San Mateo Truck Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
For Others, It’s Just Business. For Our San Mateo Truck Accident Lawyers, It’s Personal.
We rely heavily on our hardworking truck drivers to keep things moving smoothly. However, accidents happen, and when they do, it’s essential to turn to San Mateo truck accident lawyers for help. Call us at (888) 488-1391.
San Mateo boasts a wealth of history at the heart of the Bay Area. This city sits about 15 miles south of San Francisco and is adjacent to Burlingame, Hillsborough, Foster City, and Belmont. Several economic factors contribute to San Mateo’s success, including tourism and goods exchange. However, due to increased traffic and diverse industries, truck accidents are unfortunately occurring in the area.
At Arash Law, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., we have a solid record of success in helping truck accident victims recover over $750 Million in compensation. Our dedicated team works diligently to secure justice and fair settlements for the injured. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we win your case. If you’ve been in a truck accident, we offer a free initial consultation to get your case started.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Do Skilled San Mateo Truck Accident Lawyers Help You Get Your Claims
It is normal to feel frustrated and overwhelmed after a truck collision. In such situations, our San Mateo truck accident lawyers play a crucial role in guiding you through the legal process and securing the compensation you deserve.
- Expertise In Truck Accident Laws – Traffic accidents involving trucks should be handled by attorneys who are well-versed in the regulations and laws specific to the commercial trucking industry. Our truck accident lawyers in San Mateo possess a deep understanding of these complications, enabling us to build a solid case on your behalf. We ensure that no relevant detail is overlooked in pursuing your claim.
- Thorough Investigation – Personal injury claims require a careful examination of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Our lawyers have the resources and knowledge to conduct comprehensive investigations, gathering crucial pieces of evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions. This meticulous approach strengthens your case and enhances the chances of a favorable outcome.
- Effective Negotiation Skills – Dealing with insurance companies and other involved parties is a delicate process that demands finesse and experience. Our San Mateo truck accident lawyers will employ effective negotiation strategies to advocate for your rights. We will secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages you may have incurred.
- Courtroom Advocacy – We are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our attorneys will represent you in the courtroom, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are vigorously protected.
Our personal injury law firm is dedicated to serving truck accident victims in San Mateo and throughout California, seeking their rightful compensation. To know if you have a valid claim, contact our San Mateo truck accident lawyers today.
What Are Commercial Trucks?
Typically, we are referring to trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds and performing business operations. Commercial trucks include:
- Tanker/Fuel trucks
- Mail delivery trucks
- Cement/Construction trucks
- Vehicle delivery trucks
- Dump trucks
Causes of Truck Accidents
Various factors may contribute to an accident involving a big commercial truck. Among them are:
- Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers are legally required to get sufficient rest for long-haul journeys, yet some negligent companies pressure them to continue driving despite fatigue. This leads to compromised decision-making and increased accident risks.
- Excessive Speed – Truck drivers are capable of matching regular cars in speed, which often exceeds limits. Failure to comply with speed regulations or adjust to road conditions increases the chances of devastating accidents.
- Overloading – Federal and state laws mandate strict adherence to specified load capacities for trucks. When overloaded beyond FMCSA regulations, trucks experience increased braking times, elevating the risk of severe accidents.
To determine the root cause of the accident, injury victims should consult with San Mateo truck accident lawyers from Arash Law as soon as they are able to. This way, we can pinpoint the party or parties responsible for your injuries.
Accidents on Major Highways & Freeways
Our San Mateo truck accident lawyers represent victims of trucking accidents on major highways, freeways, tunnels, or bridges, such as:
- 101 – North & South (Bay Shore Freeway)
- 280 – North & South (Junipero Serra Freeway)
- 82 – El Camino Real North & South
- 80 – East & West
- Bay Bridge
- 92 – East & West
- San Mateo Bridge
- 84 – East & West
- Dumbarton Bridge
- 880 – North & South (Nimitz Freeway)
- 24 – East & West (Grove Shafter Freeway)
- Caldecott Tunnel
- The MacArthur Maze
- 580, 85, 237 and more
Types of Truck Accidents in San Mateo County
The size and weight of commercial trucks are factors that contribute to accidents. Commercial truck drivers bear the responsibility of avoiding foreseeable accidents and collisions, and any failure to do so is deemed negligence. This negligence can manifest in various ways, leading to a range of accidents, such as:
- Rollovers
- Jackknife accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Under-ride accidents
- Cargo load accidents
If you suspect that a truck driver’s negligence caused your accident in San Mateo, California, it’s crucial to contact one of our San Mateo truck accident lawyers.
What Steps Should You Take After a Truck Accident in San Mateo?
If you’ve been in an accident and are unsure about the steps to take for fair compensation, follow our suggestions to build a strong case.
- Check For Injuries – Prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Assess yourself and others for injuries. If injuries are severe, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
- Call The Police – Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. The police report is a crucial document that can provide valuable information for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Ensure that you obtain a copy of the report for your records.
- Gather Information – Collect as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. Exchange contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration with the other parties involved. Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, and any relevant road signs or signals.
- Preserve Evidence – Keep a record of medical treatments, retain damaged personal belongings, and do not repair your vehicle until an assessment has been conducted. These details can help establish the extent of damages during a legal dispute.
- Seek Witness Information – If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can provide additional perspectives on the events leading up to the accident and may be crucial for your case.
- Seek Medical Attention – Get medical help promptly to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries. This not only aids in recovery but also demonstrates your commitment to the healing process, which can be beneficial if legal action is considered.
- Consult With Our Truck Accident Lawyers In San Mateo – Hire personal injury lawyers in San Mateo to benefit from their legal expertise, negotiation skills, and connections to medical professionals. Having a lawyer by your side can help in developing an effective case strategy which increases the likelihood of maximizing compensation.
Remember, representing yourself in legal proceedings may jeopardize the success of your case. Consult a lawyer right away, as early action can improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Who Should Be Held Accountable After a Truck Accident in San Mateo?
To pursue legal action to recover compensation after a truck accident in San Mateo, the plaintiff and their lawyer should determine who’s responsible. Unlike most traffic accidents, truck accidents might involve various negligent individuals or parties.
Truck Driver
The first point of scrutiny in any truck accident investigation is often the truck driver. Commercial truck drivers are held to higher standards due to the potential dangers associated with their role. Factors such as driver fatigue, impairment, distraction, or failure to follow traffic laws can contribute to accidents. In cases where the driver’s actions directly led to the collision, they will be held liable.
Employer
Employers are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, ensuring proper training, and maintaining their fleet in accordance with industry standards. If a truck accident is the result of negligence in any of these areas, the trucking company could be held accountable for the damages.
Vehicle Maintenance Personnel & Manufacturer
Mechanical failures and defects in trucks sometimes cause accidents. Poor maintenance practices or manufacturing defects can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or other issues that contribute to accidents. It may be the trucking company’s fault for failing to maintain its vehicles or the manufacturer’s fault for producing faulty products.
Government Entities
In some cases, road conditions or inadequate signage may contribute to truck accidents. If the accident is a result of poorly maintained roads or inadequate traffic control measures, government entities responsible for road infrastructure may share a portion of the liability.
More than one party can be at fault in some truck collision cases. If you need assistance in determining who is responsible for your losses, contact our San Mateo truck accident lawyers today.
How Do You Determine Negligence in a San Mateo Truck Accident?
Truck accident lawyers in San Mateo must prove four elements to establish negligence:
- Duty Of Care – In the context of a truck accident, this duty involves a commitment to operate the vehicle safely and responsibly. It’s essential to articulate the specific responsibilities the truck driver had in ensuring the safety of others on the road.
- Breach Of Duty – The next critical step is demonstrating that the truck driver failed to meet the duty of care they owed. This breach could encompass various actions, such as reckless driving, failure to adhere to traffic laws, or negligence in vehicle maintenance.
- Causation – This process involves showing that the truck driver’s lack of care caused the collision. In order to have a compelling narrative about the accident, it is important to examine the events leading up to it.
- Damages – This element involves showcasing the injuries sustained by the victim as a direct result of the truck accident. Documenting medical records, gathering witness statements, and presenting other relevant evidence is crucial in establishing the damages incurred due to the accident.
Rules and Regulations for Truck Drivers in San Mateo
Truck drivers are required to adhere to state laws and regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations include restrictions on the size and weight of commercial trucks, such as a maximum length of 65 feet and a weight limit of 80,000 pounds. Critical requirements for truckers include:
- Obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) through proper training and testing.
- Driving age requirements: 18 for intrastate driving, 21 for interstate driving outside California.
- Maintaining logs, whether electronic or hand-written, detailing stops, rest breaks, meal breaks, and inspection outcomes.
- Regularly inspecting trucks for mechanical issues before, during, and after trips.
- Adhering to FMCSA regulations on maximum driving hours within seven days.
Violating these rules increases the risk of accidents. Overloading can make a truck unstable, and driving excessive hours can lead to driver fatigue, posing dangers on the road. In the event of a truck accident, evidence of regulatory violations can be crucial in proving negligence for an injury claim. Seek the help of our San Mateo truck accident attorneys.
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Is There Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims in San Mateo?
After an accident, particularly one resulting in severe injury, compensation from the responsible party may be available. You could receive payment for various damages organized into the following categories:
Economic Damages
- Legal fees
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Loss of wages or wage-earning potential
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Emotional distress
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are monetary awards in legal cases meant to punish defendants for exceptionally bad behavior and deter others. Unlike compensatory damages, they don’t aim to compensate the plaintiff for losses but rather to discourage similar conduct.
Wrongful Death Claims
The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to provide compensation to the surviving family members or beneficiaries of the deceased person.
If you want to maximize your potential compensation, we strongly recommend speaking with a lawyer for help. Our San Mateo truck accident lawyers can help you determine whether you are entitled to compensation as well as negotiate on your behalf for a higher award.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim a Truck Accident in San Mateo, CA
The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 sets a time limit for people injured in truck wrecks to file a civil action. Generally, a plaintiff must file a lawsuit within two years of a truck accident in order to be eligible for compensation.
Speak to Our San Mateo Truck Accident Attorneys Near You!
Our San Mateo personal injury attorneys at Arash Law have years of experience handling complex trucking accident claims throughout California. We have exceptional trial records proving that we work hard to get top dollar for every client who comes to us for assistance. Discuss your case with our San Mateo truck accident attorneys by calling (888) 488-1391.
Besides San Mateo, CA, we offer legal services throughout various surrounding areas, including Tanforan, San Bruno, Millbrae, Hillsborough, Burlingame, El Granada, Miramar, Half Moon Bay, Emerald Hills, Woodside, West Menlo Park, Atherton, Menlo Park, North Fair Oaks, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Highlands-Baywood Park, and Belmont.
