Hit by a Semi on I-80 Near Vallejo: How Truck Cases Differ

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Why is a crash with a semi truck on I-80 handled differently from a car crash?

Property-carrying drivers subject to the federal hours-of-service rule may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty (49 CFR 395.3 (Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles)). For-hire carriers hauling nonhazardous property in interstate commerce with vehicles rated at 10,001 pounds or more must carry at least $750,000 in financial responsibility (49 CFR 387.9 (Financial responsibility, minimum levels)). The Law Offices of J. Chrisp represents people hurt in truck crashes.

More of the hours-of-service rule

Those drivers may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty (49 CFR 395.3 (Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles)). They must take a break of at least 30 consecutive minutes after 8 cumulative hours of driving. They also may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days if the carrier does not operate every day of the week, or after 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days if it does.

Reports due after an injury crash

The driver of a vehicle, other than a common carrier vehicle, involved in a crash that injures or kills someone must make a written report within 24 hours to the California Highway Patrol or, inside a city, to the CHP or that city’s police department (Vehicle Code section 20008). A crash causing injury, death or more than $1,000 in property damage to any one person must also be reported to the DMV within 10 days (Vehicle Code section 16000).

Where a Solano County case can be tried

For an injury case, the county where the injury occurs is a proper county for trial, as is the county where the defendants, or some of them, reside (Code of Civil Procedure section 395).

Truck results

Results shown on chrisplaw.com include $3,000,000 in a semi truck crash. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Evidence that disappears fast

The truck’s company name, DOT number and trailer number from the cab door and trailer.
Photos of the truck, the scene and skid marks before vehicles are moved.
Names of witnesses, including other truck drivers who stopped.
Your own dashcam footage and phone location history for the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Do the federal driving limits apply to every truck driver?

No. Some short-haul drivers are exempt from the 30-minute break requirement (49 CFR 395.3 (Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles)).

If a semi truck hit you on I-80, call the Law Offices of J. Chrisp 24/7 at 877-J-CHRISP (877-524-7477) for a free consultation. There are no fees and no case costs unless we win.

About the Law Offices of J. Chrisp

The Law Offices of J. Chrisp is a Northern California personal injury law firm founded by attorney Jesse Chrisp, who was raised in Lake County. The firm represents injured people, with offices in Lower Lake (main office), Santa Rosa and San Francisco, and serves Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties and the San Francisco Bay Area. Consultations are free, the firm works on a contingency fee with no fee and no case costs unless the firm wins, and the phone is answered 24/7 at 877-J-CHRISP (877-524-7477). The firm was named to Best Law Firms 2026 (Tier 1, Santa Rosa, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs). Jesse Chrisp has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2024 and selected to Super Lawyers from 2023 to 2026.

Hit by a Semi Truck on I-80 Near Vallejo: Why Truck Cases Differ From Car Crashes