San Diego Truck Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our San Diego Truck Accident Attorneys Are Determined To Uphold Your Legal Rights
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you are probably wondering, “What do I do?” and who can help you take the next steps. Our experienced San Diego truck accident attorneys can evaluate your right to compensation. We can safeguard your claim against potential third-party interference. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Trucks make their way through San Diego’s business and shopping districts to deliver goods to stores and customers. These congested areas are at a higher risk of collisions, potentially leading to injuries and fatalities. In such cases, injured victims need experienced truck accident lawyers who understand the laws and regulations governing the trucking industry.
Insurance companies will often find excuses to avoid paying victims for their medical bills, income loss, and other damages. Even if they do, they might offer you a low settlement that may not cover all your accident-related expenses. In this case, the San Diego truck accident lawyers at our law firm will uphold your rights against the at-fault party’s insurers and legal teams. We will advocate for your needs and interests.
Trucking Accident
$3,120,000.00
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
How Can Our Truck Accident Lawyers Support Your Claim?
Our San Diego truck accident attorneys will work diligently to pursue appropriate compensation. Insurance companies might arm themselves with arguments, low settlement offers that go against your needs, and experienced lawyers who represent truck drivers. Many victims without legal representation have agreed to offers that barely cover any of their losses. Our lawyers will work to help our clients pursue compensation that fully addresses the extent of their damages.
Here are some steps our San Diego lawyers take to help truck accident victims pursue fair compensation:
- Investigate Your Accident – We will thoroughly investigate every detail that contributed to the accident and injuries. Our goal is to understand the sequence of events, the parties involved, and potential violations that led to the truck collision.
- Gather Evidence – Our San Diego truck accident law firm will preserve all evidence supporting your claim. This includes photos from the scene, surveillance footage, witness statements, police reports, and other documentation. This step also helps us determine who the liable parties are.
- Put a Value on Your Claim – Our truck accident lawyers in San Diego assess all the damages you’ve suffered, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. We collaborate with medical and financial experts to pursue appropriate compensation for your current and future losses.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies – We enter negotiations with insurers with a strong case built on solid evidence and a clear understanding of the claim’s value. Our personal injury attorneys will utilize this evidence to negotiate for a fair settlement with insurers on your behalf.
- Represent You in Court – When negotiations fail, we’re well-prepared to represent you in court. Our San Diego truck accident attorneys, who have years of litigation experience, work to secure a verdict that reflects the value of your claim.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Here are some of the most typical factors present in truck accident cases:
Drowsy Driving
Many truck drivers feel pressure to work as many hours as possible. This pressure leads to a real safety problem, especially when truck drivers are paid by the mile. Some truck drivers push the limits by driving longer than is safe. Some even attempt to operate longer than is legally permitted. Federal regulations stipulate that a commercial driver may work for up to 8 hours before taking a break.
However, some truck drivers attempt to work longer hours to accumulate more miles and earn higher pay. This situation, unfortunately, can lead to severe accidents, inflicting life-threatening and catastrophic injuries on victims. If driver fatigue caused your accident, our truck accident attorneys in San Diego would review their logbooks and black boxes to determine if they may have violated the hours-of-service laws.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit is another issue that arises when truck drivers are compensated by the mile. Speeding-related accidents involving trucks can cause severe consequences, including life-threatening injuries and other damages to victims. Many truck drivers adhere to the speed limit and exercise caution on the road.
However, others still choose to drive faster than is safe, regardless of the current weather conditions, traffic conditions, or cargo load they are carrying. Doing this, too, leads to devastating truck accidents. Speed is a significant factor in the severity of injuries in truck accidents. This fact is why truck drivers who speed are more likely to be found negligent and thus required to compensate victims for their injuries and losses.
Distracted Driving
Like any driver, a trucker can quickly become distracted while operating a vehicle. In addition to smartphones, navigation programs, and entertainment systems that distract drivers, truckers also have other unique equipment in their cabs. The CB radio and electronic logging device are just two examples that are not typically found in a passenger vehicle. Given all these potential causes of distraction, truck drivers should take extra measures to keep other road users safe and prevent any distracted driving accidents. A truck driver can also be distracted by complicated maneuvers or problems with the cargo load.
Distracted driving is also a form of negligence. To prove that the trucker was engaging in this behavior, your truck accident attorney would have to gather evidence like eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage.
Inexperienced Drivers
Large, bulky vehicles are difficult to operate safely. This is why it is so essential for truck drivers to have adequate training and experience before entering traffic in a large, heavily loaded vehicle. A transportation or commercial trucking company that sends an inexperienced driver into traffic can be held liable for damages caused by that driver’s negligence. This liability covers a wide range of traffic scenarios that can arise when a truck driver is not experienced enough to handle their vehicle safely. It is part of the safety protocol to properly and appropriately screen and train the truck drivers they hire. Failing to do so is grounds for negligence on their part, as it ultimately endangers other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
In these types of truck collisions, our San Diego truck accident lawyers will carefully review all the details to determine and establish the trucking company’s negligence.
Improper Maintenance
Maintenance is essential for any vehicle. Without regular inspections and maintenance, any vehicle can break down, potentially causing an accident in traffic. Accidents can be even more dangerous when they involve a large truck. A driver who loses control of a truck can cause severe damage and serious injuries.
If the transportation company does not regularly maintain its vehicles, the trucks can break down or malfunction while on the road. If a driver does not inspect the truck before heading into traffic, they can cause fatal injuries. Even something as simple as a tire blowout can be deadly when it occurs in a large, fully loaded truck.
Defective Parts And Equipment
In some cases, a truck accident is not the driver’s fault. Defective vehicle parts and equipment in any vehicle can lead to a breakdown that causes a collision. In this case, the truck manufacturer (or the part or equipment) can be held liable for the accident. This complexity is why it is crucial to consult with seasoned truck accident attorneys serving San Diego about the specific circumstances of your case.
If your case involves a defective truck, as opposed to a negligent truck driver, your attorney will need to pursue a claim against different defendants (and their insurance carriers).
Areas With High Truck Traffic In San Diego
As residents and visitors are aware, San Diego traffic can become congested. Truck accidents are more likely to occur in areas with the highest traffic volume. Our San Diego truck accident attorneys suggest taking extra caution on major highways such as Interstate 5, I-8, I-15, I-805, and State Route 52. You should also be cautious on the prominent surface streets that attract a lot of traffic. Friars Road, Genesee Avenue, La Jolla Village Drive, Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, and Broadway can become congested.
Be cautious of trucks in large shopping centers, where they often make deliveries. Slow down and be more careful around the Grossmont area of La Mesa or Mission Valley, near the Fashion Center or the busy IKEA. Other busy grocery stores, department stores, and shopping centers will also have large delivery trucks coming and going. Be especially careful when driving in these areas.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Our truck accident attorneys have handled a wide range of truck-related traffic incidents in San Diego. These are the most common ones:
- Jackknife Accidents – These incidents happen when a truck’s trailer folds towards the cab, possibly hitting or crushing other vehicles in the process. Frequently, sudden braking or skidding on slippery roads causes these.
- T-Bone Accidents – These typically happen at intersections when a truck driver runs a red light and hits the side of another vehicle. The smaller vehicle could roll over due to the force of the collision.
- Sideswipe Accidents – Dangerous lane changing or merging puts other motorists at risk of getting sideswiped and sustaining injuries.
- Rear-End Collisions – Speeding and slippery road conditions might make it hard for trucks to stop before hitting the car in front of them, especially since they require longer braking distances. Rear-end accidents might also result from distracted driving or tailgating.
- Head-on Collisions – When truck drivers are distracted or reckless, they might crash into oncoming traffic. Most of the time, these accidents result in severe, life-altering injuries and even wrongful deaths.
- Wide-Turn Accidents – Trucks, especially large ones like 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers, require multiple lanes to turn. However, when truck drivers become impatient or fail to check their blind spots while making a turn, they may obstruct traffic or collide with other vehicles.
- Underride Accidents – Smaller vehicles like sedans and motorcycles are at higher risk of sliding and getting trapped under a semi truck’s trailer. These accidents are deadly, underscoring the need for improved underride rail standards.
Our San Diego lawyers handle a wide range of truck accident cases. We can help you explore your legal options by reviewing your case and identifying any evidence of negligence.
Usual Injuries From Truck Accidents
Common injuries from truck accidents can range from broken arms and lacerations to paralysis and permanent disabilities. In many cases, the injury will significantly disrupt your life until you finish hospitalization or physical therapy. Even then, you may not fully get back 100% of your physical capabilities and health. The lifelong effects of trauma may also remain. Some motorists even quit driving following a collision.
Some other common injuries that our San Diego truck accident attorneys see in clients include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Amputation injuries
- Crush injuries
- Burn injuries
Who Is Liable For My Truck Accident Injuries?
To pursue appropriate restitution for your losses, we must identify all parties considered legally liable for causing the truck accident. This process can become quite complicated. Fault (known as “liability”) can be split between two or more parties. It can even be assigned to the trucking company that was nowhere near the scene of the accident. It is crucial to hire our experienced truck accident attorneys in San Diego who know how to find all potential defendants and prove that they were at fault.
The Truck Driver
In many cases, a big-rig accident is caused by a negligent truck driver. The driver might have been tired, distracted, speeding, or simply not experienced enough to know how to handle a large vehicle with heavy cargo. In any of these cases, the driver can be found negligent and at fault for causing the accident. The truck driver’s insurance company will then be contractually obligated to compensate you for the injuries and losses caused by the driver’s negligence.
The Truck Company
There is a general rule of personal injury law in the United States that applies to employers. Employers are liable for any negligence committed by an employee while the employee is performing their job duties. This is called vicarious liability. Essentially, the rule means that a transportation company can be held liable for injuries and losses caused by any negligence on the part of its drivers. Your truck accident attorneys in San Diego can also apply this rule to hold the truck owner or operator liable.
Because these companies face significant liability, they must purchase comprehensive commercial auto insurance policies to protect themselves against potential claims. These policies have higher limits than the personal auto insurance policies required for individual vehicles. This is one of the reasons why truck accident settlements are usually higher than incidents involving only passenger cars.
The Truck Manufacturer
If a truck accident is caused by defective parts or equipment on the truck, the company that manufactured these defective parts might be liable for the accident. Rules of product liability apply to manufacturers of consumer goods, and the Uniform Commercial Code can apply to manufacturers of commercial or specialty goods (such as large trucks). This fact means that your San Diego truck accident attorneys have several different options for holding a manufacturer liable for injuries caused by a defective truck, parts, systems, or equipment.
$1,129,832.00
Verdict for a client who was sideswiped by a commercial truck.– Judd Ross Allen
What Damages Can I Potentially Recover After A Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, the truck accident lawyers San Diego relies on can generally claim economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses, including all the expenses you’ve incurred after a truck accident. These can include:
- Medical Expenses – Costs related to your injuries, emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care may be reimbursable in a claim.
- Lost Wages & Benefits – If your injuries prevent you from working, you’ll be compensated for the money and benefits you lost but could’ve earned under normal circumstances.
- Property Damage – You can file a claim for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the truck accident.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses – These include travel expenses for medical appointments, payment for household help, and the costs of different services or items you’ll need to manage your injury.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective. Still, our truck accident attorneys in San Diego use their skills to calculate a fair amount for the non-financial effects of your injuries. These can include:
- Pain & Suffering – The physical pain and emotional distress you may experience have a monetary value that can be paid for by the at-fault party.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies and activities you once participated in, you can also include that in your personal injury claim.
- Emotional Distress – You may also receive financial compensation for psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of Consortium – This compensation aims to alleviate the negative effects of an accident on your relationship with your spouse. You may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship or support.
What To Do When Injured In A Truck Accident
Knowing what to do in case you’re injured in a truck accident will save you from any further troubles later. Our truck accident attorneys in San Diego recommend these steps to help keep your head straight and even save lives, no matter how shocking and overwhelming the situation may be.
Check For Injuries
Assess the severity of your injuries, if any. See if you can move about and transfer to a safer location. However, if you suspect your neck or back is damaged, stay in place. Also, check the conditions of your companions.
Call For Emergency Services
Call 911 and report the truck accident immediately, or have someone else call on your behalf. The responding authorities will create an accident report, which can include the following:
- Date, time, and location of the accident.
- Details of the crash.
- Statements from you, the truck driver, and witnesses.
- The police officer’s preliminary conclusion as to who caused the wreck.
- Basic diagram of the accident scene.
- Photographs of the scene.
- Traffic violations.
Once the paramedics arrive, submit yourself for a medical evaluation, even if you don’t feel pain.
Exchange Contact Information
Obtain relevant parties’ names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance details, and trucking company information. You need these details when filing an insurance claim against the truck driver and trucking company. You may also provide them with your contact information.
Get A Thorough Medical Check-Up
Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Some injuries, such as TBIs and organ damage, may not manifest right away. Getting prompt medical attention can help you heal more quickly, and your medical record can support your claim.
Consult A Lawyer
If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer in San Diego,” then reach out to Arash Law. Our San Diego truck accident attorneys can uphold your right to adequate compensation. We handle each case efficiently and work diligently to gather evidence. Our lawyers have handled numerous cases for clients across various legal areas, and we are committed to handling your case just as successfully. Since each case is distinct, results vary based on the specific circumstances involved.
Why Choose Our Firm's Team Of Truck Accident Lawyers?
You only pay attorney fees if we win your case. All personal injury and wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we deliver results for you. Keep in mind that the client may shoulder any case-related costs regardless of the outcome.
We only file lawsuits when necessary, such as in cases where the defendants dispute liability or fail to pay sufficient damages. We are experienced in handling different cases.
When you retain Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our experienced attorneys will oversee your case directly, providing proper management throughout the process. When you need us, we’re here.
What Are The Benefits Of Hiring Truck Accident Attorneys?
Some truck accident victims prefer to handle their insurance claims independently, without the assistance of a lawyer. While this is certainly your choice, there are many reasons why it may not be recommended. Learn more about the essential things a personal injury lawyer does to protect your legal right to compensation after a truck accident:
Truck Accident Attorneys Will Protect Your Case From Insurance Companies
Despite your best intentions, there may be things that you might say or do that can put your claim at risk or reduce the potential compensation you are pursuing. This includes things you might have blurted out on the accident scene or stuff you posted on your own private social media accounts.
You don’t have to deal with these complicated legal issues by yourself. Our experienced truck accident lawyers in San Diego can help address them by representing you and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. This way, we can assert your legal right to fair compensation.
Personal Injury Lawyers Can Calculate What Your Claim Is Really Worth
Handling a complex truck accident claim on your own can be challenging. Our attorneys are here to help you uphold your rights and seek the compensation that may be available to you. There are many reasons why this is the case. While it might be difficult to know exactly how the insurance company decides or computes the compensation in your particular case, a truck accident attorney should be able to present a fair settlement offer backed by solid evidence.
Whether you have representation or not, expect the at-fault party’s insurer to scrutinize your claim. Some arguments that may come up include exaggeration of your injuries, insufficient property damage, or making your injuries worse by purposely failing to get medical treatment in time.
Regardless of these statements, your lawyer will work to provide legal advice and present evidence backing your claim. An attorney who is on your side will assess your case’s value according to the available evidence and pursue just recompense based on that information.
Our experienced truck accident lawyers in San Diego will know how your case is affected by how the accident occurred, where it occurred, what the truck driver did, what injuries you received, and what similar cases have settled for. Enlisting the help of an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand what your case is really worth.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys Will Handle The Paperwork So You Can Focus On Your Healing
After the accident, you may face a long period of physical and emotional recovery. You may be away from work. You may need to go through physical therapy or chiropractic care. The financial and physical stress may hinder your healing.
Fortunately, you don’t have to add to your stress by facing the at-fault party’s insurance company by yourself. When you hire one of our San Diego’s experienced truck accident attorneys, they will handle the entire claims process. While you focus on your healing, we handle the legal proceedings and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Truck Accident Statistics In California
In 2021, California ranked second in having the highest number of large trucks involved in fatal traffic accidents nationwide. According to the National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 416 (6.8%) of the 6,114 involved vehicles were large trucks.
That year, around 48 truck occupants were killed, while 389 fatalities were either occupants of other vehicles or nonoccupants. The report also revealed the following:
- Over 5,788 people were killed in large truck accidents nationwide.
- This figure represents a 17% increase in total fatalities in 2020.
- Compared to truck drivers, other vehicle occupants are more likely to get severely injured and killed in a crash.
- Speeding was found to be a major contributor to preventable large truck accidents.
FAQ About Truck Accident Claims
How Long Do I Have To File A Truck Accident Lawsuit In San Diego, California?
According to California’s statute of limitations, you generally have at most two years to pursue a personal injury claim. These deadlines for filing lawsuits usually start from the date of your accident, except for a few exceptions, such as when your injury wasn’t discovered right away. In the latter case, the clock may start upon discovery of the injury.
Given the strict deadlines, our truck accident attorneys in San Diego advise against delaying your lawsuit. Early action affords us more time to investigate and gather evidence before it is lost and helps ensure that any witnesses are still reliable. People could forget the smallest details within a day or two, some of which might be beneficial to your claim.
Call our San Diego personal injury lawyers or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form here for a free case evaluation. We will get back to you promptly so we can complete the onboarding process as soon as possible.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements Worth?
Settlements in truck accident cases can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. The actual amount you may be entitled to depends on factors like the policy limits, the extent of your injuries, and the overall impact of the accident on your life.
Should I Accept The First Settlement Offer From Insurance Companies?
We generally advise against accepting the first settlement offer. Insurers may want to close the case as quickly as possible to minimize their payout. Some offers might seem like a lot, but they might not take into account the full extent of your losses. Before accepting the offer, consult with your lawyers to know the full value of your damages, since the appropriate settlement will largely depend on this amount. If you want to know how much your case is worth, reach out to our truck accident attorneys in San Diego, California.
Contact The Local San Diego Truck Accident Attorneys Near You
You don’t have to search the internet to find dedicated personal injury attorneys serving the county. Our law firm’s truck accident lawyers represent clients in San Diego.
Our experienced San Diego truck accident attorneys have decades of collective experience upholding victims’ rights. Our law firm has successfully handled thousands of cases, although this does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Our personal injury attorneys in San Diego also handle other cases, including auto accidents, slip-and-falls, dog bites, and wrongful deaths.
At Arash Law, we stand behind your right to pursue just compensation for the losses you’ve endured. When you consult with one of our truck accident attorneys in San Diego, focusing on various traffic collision cases, we prioritize listening to you and handling all parts of your case with care.
Call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary initial consultation. The sooner you have experienced San Diego truck accident attorneys in your corner, the better protected your legal rights will be.
Our firm also provides legal services to clients in San Francisco, Riverside, San Jose, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, Chula Vista, Encinitas, La Mesa, Coronado, Vista, Eucalyptus Hills, Solana Beach, Lakeview, and Orange County.
Latest Traffic Reports in California
