Copetti News sits down with Derek Pakiz, one of Los Angeles’ most accomplished personal injury attorneys, to discuss the alarming rise in California truck accidents.
Derek Pakiz isn’t your typical personal injury attorney. With over 30 years of experience and recognition as the only California attorney featured in Newsweek’s “10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys” in the USA, Pakiz has built his reputation on catastrophic cases—particularly those involving commercial trucks.
As of 2025, he is still the first and only attorney among California’s 250,000 lawyers to achieve certification in both Civil Trial and Truck Accident law. His record includes multiple seven and eight-figure verdicts, making him the go-to advocate for victims of devastating truck crashes. We met with Pakiz at The Reeves Law Group’s Los Angeles office to discuss California’s trucking safety crisis and what victims need to know.
Zach: Derek, California saw nearly 13,000 truck accidents last year with almost 400 fatalities. Just last week, that horrific I-10 crash near Cathedral City killed two people when a semi crossed the median. What’s driving these numbers?
Derek: It’s a perfect storm, Zach. We’re seeing unprecedented e-commerce demand—everyone wants next-day delivery—combined with a severe driver shortage. Trucking companies are pushing drivers harder than ever. Many are logging 11-hour shifts, which is technically legal but exhausting. Add California’s congested highways and you have a recipe for disaster.
Zach: Your specialty is catastrophic cases. How do truck accidents differ from typical car crashes legally?
Derek: The complexity is night and day. With a car accident, you’re usually dealing with one insurance company. With trucks, I might be looking at the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the maintenance contractor—sometimes five different parties. Plus, commercial trucks fall under federal regulations through the FMCSA. We need to preserve electronic logging devices, black box data, driver qualification files. If you don’t move fast, critical evidence disappears.
Zach: Speaking of evidence, what technological changes are impacting these cases?
Derek: Electronic logging devices, or ELDs, have been mandatory since 2017. They’re supposed to prevent drivers from falsifying their hours, but companies still find workarounds. The real game-changer is dash cam footage. That Cathedral City crash was captured entirely on video—it’s becoming crucial evidence. We’re also seeing more cases involving driver-facing cameras that show texting or fatigue.
Zach: You’ve won eight-figure verdicts. What makes the difference between a modest settlement and a major verdict?
Derek: Understanding the true cost of catastrophic injuries. A traumatic brain injury isn’t just today’s medical bills—it’s 40 years of care, lost earning capacity, home modifications, psychological treatment for the family. Insurance companies lowball victims who don’t have experienced counsel. Recently, we turned a $500,000 offer into a $8.75 million verdict by demonstrating the vitim’s actual lifetime needs.
Zach: What’s the biggest mistake truck accident victims make?
Derek: Giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without representation. Within hours of a crash, trucking insurers deploy rapid response teams. They’re not there to help—they’re building a defense. The second mistake is waiting too long. California’s statute of limitations is generally two years, but evidence can be destroyed much sooner. We’ve had cases where crucial driver logs were legally deleted after six months.
Zach: Any advice for drivers sharing California roads with big rigs?
Derek: Stay out of blind spots—if you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you. Never cut in front of a truck; they need 40% more distance to stop than cars. And honestly? Give them space. Many truck drivers are professionals doing their best in impossible conditions. It’s the companies pushing unsafe practices we need to hold accountable.
Zach: Let’s talk money. What’s the reality of truck accident settlements in California?
Derek: The numbers vary wildly. While average settlements hover around $70,000 to $75,000, that’s misleading. I’ve seen minor accidents settle for $10,000 and catastrophic cases exceed $10 million. The key is understanding future costs—a 35-year-old with permanent disabilities needs decades of care. Insurance companies bank on victims not knowing their case’s true value.
Zach: California’s pure comparative negligence law confuses many people. How does fault sharing work in truck accidents?
Derek: It’s actually victim-friendly. Even if you’re 49% at fault, you can still recover 51% of damages. Say you changed lanes without signaling, but the truck driver was texting—you might be 20% responsible. On a $1 million case, you’d still receive $800,000. But here’s what people miss: trucking companies hire accident reconstruction experts immediately to shift blame onto victims. They’ll claim you were speeding based on skid marks, even if you weren’t. That’s why securing evidence quickly is critical!
Zach: Before we wrap up, what’s one thing you wish every driver in California understood about sharing the road with trucks?
Derek: That most truck drivers are good people trapped in a broken system. They’re pressured to meet impossible deadlines, paid by the mile not the hour, and often driving equipment that’s barely maintained. I’ve deposed drivers who’ve broken down crying, describing how they begged dispatchers for rest but were threatened with termination. The real villains are companies prioritizing profits over safety. So yes, give trucks space on the road, but also support regulations that protect both drivers and the public. When we hold these companies accountable in court, we’re fighting for everyone’s safety.
Zach: That’s a powerful perspective. Thanks for your time today, Derek.
Derek: My pleasure, Zach. And for anyone dealing with a truck accident in the Los Angeles area, we’re at RobertReevesLaw.com or (800) 644-8000. Don’t let these companies intimidate you—you have rights worth fighting for.
Zach Pintaro serves as Editor-in-Chief of Copetti News, where he leads the digital-first publication’s mission to deliver innovative, impactful journalism for the modern era.
