San Diego Big-Rig Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Experienced San Diego Big-Rig Accident Lawyers Offering Representation Rooted In Integrity
Did you sustain injuries in a large truck collision because of someone’s negligence? Call our San Diego big-rig accident lawyers and we’ll help you seek a fair settlement that puts you back on track. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a no-cost case consultation.
Arash Law is here to assist you if you’ve been involved in a big-rig collision. We’ll listen to your story, guide you through the legal process, and protect your rights. We’re here to help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Why You Need Skilled San Diego Big-Rig Accident Lawyers
After an accident, you might be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” Big-rig accidents are significantly more complicated than typical car accidents. An experienced accident attorney can stand with you, explain your options, and help you pursue fair treatment.
Our San Diego big-rig accident attorneys understand the intricacies of big-rig accident cases, and we are ready to use our skills and experience to your advantage. Here’s how our San Diego injury law firm can help you:
- Conduct thorough investigations to gather crucial evidence for your case.
- Collect medical records and accident photos to support your claim.
- Interview witnesses and gather witness statements.
- Review official police reports for further insights into the accident.
- Handle communications with insurance companies.
- Negotiate settlements to help you seek fair payment.
- Prepare for trial if we can’t reach a settlement.
We’re committed to providing the same level of dedication and care to every client we represent. If you’d like to learn more about your rights and available options, our team is ready to provide guidance and support.
Settlement in a heavily disputed Truck v. Truck case. Our client was blamed by the insurance company from day one and was always told that they would never take responsibility for the collision that injured our client’s lower back. After years of litigation, Benny and the team were able to secure the full policy limits for our client months before trial.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Why Choose Our Big-Rig Accident Attorneys
Our team of big-rig accident lawyers in San Diego works diligently to identify legal options for our clients. Here are some of the reasons to choose Arash Law for your big-rig accident case:
- Deep Knowledge of California Trucking Laws — Our attorneys are well-versed in the complex laws and regulations governing the trucking industry.
- Personalized Legal Strategies — We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach to address the legal challenges of your case.
- Dedicated Pursuit of Justice — We advocate for your rights, whether we are negotiating with insurers or appearing in court.
- Extensive Trial Experience — With decades of collective experience handling big-rig accident cases, we know how to deal with trucking companies and their insurers.
- Compassionate Client Support — Throughout the legal process, we provide clients with empathetic and considerate support.
Searching for “big-rig truck accident lawyers near me?” We offer dedicated support and legal representation. Our San Diego truck accident attorneys are committed to helping you pursue justice and fair compensation so you can focus on recovering and rebuilding your life.
Trucking Laws And Regulations
A standard truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so imagine if you were struck by a speeding truck. The consequences can be devastating, ranging from serious injuries to fatal outcomes. To help mitigate the risks, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set strict rules that all truck drivers must follow. These regulations are in place to protect everyone on the road and minimize the risk of accidents.
Here are some of the regulations that truck drivers must adhere to:
- Truck drivers must be at least 21 years old and possess safe driving skills.
- Drivers are prohibited from exceeding a certain number of driving hours to avoid fatigue.
- Truck drivers must take regular rest breaks at designated intervals.
- Alcohol consumption within four hours before driving is strictly prohibited.
- The blood alcohol content (BAC) of truck drivers must be below 0.04%.
- Drivers must conduct regular inspections of their trucks and cargo.
- If the weather is dangerous, the driver should stop driving or take extra precautions.
If you suffered harm, talk to our San Diego commercial truck accident lawyers. We can help you navigate the complex legal process, uphold your rights, and seek compensation on your behalf.
Truck Accident?
Common Big-Rig Accident Causes
It is common to see big-rig trucks on major highways since they are often used to transport goods. However, with their large size and heavy loads, they can pose significant risks on the road. Accidents can occur and result in significant injuries or fatalities when drivers fail to drive cautiously. You need to understand the causes of these incidents, as they can influence the amount of compensation you may qualify for.
Here are some of the factors that contribute to big-rig collisions:
Driver Errors
According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, human factors are responsible for more than 90% of road accidents. Many drivers overestimate their skills and underestimate road risks, resulting in critical mistakes.
Here are the common driver errors that cause big-rig collisions:
- Fatigued Driving — Drowsy driving slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and can even cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel, greatly increasing accident risks.
- Driving Under the Influence — Impaired driving adversely affects a driver’s reflexes, decision-making, and motor skills, leading to dangerous driving behaviors.
- Speeding — Driving too fast makes it difficult for drivers to avoid collisions, especially during emergencies or in adverse weather conditions.
- Distracted Driving — Looking away from the road to use a phone, eat, or adjust controls can increase accident risks.
- Tailgating — Following too closely reduces the space needed to stop in an emergency, often leading to rear-end collisions.
- Failing to Check Blind Spots — Blind spots are areas around the truck that are obscured from the driver’s direct line of sight or mirrors. Merging or changing lanes without considering them can lead to serious accidents.
Environmental Factors And External Conditions
Environmental factors create conditions that can challenge even experienced drivers. From visibility issues to unpredictable road surfaces, these elements require extra caution and skill to navigate safely. Some of these factors include:
- Poor Road Conditions — Dangerous road conditions, such as potholes and construction zones, pose significant risks to large trucks. They can make it difficult for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Bad Weather — Heavy rains can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the likelihood of a collision if proper precautions aren’t taken.
If you’ve been injured in a big-rig accident, our skilled San Diego attorneys can help you investigate and identify contributing factors.
Potentially Liable Parties In A Big-Rig Accident
Collisions involving commercial vehicles like big rigs, 18-wheelers, or tractor-trailers are often complicated because multiple parties may be involved. Our tractor-trailer accident attorneys can investigate and determine whether one or more of these parties may be at fault:
- The Truck Driver — If the driver was driving recklessly, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, they can be held liable.
- The Truck Owner — The truck owner could be held liable if they neglect to maintain or inspect their truck, leading to unsafe conditions.
- The Trucking Company — If the trucking company forces drivers to drive beyond legal hours or hires them without proper background checks, the company may be liable.
- The Truck Manufacturer — If the truck or any of its components were defectively designed or manufactured, causing an accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
- The Maintenance Provider — Repair or maintenance service providers may be found at fault if they fail to perform necessary repairs or forget to inspect critical components, causing a collision.
- The Cargo Loading Company — If they failed to load or secure cargo properly and contributed to the accident, they could be held liable.
You must determine who is responsible for the accident in order to pursue your claim. Your San Diego big-rig accident attorney must establish the following elements to prove negligence:
- Duty of Care — The responsible party owed you a duty to drive safely.
- Breach of Duty — The responsible party failed to meet that duty, such as by driving recklessly.
- Causation — Their dangerous driving behavior (breach of duty) directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages — The accident must have caused you serious harm, such as physical injuries or property damage.
Our experienced San Diego accident lawyers are available to provide guidance and explain your legal options.
Damages Available In A Big-Rig Accident Claim
According to the California Code, “Every person who suffers detriment from the unlawful act or omission of another may recover from the person in fault a compensation therefore in money, which is called damages.”
If you sustain injuries in a big-rig collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Our San Diego big-rig accident lawyers can help you pursue the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages and earnings
- Lost earning capacity
- Inability to pursue a career
- Emotional and mental distress
- Pain and suffering
- Physical scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The severity and nature of your injuries impact the potential compensation you can receive in your claim. Generally, more serious injuries, such as those involving long-term disability, chronic pain, or extensive medical treatment, may result in higher compensation. They come with greater medical costs, potential loss of income, and a more profound impact on the person’s quality of life. Here are some examples of such injuries:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
If you’re involved in an accident, seek immediate medical attention so that any hidden injuries are properly documented, as they can directly impact your claim. Once you’ve received care, consider consulting San Diego personal injury attorneys.
What To Do After A Big-Rig Accident
After an accident, taking the right steps is crucial for your recovery and any future legal claims.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check for Injuries — Your health and safety should be the priority. Call 911 to seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel seriously injured.
- Gather Evidence — Take photos and videos at the scene of the accident to support your claim. Document the following:
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Skidmarks
- Road and traffic conditions
- Traffic signs and signals
- Weather condition
- Collect Information — Get the driver’s name, contact details, license number, and insurance information. If a company employs a truck driver, obtain the company’s name and contact information as well.
- Consult a Lawyer — Our big-rig accident attorneys in San Diego can review your case, obtain proof of negligence, and build an evidence-backed case in your favor. We will also handle communications with the trucking company and insurance providers so we can protect your rights. During our initial consultation, bring the following if you have them:
- Medical reports
- Police reports
- Accident photos
- Medical bills
- Insurance documents
- Witness statements
If you don’t have any of these, our attorneys can assist you in obtaining them.
Suarez v. Premium Packing (settled on 9/26/2023) – Settlement involving a man who sustained multiple orthopedic injures and a mild traumatic brain injury when he was run over by a food truck.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Deadline For Filing A Claim After A Big-Rig Accident
Injured victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. While there are exceptions to this rule, if you miss the filing deadline, the court may dismiss your case, which means you won’t get any compensation.
We understand the importance of meeting this deadline. Our San Diego big-rig accident lawyers can review your situation and determine the appropriate filing timeline.
Truck Accident Statistics
There were 5,837 fatal crashes involving large trucks. These giant vehicles were involved in 3% more accidents per 100 million miles traveled in 2022 than in 2021. In addition to this, 120,200 large trucks were involved in accidents that caused injuries, an increase of 2.5% from 2021.
Statistics like these illustrate how dangerous and serious truck collisions have become in recent years. If you suffered injuries because of someone’s negligence, understanding your rights is an important first step. Our San Diego big-rig accident lawyers can explain your legal options and guide you through the process. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If More Than One Person Caused The Accident?
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. In this rule, all parties can be held responsible for their contribution to an accident. This also means that even if the victim is partially responsible for the crash, they are still eligible to seek damages. However, their compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to them by a judge or jury.
For example:
In a three-vehicle accident, Driver A is found 50% at fault, Driver B 30%, and Driver C 20%. If Driver C (the plaintiff) suffers $100,000 in damages, they can recover up to $80,000:
- $50,000 from Driver A (50%).
- $30,000 from Driver B (30%).
- Driver C’s own responsibility for 20% means they forgo $20,000 of the total damages.
San Diego big-rig accident attorneys will work to pursue just recompense so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Can I Sue The Trucking Company For The Injuries Caused By Their Driver?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit against the trucking company. It may be held responsible for accidents if the driver was driving on the clock at the time of the accident or if it was found that the company contributed to the crash. Even if the driver is an independent contractor, the company might still be held accountable for these failures. Our San Diego big-rig accident lawyers will collect the evidence needed and seek fair compensation on your behalf.
Should I Talk To The Trucker’s Insurance Company If They Call Me?
While insurance representatives have a job to do, the statements you provide can affect how your claim is evaluated. Let our big-rig accident lawyers in San Diego handle these conversations. We know how to protect your rights and how to negotiate, so we don’t say anything that can adversely impact your claim.
Will It Be Necessary To Go To Court To Receive Compensation?
Not every case goes to trial. Often, claims are resolved through insurance negotiations, but when that isn’t possible, a lawsuit may be necessary. Our San Diego big-rig accident lawyers will keep you informed and prepared no matter which path your case takes.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Big-Rig Accident Attorney In California?
Most accident attorneys work on cases on contingency, meaning you only pay if we win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the compensation you receive, depending on the complexity of your case. This allows you to pursue legal action without worrying about upfront expenses, although case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. Our big-rig accident attorneys in San Diego will explain our fees clearly so you know what to expect.
Call The Big-Rig Accident Attorneys Serving San Diego
At Arash Law, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the challenges that follow a truck accident. We take pride in offering legal support and personalized service to the people we represent.
If you sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence, call our big-rig accident lawyers in San Diego. We will handle the legal legwork, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and filing a lawsuit if necessary. Call us at (888) 488-1391. We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Our car accident lawyers handle a wide range of cases, including pedestrian accidents, motorcycle collisions, and rideshare crashes involving Uber or Lyft. We also work on claims for hit-and-run incidents, DUI crashes, and delivery truck accidents. Our team can also take on personal injury claims involving construction work, bike accidents, wrongful death, dog bites, mesothelioma cases, and more.
We extend our services to clients in Carlsbad, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista, and Del Mar.
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