conducts a thorough investigation that may include black box data analysis, driver logbook audits, vehicle inspections, and expert testimony.

California Law & Comparative Negligence

California operates under the pure comparative negligence rule. That means even if the injured party shares some responsibility for the accident, they may still recover a percentage of the damages. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your total award would be reduced by 20%.

This legal framework allows injured victims to pursue meaningful compensation, even in complex or multi-vehicle truck accidents.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in San Jose

If you’ve been involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle in CA, take the following steps immediately:

Report The Incident

Call 911 and report the accident.

Get Medical Attention

Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured right away.

Document The Scene

Take photos, gather witness names, and note the truck’s company name or license number.

Watch What You Say

Avoid discussing the accident with the trucking company or their insurer.

Contact a San Jose Truck Accident Lawyer Today

We’re here to help you make sense of the chaos and reclaim your life after a serious truck crash. Let us hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call now to schedule your free consultation with one of our San Jose truck accident attorneys.

You don’t need to face this alone — and you shouldn’t. We're ready when you are.

Types of Truck Accidents Our Firm Handles

In our pursuit of fair and full compensation for our clients, our San Jose truck accident lawyers will examine the cause of the truck accident. When we identify the liable parties, we will hold them accountable. Our firm has represented clients in a variety of truck accidents, including:

  • Jackknife Accidents – This occurs when the trailer portion of the truck moves in a different direction from the cab. For instance, if a truck driver makes a sudden turn, the rear part of the truck may not adjust to the shift in momentum in time, causing the truck and trailer to fold like a jackknife.
  • Rear End Collisions – Due to speed, inattentiveness, or brake failure, these are the most common and devastating injuries.
  • Failure to Yield Collisions – These collisions often happen when a truck initiates a left turn across a roadway in front of an approaching vehicle, crossing roadways, or while entering or turning onto a new road. Due to the length of the big rig, in such situations, the approaching vehicle may be unable to take evasive action, as the big rig can effectively block the entire lane of travel.
  • Sideswipe Accidents – Trucks have big blind spots, so a truck driver may not notice a car in the adjacent lane.
  • Loose Cargo Accidents – When cargo breaks free from a truck, it can turn into a dangerous projectile, either striking the vehicle or forcing car drivers to swerve to avoid it.
  • Hazardous Material Spills – This can occur with any type of accident, or it can be the result of improperly securing chemicals and other hazardous materials.
  • Frequent Stops – Amazon truck accidents, FedEx truck accidents, UPS truck accidents, and Prime Inc. truck accidents often result from frequent stops, where drivers sometimes fail to signal or use hazard lights to warn other vehicles of their presence.

Calculating Damages After a San Jose, California Car Accident

One of the most significant factors in any personal injury case is the matter of financial compensation — specifically, how much a victim is owed after suffering due to the behavior of negligent drivers.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

We seek full and fair compensation for our clients, including:

Economic Damages

Economic damages help compensate victims for things like:
  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Hospitalization and surgeries
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Lost income and future earning capacity
  • In-home nursing or attendant care
  • Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible and subjective and include compensation for:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement or scarring
  • Loss of companionship or consortium

Punitive Damages

In some cases — such as where a trucking company knowingly violated safety standards — we may pursue punitive damages to punish and deter egregious misconduct.

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Although truck drivers are trained to handle the unusual challenges of driving large trucks over long periods, some factors can affect their ability to drive safely. These are some of the most common causes of San Jose truck accidents.

Driver Distraction

Throughout their route, truckers often find it necessary to communicate with their trucking company headquarters or customers, check their GPS for estimated times of arrival, or look up different routes. Consequently, distracted driving within the course of their duties is already significant. However, they may also use electronic devices to break up the boredom of a long haul or eat in the cab to save valuable minutes on their route. As a result, distracted driving is a significant source of driver error in the trucking industry.

Driver Fatigue

The hours that a professional driver can operate a semi-truck are subject to state and federal regulations. For instance, a property-carrying driver can only drive for 11 consecutive hours after 10 hours off duty. In addition, drivers must log their hours in a log book, which is something that a San Jose truck accident lawyer from our law firm will demand in the event of a trucking accident. We will also require manifests, schedules, and GPS data to determine whether the trucking company forced the driver to operate in violation of the law.

Drugs and Alcohol

Most truck companies have a zero-tolerance policy for drivers who are on active duty. That does not, however, mean that all trucking companies strictly enforce these rules. To fight fatigue, truckers often use stimulants, which can affect judgment and cause drivers to overreact. Other forms of drugs and alcohol are also common.   

Improper Load

Trucks must be packed in a way to ensure that packages don’t shift or come loose. With flatbed trucks, if items aren’t secured properly, they can break loose and become projectiles. Finally, overloading the truck can make it challenging to drive.

Improper Maintenance

The commercial trucking industry must perform routine maintenance and safety inspections on the vehicles in its fleet. If they determine that there is a safety issue with the truck, they are supposed to remove it from duty until the concern is addressed.

Brake Failure

Brake failure in big rig trucks can have devastating consequences, leading to severe truck accidents and ultimately lawsuits. When brakes fail, the driver will lose control over the vehicle’s speed and stopping power, increasing the risk of collisions. If such an accident occurs, injured parties from smaller passenger cars, bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other impacted motor vehicles may file a lawsuit against the trucking company, subhaulers, the driver, and the truck’s owner, claiming negligence in inspecting the car, maintenance, or failure to address known issues. As the victim, your lawsuit may seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Brake failure is presumed to be the fault of the trucking entities, and we will work hard to determine the connection between brake failure and the collision.

Defects

The truck manufacturer is responsible for identifying a defective truck before it leaves its facilities. If they discover a design defect with a truck model, they are supposed to notify the trucking companies that bought their trucks or issue a recall. In any event, a San Jose truck accident attorney from our office will hold trucking manufacturers accountable for defects.

Truck Driver Negligence

Some significant rig accidents are caused by simple driver negligence. This could include speeding, following too closely, reckless driving behaviors, changing lanes without checking blind spots, or failing to check brakes before descending long downgrades or mountain roads.

Regardless of whether the negligent driver, the trucking firm, or the manufacturer was responsible for your San Jose truck crash, our personal injury attorneys will aggressively pursue compensation from the liable parties. Reach out to us today for a free consultation to review your legal options.

California Truck Accident Statistics

The California Highway Patrol keeps statistics on semi-truck wrecks for the state. In 2019, there were 7,009 accidents involving tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles. During the preceding five years, there were 1,580 fatal injuries, or 316 per year. In Santa Clara County, there were 760 injuries related to truck accidents, and 32 people died in a truck crash. Nationally, trucking accidents were responsible for 8.9% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents.
  • The California Highway Patrol reported that there were 7,009 crashes in 2019 alone, and the average number of truck crash injuries per year over the preceding five years was 6,762.
  • From 2015 to 2019, California had 1,580 truck crash fatalities, averaging 316 per year.
  • Los Angeles County leads the state in injuries and deaths, with 1972 injury accidents and 57 fatal crashes occurring in 2019 alone.
  • Although trucks represent a much smaller percentage of all vehicles on the roadways, they are involved in 8.9% of all fatal crashes.

Truck Accidents in San Jose: A Dangerous Reality

As e-commerce and regional shipping demands grow, San Jose’s highways, including I-280, Highway 101, I-880, and local surface streets, see an increasing number of large commercial trucks. Unfortunately, these vehicles bring an elevated risk of catastrophic crashes, often involving multiple vehicles and severe injuries. Common causes of truck accidents in San Jose include:
  • Truck driver fatigue or drowsiness
  • Speeding or aggressive driving
  • Distracted driving or cell phone use
  • Poorly maintained brakes or tires
  • Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
  • Blind spot or wide-turn collisions
rolled over truck on the road
Our attorneys have handled numerous truck accident cases and know how to expose negligence, identify all liable parties, and pursue full and fair compensation.

San Jose Truck Accident Lawyers Dedicated to Our Clients

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, you deserve more than basic representation—you deserve a legal team that understands what’s at stake. At Caputo & Van Der Walde, we bring nearly 70 years of combined legal experience to every case we take. Our firm is built around a simple but powerful principle: to treat each client with care, respect, and relentless advocacy.

Compassionate, Trial-Tested Representation

Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that alter the course of a person’s life—spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, or even wrongful death. These injuries are not only physically and emotionally devastating, but they can also place a tremendous financial burden on victims and their families.

Our San Jose truck accident attorneys understand this. That’s why we offer contingency-based representation—you don’t pay us unless we secure a settlement or win your case in court. We are here to lift the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.

A Client-Centered Approach With Roots in San Jose

We are not a volume-driven law firm or a personal injury mill. We are selective about the cases we take because we believe in delivering consistent, high-touch service to those who need it most. From your first call, you will speak directly with a team member—no voicemail, no delays—because we value your time and understand the urgency of your situation.

Being locally rooted in San Jose gives us a unique perspective and a more profound commitment to our community. We’ve built our reputation on trust, results, and an unwavering dedication to client welfare.

Recognized for Excellence, Driven by Results

Caputo & Van Der Walde has received widespread recognition for legal excellence, including:
  • America Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). A national association of highly selective and experienced trial lawyers and judges that are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the right to a civil jury trial-a right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
  • Consumer Attorney of California (CAOC) Trial Lawyer of the Year
  • Santa Clara County Trial Lawyer of the Year
  • AV® Preeminent Rating – Martindale-Hubbell®
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum – Recognizing the top 1% of attorneys nationwide
  • Commendations from the California State Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives, and Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association
These accolades reflect not just our legal acumen, but our consistent ability to deliver maximum compensation for our clients.

Why Experience and Strategy Matter

Trucking companies and their insurers are aggressive, well-funded, and prepared to fight back. You need a legal team that is equally prepared to go to trial if necessary. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators who have successfully secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in complex personal injury cases, including those involving:
  • Commercial vehicle collisions
  • Multi-vehicle pileups
  • Fatal crashes caused by truck driver negligence or faulty equipment
Whether it’s reconstructing the accident, subpoenaing records, or challenging corporate legal teams in court, we do whatever it takes to achieve justice for our clients.

Talk to a San Jose Truck Accident Lawyer Today

When you’ve been seriously injured, your future depends on the lawyer you choose. At Caputo & Van Der Walde, our entire team is committed to helping you move forward—not just legally, but emotionally and financially.

We’re more than attorneys—we’re your advocates for recovery, healing, and long-term security. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and find out how we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

San Jose Truck Accident FAQ

These are some of the most commonly asked questions our San Jose truck accident attorneys hear from our clients. For a free consultation directly with a truck accident lawyer, call our law firm immediately.

While you aren't legally required to hire an attorney to initiate a truck accident lawsuit, most injured people recognize that they’re ill-equipped to go up against the insurance company attorneys who handle truck accidents. Furthermore, failure to name the right parties in a trucking lawsuit, including all owners, drivers, maintenance personnel, haulers, and sub-haulers, can be fatal to your success.

At Caputo and Van Der Walde, our attorneys recognize that the victims of truck accidents don’t always have the money to hire an attorney; this is why they work on a contingency fee basis. None of our clients pay out of pocket for our truck litigation services.

The many services a trucking accident attorney can provide include the following:

  • Collect police reports, witness statements and conduct on-scene investigation, truck inspections.
  • Obtain all relevant medical records and billings
  • Subpoena trucking company documentation, such as the driver’s logbook, manifests, GPS information, delivery schedules, etc. 
  • Tabulate all damages, including human suffering caused by the accident
  • Hire an accident reconstruction expert to review the data and determine fault
  • Draft a comprehensive demand package for the insurance company
  • File a lawsuit and other pleadings in civil court
  • Negotiate with insurance company attorneys
  • Draft letters of protection to ensure you have uninterrupted medical care. 
  • Answer all of your truck accident questions throughout the process. 

Unless a governmental entity was involved, California allows two years from the date of the accident to bring forward a personal injury claim. After that time has elapsed, you will not be able to pursue damages through the civil courts. This is called the statute of limitations.

At Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys, our attorneys recognize that the victims of truck accidents don’t always have the money to hire an attorney; this is why they work on a contingency fee basis. None of our clients pay out of pocket for our truck litigation services.
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Trucking Collision Attorneys for California Plaintiffs

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a semi or commercial truck, representation is just a phone call away. Contact Caputo and Van Der Walde for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys recognize that the victims of truck accidents don’t always have the money to hire an attorney; this is why they work on a contingency fee basis. None of our clients pay out of pocket for our truck litigation services.
" Paul and his entire team are professional in every way. They were able to settle this case to our satisfaction without the extra expense of going to court. "
Earl S.
Paul Van Der Walde and Paul Caputo personal injury lawyers
Paul Caputo and Paul Van Der Walde

As members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, we have proven our ability to negotiate and litigate on behalf of our clients successfully. Retain us to put our tactical strategies to work for you. These skills are what make our legal team such a formidable opponent in any courtroom or negotiation setting.

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