San Diego Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers
with over $750 Million Recovered in Compensation for Injury Clients.
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
San Diego Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers Offering Transparent Representation For Every Client
A truck collision can come with life-altering consequences. That’s where our skilled San Diego commercial truck accident lawyers step in. If you’re injured in a truck crash due to someone else’s negligence, call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. We can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, and pain and suffering, among other losses.
San Diego’s small business community comprises roughly 90% of the city’s business demographic. These enterprises often rely on commercial vehicles to transport automobiles, lumber, fresh produce, cement, sand, steel cargo, and other goods.
However, despite the importance of commercial trucks in many businesses and the economy as a whole, truck accidents caused by negligent truckers and trucking companies lead to devastating outcomes due to the vehicle’s size and weight. Commercial vehicle accidents usually result in major injuries and, in some cases, loss of life.
Our attorneys will listen to your story, explain your legal options clearly, and advocate for your rights throughout your case. Drawing on our experience, our commercial truck accident lawyers will help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Lastly, you don’t have to pay for anything up front. No attorney fees will be incurred unless we obtain compensation through a settlement or verdict. Please note that some case expenses may still apply regardless of the outcome. Our attorneys will explain our fee structure and potential costs during your free case review.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What Is A Commercial Truck Accident?
Commercial trucks, often referred to as heavy-duty vehicles, are designed to transport goods and materials rather than people, and play a pivotal role in the logistics and transportation sectors. They support the movement of goods across this dynamic border city. As essential cogs in the supply chain, these trucks navigate through local areas, across California, and into Mexico, playing a key role in supporting San Diego’s diverse economy.
A commercial truck accident involves a collision between a large truck, such as a semi-truck, eighteen-wheeler, or other heavy freight carrier, and another vehicle or pedestrian. These incidents frequently occur on busy highways such as the I-5, I-15, and I-8, which are critical arteries for commercial transportation in and out of the region. The considerable size and weight of these trucks make accidents involving them especially severe, often resulting in significant property damage and injuries compared to other vehicular collisions.
Types Of Commercial Trucks
- Semi-Trucks (18-Wheelers) — These are among the largest on the road. They consist of a tractor unit that tows one or more semi-trailers to carry freight. Semi-trucks (18-wheelers) are larger than other commercial trucks and have a higher carrying capacity. They are specifically designed to transport heavy loads over long distances, making them ideal for long-haul transportation and the logistics industry. However, despite their utility in the logistics industry, semi-trucks are also involved in a significant number of road accidents. Due to their size and weight, accidents involving semi-trucks can result in severe damage and injuries. It is crucial to prioritize safety measures and regulations to minimize the risks associated with semi-truck accidents.
- Box Trucks — Often used for smaller commercial deliveries, these trucks have enclosed cuboid-shaped cargo areas. Box trucks are commonly used in various industries, including retail, food and beverage, and moving services. Retailers often use box trucks for local deliveries of goods to their stores, while food and beverage companies use them to transport perishable items to different locations. Additionally, individuals or businesses often rent box trucks for moving purposes, providing a convenient and efficient solution for transporting belongings. Box trucks can also be involved in accidents that result in severe damage and injuries. These accidents directly impact the victims and can have significant repercussions for the respective industries.
- Flatbed Trucks — These have an entirely flat, level ‘bed’ with no sides or roof, which is ideal for transporting heavy loads or equipment that does not fit in enclosed trucks. Flatbed trucks are frequently used to transport large and oversized equipment, including construction machinery, industrial materials, steel beams, and lumber. The open nature of the flatbed allows for easy loading and unloading of these bulky items, making them an essential choice for industries that require the transportation of heavy and irregularly shaped cargo.
- Tanker Trucks — Designed to transport liquids or gases, these vehicles are used for the transportation of chemicals, fuel, or water. Tanker trucks that transport hazardous materials are equipped with various safety features to minimize the risk of spills or accidents. These features include reinforced tanks to withstand high pressures, multiple compartments to separate different substances, and specialized valves and seals to ensure secure containment. Additionally, tanker trucks often feature emergency shut-off systems, spill containment kits, and advanced monitoring systems that enable the real-time detection of leaks or abnormalities, facilitating an immediate response and the mitigation of potential hazards.
- Dump Trucks — These trucks are used primarily in construction and can be unloaded by tilting the dump body. Dump trucks come in various types, each designed for specific purposes in the construction industry. For instance, standard dump trucks are commonly used for transporting loose materials such as gravel, sand, or dirt. On the other hand, articulated dump trucks are ideal for navigating rough terrain and hauling heavy loads over challenging landscapes. Additionally, off-road dump trucks are specifically built to withstand extreme conditions and are often used in mining operations or large-scale earthmoving projects.
- Refrigerator Trucks — Equipped with cooling systems, these trucks transport perishable goods by maintaining a specified temperature throughout transit. Refrigerator truck accidents can pose significant risks, especially if involved in a collision or rollover. There is a risk of chemical leaks or spills from the cooling systems, which could further exacerbate the dangers of the accident. For this reason, companies operating refrigerator trucks need to prioritize regular maintenance, proper training for their drivers, and safety protocols to prevent accidents.
Why Commercial Truck Accidents Come With Complex Legal Issues
Factors such as determining liability, navigating federal and state regulations for commercial trucking, and dealing with corporate trucking companies or their insurers make these cases challenging for victims seeking compensation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial truck accident, consult a personal injury lawyer who handles commercial vehicle accidents.
At Arash Law, we have decades of experience dealing with the complexities of truck accident cases. We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on your life and are dedicated to helping you navigate through this challenging time. We are committed to advocating for your rights throughout your case and helping you seek compensation for your losses.
Contact us for a free initial consultation. Let our skilled commercial truck accident attorneys in San Diego handle the legal proceedings while you focus on healing.
Why Should You Hire Our San Diego Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers?
Our commercial truck accident attorneys possess the knowledge, experience, compassion, and commitment to help establish liability and pursue financial compensation on your behalf. For many decades, our truck accident law firm has been assisting victims to protect their rights and support them during challenging times. We understand the laws governing commercial truck accidents and the intricate regulations that govern the trucking industry.
Our San Diego attorneys can handle your commercial truck accident case. We conduct rigorous investigations, collaborating with reconstructionist experts to uncover details that may help with your claim. We are dedicated to helping our clients build a case that accounts for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Most importantly, we treat all clients with compassion because we understand their unique challenges.
Common Commercial Truck Accident Cases Our Attorneys Handle
Commercial trucks have a high potential to cause significant property damage and inflict catastrophic injuries on innocent victims. Their sheer size and other physical qualities contribute to different types of accidents.
Here are some examples of cases our San Diego commercial truck accident lawyers can handle:
Blind Spot Accidents
These occur when a driver fails to notice another vehicle or person in their blind spot, causing a collision. Due to trucks’ wider blind zones, drivers may be unable to see other vehicles beside or behind them. If a truck driver changes lanes or turns without checking their blind spot and misses a car, the other vehicle can be severely damaged in seconds.
Underride Accidents
Underrides occur when a small car collides with a truck and slides underneath the trailer. These incidents are among the deadliest crashes. When a car or motorcycle goes under a truck, the top of the vehicle is often sheared off. This can lead to serious injuries, deaths, and the total loss of the car.
Rollover Accidents
Larger commercial trucks are more prone to rollover accidents. These crashes are often caused by shifting cargo weight on an incline or making an excessively wide turn. A truck that rolls over is a serious threat to both the driver and the surrounding motorists. Its cargo might also spill onto the road, causing secondary collisions.
Tire Blowout Accidents
Overloading can cause the truck tires to explode under pressure. When a tire blows, the driver could lose control of the vehicle. This can result in collisions, rollovers, car damage, injuries, and even fatalities.
Liability in these cases can be harder to determine. Our commercial truck accident lawyers will investigate all potential parties, including those beyond the driver, such as the tire manufacturer or the mechanic who performed maintenance on the truck.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone collisions are common on California roads. In truck-related crashes, they often occur when a truck driver fails to yield or runs a red light, striking another vehicle on its side. These types of crashes are more deadly because the side of a car provides less protection than the front or back.
A T-bone accident puts you in danger of serious injuries or even death if you’re in the vehicle that was hit on the side. The severity of injuries is determined by the force of the impact and the size of the commercial truck.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a commercial truck’s trailer swings out of line and into the cab, causing the entire vehicle to fold in at a 90-degree angle. These frequently occur when a truck driver brakes too hard and quickly, causing the axles to lock up.
Many trucks have anti-jackknife devices installed to prevent this accident. Anti-lock brakes can also help, allowing the driver to maintain steering control during emergency braking. Ultimately, the truck driver’s attention and cautious driving are the most effective strategies to avoid jackknife crashes.
No matter what type of commercial vehicle accident caused your injuries, you should not be held financially liable for losses due to no fault of your own. Our experienced San Diego commercial truck accident attorneys can seek the compensation that may be available in your case.
Causes And Contributing Factors In Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents are not the same as typical passenger car accidents. Collisions involving these large vehicles result in far more serious injuries, particularly for pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of other cars involved in the incident. Due to the strict rules governing the industry, detailed investigations must be conducted.
Our commercial truck accident lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the causes. Here are some examples of contributing factors that are common in commercial truck accident cases:
Driving Mistakes And Violations
Driver errors represent a significant contributing factor to road accidents. Commercial truck drivers must undergo extensive training and obtain proper licensing before operating commercial vehicles. However, even with this training and certification, truck drivers can still make mistakes, such as ignoring traffic signs, that can have serious consequences.
Driving In Bad Weather Conditions
Truckers must know how to handle various and often unpredictable weather conditions, which can create hazardous driving situations that might lead to a commercial truck accident. Trucking companies and their drivers are responsible for deciding when to delay trips or pull over due to dangerous weather, especially if it’s beyond human control. Liability for accidents may arise from failing to take proper safety precautions while operating a vehicle.
Speeding
Some employers often impose tight delivery schedules. The pressure to meet these demands could compel drivers to exceed speed limits, especially when unexpected delays occur. This tendency increases the possibility that a driver will lose control of their commercial vehicle, particularly on icy roads, steep inclines, construction zones, or banked turns. Once drivers lose power, they risk getting into accidents such as rollovers, side-turns, and T-bone collisions.
In case of a vehicle collision, stop immediately. You must report the accident to the DMV within ten (10) days by completing a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) if the property damage exceeds $1,000 or if anyone is injured or killed, regardless of the severity of the injury.
Tailgating
Driving too closely behind another vehicle, especially at high speeds, frequently results in rear-end collisions. Tailgating endangers both drivers and other road users. Commercial trucks cannot slow down or stop as quickly as passenger vehicles, so truck drivers must maintain a safe gap between their vehicles and those in front of them. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or a fatal crash.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
Alcohol and drug abuse are serious problems in the trucking industry. Some of the drivers use these substances to cope with long hours on the road, including stimulants to keep them awake during long shifts or while driving at night. Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous, as even minor intoxication can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. Such risky behavior might lead to an accident.
According to California Vehicle Code 23152(d) VC, people with a CDL are not allowed to drive a commercial vehicle if their blood alcohol level is 0.04 percent or higher. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truck drivers to undergo random drug and alcohol testing as part of its road safety program.
Our commercial truck accident lawyers also handle DUI accident cases. We meticulously gather evidence to support a claim that the impaired driver’s negligence may have caused the accident. The pieces of evidence we look for may include the police report documenting their BAC level, laboratory test results, past DUI offenses, witness statements, and more.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when a driver diverts their focus away from the road. Distractions include eating, drinking, smoking, checking the phone, adjusting the radio, or entering a location into a navigation system. Even a momentary lapse of focus can result in an accident.
Reckless Or Aggressive Driving
Reckless and aggressive driving increases the risk of a collision, especially when maneuvering a large commercial truck. These behaviors endanger the safety of both the driver and other motorists on the road.
Here are some of the most common reckless and aggressive behaviors:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Improper passing.
- Stopping on the highway.
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals.
- Driving on the wrong side of the road or beyond designated lanes.
- Weaving in and out of traffic.
If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a commercial truck accident, you may want to seek the assistance of skilled attorneys who can represent your interests in an injury claim. Our San Diego commercial truck accident lawyers can help you hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the compensation that may be available to you.
Negligent Employment Practices
To establish a trucking company’s liability for an accident, our commercial truck accident attorneys will look into possible instances of negligence, such as:
- Negligent Hiring Processes
- Lacking adequate background checks.
- Hiring drivers with poor driving records.
- Disregarding the drivers’ health concerns (e.g., sleep apnea, vision problems).
- Poor Employee Monitoring
- Failing to review driving records regularly.
- Ignoring routine drug and alcohol testing.
- Ignoring current criminal background checks.
- Insufficient Training
- Failing to provide a driver training program.
- Assessing the drivers’ abilities inadequately before deployment.
Our commercial truck accident lawyers in San Diego can help you pursue accountability from drivers and commercial trucking companies for accidents caused by their negligence. We will gather and present evidence systematically to help you build a case that reflects your losses. Explore your legal options during a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers.
Violations In Trucking Regulations
Both state and federal regulations govern the commercial trucking industry. Here are some of the most typical truck driving regulatory violations:
- Hours of Service Violations — Drivers are limited in the number of hours and consecutive days they may operate commercial trucks. According to Hours of Service regulations, they can only drive up to 11 hours after ten consecutive hours off-duty. However, some employers occasionally allow and encourage drivers to disregard Hours of Service laws to expedite trucking operations.
- Cargo Violations — Failure to comply with loading, unloading, fastening, and cargo placing standards can result in major accidents. For instance, unsecured cargo could fall out of the truck and hit other vehicles.
- Weight and Size Restrictions — Exceeding the commercial truck’s length, width, and weight restrictions can impair the driver’s ability to control and stop the vehicle safely. It can also lead to longer braking distances, accelerated tire wear, and instability.
- Maintenance Violations — When commercial trucks are not properly maintained, the danger of accidents and injuries increases considerably. Neglecting this crucial aspect can lead to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures.
In a commercial truck accident, proof of regulatory violations is critical in establishing responsibility in an injury claim. You may seek the assistance of our San Diego commercial truck accident attorneys to help you make a well-supported argument for appropriate compensation based on your case circumstances.
Defective Trucks And Parts
Even when trucks are carefully maintained and handled properly, accidents can occur due to malfunctioning trucks, trailers, or vehicle parts. These flaws are frequently discovered after a thorough investigation, which includes scrutinizing physical evidence, checking statements from the truck driver and other accident witnesses, and consulting with truck experts.
In these cases, the truck manufacturer of the specific parts could bear responsibility for the accident. They could be liable for defective tires, malfunctioning brakes, or faulty underride guards.
In some cases, another motorist could be at fault for a truck vs. automobile accident. That’s why it’s important to consider seeking advice from experienced commercial truck accident lawyers in San Diego. We are well-versed in product liability claims against negligent manufacturers, sellers, and distributors.
Common Injuries Resulting From Commercial Truck Accidents
Here are some of the most common injuries victims may sustain in an accident involving commercial trucks:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
The force of a collision with a large and heavy vehicle has a high chance of leading to traumatic brain injuries, even with seatbelts and airbags. TBIs, like concussions and brain bleeds, can cause long-term cognitive, motor, and emotional regulation problems.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur in commercial truck accidents, potentially leading to paralysis. Victims may become quadriplegic or paraplegic, depending on the extent of the injury. These conditions require lifestyle modifications and intensive medical care.
Often, the victims go into debt to cover their expenses. A family member or two might have to leave their jobs to care for their loved ones. If you or a loved one is injured due to negligence, you can seek compensation for your losses, including pain and suffering. Contact our commercial truck accident lawyers in San Diego to learn more about your rights.
Bone Fractures & Orthopedic Injuries
Collisions involving commercial trucks also frequently cause bone fractures and orthopedic injuries to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries cause severe pain and limited mobility, which often necessitate surgery, hardware implants, and lengthy physical rehabilitation.
Internal Organ Damage
Accidents involving large commercial vehicles can cause significant damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs due to brute force or penetration. These injuries are potentially fatal. They require prompt medical attention, even if the severity is not immediately obvious.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Commercial truck accidents often result in soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, strains, and sprains, due to sudden movements. These injuries, which affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can cause significant discomfort and impede daily activities. While they are generally considered less serious than fractures or organ damage, they could still lead to high medical expenses and long-term conditions, especially if they don’t heal correctly.
Emotional & Psychological Trauma
Survivors of commercial truck accidents frequently experience severe emotional and psychological stress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. The psychological impact of such traumatic events demands professional treatment for long-term healing.
Any type of injury, no matter how minor or severe, should be treated immediately. If left untreated, it might worsen over time. If finances are holding you back from getting medical treatment, contact our commercial truck accident lawyers in San Diego. We can discuss your options for seeking compensation. We can also give you access to local medical specialists who can assess, treat, and document your injuries.
In the worst cases, these injuries lead to death. If this happens to a loved one, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Call (888) 488-1391 and our wrongful death lawyers in San Diego will walk you through your options.
What Types Of Damages Can Commercial Truck Accident Victims Pursue A Claim For?
Victims may have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and other damages caused by a negligent party. Some of the economic and non-economic damages that our commercial truck accident lawyers help victims file a claim for include:
- Medical Expenses — These include any current and future costs for treating your injuries from the commercial truck accident. You will need a medical expert’s assessment, medical records, and your doctor’s prognosis for the length of your recovery to support your claim.
- Lost Wages — Any income and benefits you miss while recovering, as well as future pay losses, can be included in a claim. If you cannot earn the same amount as before the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for diminished earning capacity.
- Property Damages — These are compensation for the repairs or replacement of your car and any other personal things destroyed in the truck accident (e.g., laptop, phone, and clothing).
- Pain & Suffering — You may seek compensation for the physical and psychological suffering you have to bear. This includes mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
- Loss of Quality of Life — Injuries leading to disability often result in a diminished quality of life for the victim. This loss can be part of your claim, although its value is harder to prove.
- Punitive Damages — These are available in circumstances where the at-fault party demonstrated extreme reckless disregard for the safety of others. This compensation is intended to punish the at-fault person, but it is rarely awarded.
Our commercial truck accident lawyers in San Diego are dedicated to pursuing the compensation that may be available to you. We will build a well-supported case on your behalf and help protect your rights throughout the claims process.
How Are Pain And Suffering Valued?
To be compensated for pain and suffering, you must quantify your losses. While medical expenses and car repair costs are simple, non-economic damages and the intangible concept of pain and suffering are more difficult to calculate. Two primary methods are used to determine the value of pain and suffering:
- Multiplier Method — This approach considers your measurable damages, like lost income and medical bills. These damages are multiplied by a value, typically between 1.5 and 6, based on the severity of your injuries. The result is the approximate value of your pain and suffering.
- Per Diem Method — You estimate the number of days you were in serious discomfort owing to your injury. A daily rate is assigned, often based on your daily earnings or other relevant factors. It’s then multiplied by the total number of days to determine the monetary value of your pain and suffering.
You need to present adequate evidence to prove the value of your pain and suffering damages. This can include proof of injury, journal entries explaining your experience, mental health treatment history, and witness statements from family, friends, and caregivers.
Speak to our San Diego commercial truck accident attorneys, who can assist you with your claim. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers will help you build a case that demonstrates the full extent of your pain and suffering and other intangible losses.
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
Who Is Liable In A Commercial Truck Accident?
Establishing liability in commercial truck accident cases is crucial for seeking financial compensation for your losses. If you are injured in the accident, one or more of the following parties could be responsible:
- Truck driver
- Truck owner
- Truck operator
- Trucking company
- Truck manufacturer
- Cargo loading company
- Truck maintenance or repair shops
- Other third parties
In most crashes between two vehicles, the responsibility is determined by who triggered the crash. However, comparative negligence may also apply when both parties share responsibility. In California, if one party is determined to be 99% at fault, they may still be entitled to seek compensation.
The same principle applies to cases involving multiple parties. In a three-way collision with an Uber or Lyft, for example, all involved drivers may have varying degrees of responsibility. Their percentage of fault will determine how much they owe the victim.
Our commercial truck accident lawyers will conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify parties who may be liable for the accident. We can gather important evidence to establish their negligence. Pieces of evidence may be destroyed or lost over time, so a quick call to experienced attorneys may help with the investigation.
How Our Attorneys Determine Fault In Commercial Trucking Accidents
Our commercial accident attorneys have extensive experience proving fault. They will thoroughly examine the wreckage, analyze police files, and interview eyewitnesses to better understand the elements that contributed to the crash.
Our investigations include reviewing logbook documents, maintenance reports, and black boxes. We examine every possible angle to determine who is at fault, such as:
- Truck Driver — We review whether factors such as impaired driving, reckless driving, or speeding contributed to the crash.
- Truck Company — Arash Law has extensive experience holding commercial truck companies liable for failing to maintain their trucks properly, hiring unqualified truck drivers, inadequately training them, or pressuring drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines.
If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer,” you may be looking for guidance on what steps to take next. Our commercial truck accident attorneys in San Diego have the experience and legal resources to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Regardless of the type, from hit-and-run involving motorcycles and dog bites to mesothelioma, our legal team prepares each personal injury claim with the goal of pursuing compensation through a settlement or trial.
Responsibilities Of Commercial Truck Drivers
Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies have considerable duties and must adhere to rigorous standards. Operating huge commercial trucks requires particular training, skills, and physical capabilities. When safe trucking regulations are not followed, innocent motorists could sustain serious injuries and damages in truck accidents.
Semi-trucks, garbage trucks, delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large vehicles that require training and a license must adhere to state and federal trucking standards. Unfortunately, irresponsible, reckless, and intentional violations of truck industry rules and procedures are prevalent, putting the health and safety of innocent people at risk.
Our San Diego commercial truck accident lawyers can help protect your rights if a negligent violator of commercial truck industry standards is accountable for your injuries.
What To Do After A Commercial Truck Accident In San Diego
If you are involved in a commercial truck accident, you can take the necessary steps to help protect your rights and safety. Here is what you can do:
- Prioritize Your Safety — Assess yourself and others for injuries. If you need immediate assistance, dial 911. If it is safe, move away from the wreckage, but don’t leave the scene. You could be charged with a hit-and-run.
- Report the Accident — First, contact the police and complete an official accident report. Next, report the accident to your insurance carrier as soon as possible. Be advised that some circumstances may require you to take a drug test following a commercial vehicle collision.
- Gather Evidence — Once everyone is safe, begin documenting all relevant details. Take photographs of all vehicles from various angles, as well as road conditions and signs that may have contributed to the collision. Take notes on what happened while it is still fresh in your mind. Credible documentation can help you recoup damages later.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if you think you’re okay, you still need to undergo a further medical assessment. Your medical documents are crucial evidence in filing an injury claim.
- Contact San Diego Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys — Our skilled lawyers can review the circumstances of the crash, explain your legal options, and guide you through the claims process. They can also help gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and assess the types of damages that may apply to your situation.
Truck Accident Statistics
Here are some figures from recent data about truck accidents across the U.S.:
- In 2021, 5,788 fatalities occurred in traffic crashes involving heavy trucks, a 17% increase from 4,945 in 2020.
- In 2022, 5,837 heavy trucks were involved in a fatal crash, up 1.8% from 2021 and 49% over the prior decade.
Alarmed by such concerning numbers, our commercial truck accident lawyers advocate not only for injured victims’ rights to seek compensation but also for stricter implementation of trucking standards in the industry and safer roads for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys Help Me After An Accident?
Here’s how our San Diego accident lawyers can help you:
- Accident Investigation — We can gather accident reports, witness accounts, and other relevant evidence.
- Insurance Company Negotiations — We will handle all discussions and negotiations with the insurance company to help you pursue the compensation you deserve under the law.
- Damage Calculation — We can assess your medical expenditures, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other applicable damages to account for them in your claim.
- Legal Representation — If you can’t reach a fair settlement, our commercial truck accident attorneys in San Diego are ready to take your case to court.
What Is An Hours Of Service Violation In Commercial Truck Accidents?
Federal laws establish a maximum time limit for commercial truck drivers to operate during a specified period. This is due to the significant safety risk that sleepy driving poses to other drivers (some studies suggest that drowsy driving is nearly as deadly as drunk driving). If a truck driver exceeds this limit or doesn’t take the mandated break, they have violated the hours of service and may be held accountable for any resulting injury.
How Does Economic Pressure Negatively Impact Truck Driver Safety?
Economic pressure on commercial truck drivers can lead to less safe roads. Here are two examples of economic pressure:
- Pressure to Meet Tight Deadlines — Trucking companies often exert immense pressure on drivers to meet strict delivery deadlines. When drivers fail to meet these timeframes, the company receives lower compensation for the delivery. This pressure frequently leads to violations of government-mandated hours-of-service regulations.
- Drivers Are Expected to Drive Roughly 500 Miles Per Day — This expectation creates pressure, leading many to break safety laws, especially when faced with delays that consume their unpaid waiting time. The demand to deliver on schedule can force drivers to drive while fatigued, increasing the risk of accidents for themselves and other road users.
How Much Does A Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case and their experience. Most commercial truck accident lawyers in San Diego work on a contingency fee basis, which means they are only paid if they win your case. Typically, they will charge a portion of your settlement or court award as their fee.
It’s also helpful to discuss any other case-related costs during your initial consultation. These expenses, such as filing fees, expert evaluations, or obtaining records, may still apply regardless of the outcome, so understanding the full fee structure upfront can help you plan ahead.
What Is The Coercion Rule?
The Coercion Rule is a federal regulation that empowers truck drivers to report employers who pressure them to violate safety laws. It was enacted by Congress in 2015 as part of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) and took effect on January 29, 2016. The STAA mandated the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create regulations to prevent coercion, and the DOT responded with the Coercion Rule.
The rule accomplishes three major things to decrease coercion and help identify organizations that engage in it, including:
- Establishing a system to let drivers report attempts to persuade them into breaching federal safety laws.
- Outlining the efforts that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should conduct when receiving a coercion report.
- Establishing sanctions for companies when driver coercion is discovered.
The Coercion Rule aims to eliminate pressure on truck drivers, allowing them to comply with safety laws without feeling forced to break them for financial reasons.
Consult Our San Diego Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers
If you were injured or a family member was killed in a recent commercial truck accident, you may be looking for the best commercial truck accident lawyers San Diego has to offer. While we’d rather not presume to be the best, our personal injury attorneys possess the experience and legal resources to represent you. Contact Arash Law to discuss your legal options in your commercial truck accident case.
Our San Diego commercial truck accident attorneys work diligently to help you pursue the compensation available in your case. We can help you prepare and file a claim that reflects your medical bills, lost wages, and any costs associated with repairing and replacing your vehicle and other property. Call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.
Our truck accident law firm also extends its services to neighboring areas, such as Escondido, Coronado, National City, Chula Vista, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, Imperial Beach, La Presa, Spring Valley, El Cajon, Rancho San Diego, and Santee.
You can consult us from the comfort of your home, at your workplace, or online. Our team can also offer complimentary transportation or meet you at a location of your choosing.
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