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Why an out-of-state truck changes things
Trucks from Arizona, Nevada, Texas and many other states cross California every day on I-5, I-10, I-15 and I-40. When one of them causes a crash, the driver often leaves the state within a day, and the company’s office and records are far away. That makes early steps more important than in a crash with a local driver.
Where the case is filed depends on where the crash happened, where the parties are based and other facts, and a lawyer can check. Our page on where a truck crash case is filed explains the basics. What matters right away is finding the carrier, getting the records and protecting your claim.
Finding the carrier and its insurance
Federal rules require for-hire interstate carriers hauling non-hazardous property in trucks rated 10,001 pounds or more to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, with higher amounts for hazardous loads (49 C.F.R. 387.9). That applies no matter which state the carrier is from. The insurer may also be based out of state.
The USDOT number on the cab is the key. Search it on the federal SAFER website to see the carrier’s name, safety rating, inspections and crash counts (FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot). Our page on how to look up a trucking company’s safety record walks through it. The police report can also list the carrier and insurer.
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Evidence leaves the state fast
Carriers must keep drivers’ duty status records, including electronic logging device records, for six months (49 C.F.R. 395.8). After that they may be gone. The truck’s own data and dashcam video can be lost even sooner if the truck keeps running. A lawyer can send the carrier a written request to keep the logs, data and video.
California law requires the agency that wrote the crash report, often the CHP on freeways, to release it to an injured person or their attorney, for no more than its actual cost (Vehicle Code 20012). Read about truck black box and dashcam evidence to see what else to ask for.
What to do now
Get medical care right away, and keep every appointment. At the scene, if you can, photograph the truck, the company name, the USDOT number, the plates and the trailer number. Get the driver’s name, license state and insurance, plus witness names and phone numbers. Write down the report number and claim numbers, and keep every receipt.
In California, a personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the injury (Code of Civil Procedure 335.1), so treat that as your deadline. If you were partly at fault, California’s pure comparative fault rule reduces your recovery by your share but does not bar it. Do not sign a release or give a recorded statement to an out-of-state adjuster before you talk to a lawyer.
- See a doctor and follow the treatment plan
- Photograph the USDOT number, plates and every company name
- Get the driver’s name, license state and insurance
- Do not sign a release or give a recorded statement yet
- Keep bills, receipts and proof of lost income
How we can help
We handle truck crash claims across California against carriers based in other states. We find the carrier and its insurer, send the requests to keep logs and data, and handle the calls with out-of-state adjusters. Call (310) 552-6959 or use the form on this page. You owe no fees or costs unless we win.
To see what a case like this involves over time, read how long a truck accident lawsuit takes. You can also visit our California truck accident lawyer page. If the crash happened in Washington instead, our Washington truck accident lawyer page explains the rules there, which are different. Either way, you can call us with questions before you decide anything.
Common questions
Can I sue an out-of-state trucking company in California?
The answer depends on where the crash happened, where the companies are based and other facts. A lawyer can check where your case belongs and handle the filing, so you do not have to deal with a trucking company and an insurer in another state on your own.
Which state’s deadline applies if the truck was from another state?
Plan around California’s deadline for a crash here: a personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the injury. Whether another state’s rules could matter depends on the facts, so ask a lawyer. Do not wait, because driver logs may only be kept for six months.
Does an out-of-state truck have enough insurance?
For-hire interstate carriers hauling non-hazardous property in trucks rated 10,001 pounds or more must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage under federal rules, and more for hazardous loads. Many carry more. A lawyer can find the actual policy.
The driver gave me an out-of-state license. What should I do?
Write down the name, license number and state, the insurance information and the USDOT number on the truck. Take photos if you can. Then let a lawyer contact the carrier, so you do not have to deal with an adjuster in another state yourself.
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Car and truck accident lawyer — Beverly Law
If you were hurt in a car or truck crash in California and Washington, talk to a personal injury attorney. Free, confidential, English or Spanish. You owe no fees or costs unless we win.
Related pages
Can I sue a truck driver for hitting me? · Who is liable in a truck accident: the driver, the trucking company or the broker? · Rear-ended by a semi truck: what to do · Hit by a semi truck on the freeway: your rights · Jackknife truck accident: who is at fault? · All car and truck accident questions
Sources
Important: This page is general information about California and Washington law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; talk to a lawyer about yours. Last reviewed: November 5, 2026.