San Francisco Semi Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our San Francisco Semi Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here To Advocate For Your Rights
Semi-truck accident claims are more complicated than car accident cases, which is why getting legal representation is advisable. If you are a victim of negligence and want to pursue compensation, our San Francisco semi truck accident lawyers can help you. We’ll evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to assess whether you have a valid claim.
San Francisco is a hilly city with steep inclines and declines that make driving challenging. It’s even tougher when you have to operate a massive and heavy semi-truck. There are also narrow roads, heavy traffic, and intricate intersections. All of these factors, along with some truck drivers’ negligent behaviors, contribute to the occurrence of dangerous semi-truck accidents.
Injuries from such incidents can adversely impact the lives of the victims and their families. If negligence caused your injuries, you may have grounds to pursue compensation for your pain, suffering, and trauma. Our attorneys in San Francisco, who handle semi-truck accident cases, will help you get back to where you were before the accident.
Let us communicate with insurers and trucking companies on your behalf and help you address any challenges that may arise during your case. Contact our semi-truck accident lawyers in San Francisco for more details.
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
What Can Our San Francisco Semi Truck Accident Lawyers Do For You?
Our experienced lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal system and file a claim on your behalf. We will advocate for your rights to seek compensation for medical expenses and lost income. While we can’t undo the injuries or bring back a deceased family member, we can help you pursue compensation so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Here are some things our experienced semi truck accident lawyers in San Francisco can do:
- Identify all potentially liable parties and file a claim against them.
- Calculate your damages and estimate how much your case is worth.
- Investigate the accident to establish negligence and liability.
- Gather key pieces of evidence to build a well-supported case.
- Negotiate with the at-fault parties and their insurance companies.
- Represent you in court, if necessary.
- Help connect you with other services you need, especially healthcare.
- Advocate for and protect your rights at every step of the claims process.
Our San Francisco semi-truck accident attorneys handle all of this on a contingency basis. Our “No-Win, No-Fee” policy helps accident victims access legal services regardless of their financial situation. Under this agreement, you won’t need to pay attorney’s fees unless we win your case.
While our legal fees depend on the success of your case, some case costs may still need to be paid by the client regardless of the outcome. During your onboarding process, we can discuss our fee agreement and other potential costs clearly so that we’re on the same page.
Common Types Of Semi-Truck Cases Our Attorneys Handle
San Francisco roads are shared by millions of large trucks traveling across California for deliveries. Understanding the different types of truck accidents and how they can be caused by various factors, including the truck itself and driver behavior, can be crucial if you’re ever involved in a collision with one.
Our San Francisco semi truck accident lawyers handle these types of cases:
- Jackknife Accidents — Semi-trucks have two components: the tractor and the trailer. When a driver brakes too abruptly or makes sharp turns, the trailer swings out to one side at a right angle, forming a jackknife shape. This type of accident often blocks multiple lanes of traffic and causes extensive damage.
- Rollover Accidents — Due to their high center of gravity, semi-trucks are more prone to rollovers. These accidents happen when the driver drives too fast, makes sharp turns, or collides with another vehicle or object. Rollovers are some of the most dangerous accidents on the road, frequently resulting in serious or fatal injuries.
- Rear-End Collisions — This type of collision occurs when a truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front. Due to the huge size and weight difference between semi-trucks and other vehicles, rear-end collisions can have devastating consequences.
- T-Bone Accidents — These accidents occur at intersections when a driver fails to yield the right of way to another vehicle or disregards a red light. The side sections of cars have less impact absorption than the front and rear ends. So, imagine a massive semi-truck slamming into a small sedan on its side. The force can easily kill car occupants upon impact.
- Wide-Turn Accidents — Large trucks have big blind spots on their sides, making right-hand turns more challenging. That’s why truck drivers usually swing their cabs to the left first before making a right-hand turn to avoid tight squeezes. Unfortunately, this maneuver could be dangerous for vehicles in neighboring lanes, which could crash into the truck.
- Underride Collisions — Semi-trucks and most passenger vehicles are different in size, so a collision can cause the latter to slide beneath the trailer. This accident can happen if a truck cuts off the passenger car or abruptly stops.
Frequent Causes Of Semi-Truck Accidents
Trucking companies often incentivize employees to finish hauls ahead of time. In turn, drivers go over the speed limit and ignore federal regulations about rest periods to earn more money. This cycle of exploitation often leads to many avoidable semi-truck accidents.
Our San Francisco personal injury lawyers can support victims of semi-truck accidents with legal guidance. Here are the most common causes of these accidents:
Truck Driver Error
The negligent actions of truck drivers can harm everyone on the road. Here are some errors that contribute to semi-truck accidents:
- Distracted Driving — Truckers drive hundreds to thousands of miles every haul, and things get tedious. To avoid boredom, they sometimes play music or videos and call family and friends. However, doing so takes their minds and eyes away from driving safely. They could drift out of their lanes or fail to react to dangerous road hazards. Sometimes, even San Francisco’s picturesque scenery becomes a dangerous distraction for some truckers.
- Speeding — Many truck drivers exceed the speed limit in an effort to complete deliveries more quickly. However, this increases the risk of accidents. Speeding makes it harder to react to changing road conditions and unexpected hazards. It also reduces control of the vehicle and intensifies the force of an impact, leading to more severe injuries.
Fatigued Driving — Long hours on the road and the tedious task of driving can lead to fatigue, which is why the federal government strictly regulates truckers’ rest hours. Unfortunately, many drivers and companies falsify logbooks to avoid resting in an attempt to complete a haul quickly.
Fatigue has the same implications as drunk driving. It impairs the senses and clouds judgment, so tired drivers are more likely to make fatal mistakes.
- Failure to Check Blind Spots — Semi-trucks have big blind spots on all sides, which is why truck drivers should check them regularly while driving. Additionally, they should always use their signal lights to communicate with other motorists, compensating for the reduced visibility. Failure to do so can lead to major road accidents.
Other Drivers’ Errors
Our San Francisco semi truck accident lawyers have also handled cases in which other drivers were at fault. Most of the time, other drivers attempt to overtake a truck to avoid being in its blind spot.
Unfortunately, sudden lane changes can be extremely hazardous, especially when driving on a two-lane road. There is the risk of colliding head-on with oncoming traffic or getting into a sideswipe accident while merging back into lanes.
Other drivers are also more likely to speed up to pass these massive semi-trucks, which increases their chances of being involved in truck accidents. They are also susceptible to making the same mistakes as truck drivers, including distracted driving, reckless driving, or drugged and drunk driving.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Transporting thousands of pounds over long distances wears semi-truck parts. That’s why truck companies and truckers should regularly check the vehicles for wear and tear. Negligent maintenance can result in someone’s life being lost or their ability to perform daily tasks independently being compromised.
Regular inspections should also consider the lifespan of critical truck components, especially tires, brake systems, and engine parts. Replacing any worn-out pieces can help prevent issues such as tire blowouts, brake malfunctions, and engine failure. Suppose these complications happen in the middle of the road as the vehicle travels 55 miles per hour. Truckers won’t be able to anticipate such issues, so they might panic and swerve too much or slam the brakes too hard.
Our attorneys in San Francisco, who handle semi-truck accidents, can check maintenance records to see if companies failed to replace defective parts. We can also consult experts, such as truck mechanics, to establish whether negligent maintenance was involved.
Overloaded And Unsecured Cargo
The federal government also has strict regulations regarding cargo loads, but many companies still overload to increase their profits. However, rules are set in place to promote safety on the roads. Overloaded semi-trucks are more likely to roll over. Moreover, failure to secure cargo leads to load shifting, which makes it harder for truck drivers to control the vehicle.
San Francisco’s hilly roads make such issues more risky. Cargo can also spill onto the road and hit other motorists or pedestrians.
The San Francisco semi-truck accident lawyers from Arash Law can advocate and negotiate on your behalf. Our attorneys are committed to protecting your right to seek fair compensation through the legal process.
Bad Weather
San Francisco is typically foggy, even in the summer. This weather condition significantly reduces visibility when driving, increasing the chances of collisions. Meanwhile, winters tend to be damp, making roads slippery. Truckers must decrease their speed to avoid hydroplaning and account for longer stopping distances.
Roadway Defect
Potholes, stress fractures, and pavement debris can cause truckers to lose control of their vehicles. Roadway defects can also cause tire blowouts, which could lead to semi-truck accidents. Issues with traffic signal lights, insufficient roadway lighting, and a lack of guardrails also contribute to increased accident rates.
These types of semi-truck accident cases are highly complex, as government entities are typically the primary defendants. Victims must file a claim within six months of the accident date; otherwise, they may lose their right to compensation.
In any case, our San Francisco semi truck accident lawyers can investigate your claim and figure out the cause of the accident. We’ll request phone, GPS, and black box data to establish negligence and liability. Our team can also obtain CCTV and dashcam footage to support your case.
Common Injuries In A Semi-Truck Accident Case
Many individuals may face significant adjustments after an accident, such as managing new disabilities, ongoing pain, or changes in their daily routines.
Semi-truck accidents often cause the following injuries:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries — Severe head and brain injuries can have significant consequences for how a person lives. You have to live with permanent disabilities, cognitive issues, and chronic pain. Many victims can’t hold jobs or even maintain relationships with family or friends anymore.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — The impact of a collision with a semi-truck can damage the spinal cord, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis. It takes away a person’s freedom and independence, and they usually have to rely on families and nursing care for their everyday activities.
- Back Injuries — The soft muscles of the back can also be stretched or torn due to the collision impact. Correcting these injuries will take months of therapy and surgery, which will add to the medical bill.
- Burn Injuries — Semi-truck collisions can lead to explosions, which could then burn you. Such injuries don’t just have physical repercussions; you are also affected mentally due to changes in your appearance. Scarring and disfigurement can negatively impact your self-esteem and mental health.
- Fractures — Broken bones, especially in severe cases, can take months to years to heal. You will have to undergo surgery and physical therapy to regain the function of the affected body part. Taking time off work to recover can make it difficult to pay your bills.
- Wrongful Death — In the worst cases, semi-truck accident victims can die upon impact or succumb to their injuries, leaving families mourning and with uncertain futures.
Our semi truck accident lawyers can connect you with specialists in and around San Francisco to help with your treatment. We can also assist you in filing a wrongful death claim.
Identifying Negligent Parties In A Semi-Truck Accident
In California, the party that causes the accident is liable for your injuries and losses. If there is more than one contributor, then they could all be held liable. The Golden State follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means multiple negligent parties can share fault and liability.
Multiple negligent parties increase the complexity of a case. Having our San Francisco semi-truck accident attorneys on your side can help you identify negligent parties who have violated the rules and regulations.
A semi-truck accident typically involves the following parties:
- Truck Drivers — If the accident happened because the trucker was driving while intoxicated, using a phone while driving, overspeeding, tailgating, rubbernecking, or recklessly driving, they could be held liable for your damages and losses.
- Trucking Companies — They must provide truckers with adequate and regular training. Most of the time, they are also responsible for maintaining their fleet. If the evidence suggests that they were negligent in any way, they could be held partially accountable.
- Cargo Loaders — These companies could be held liable if overloading or unsecured cargo causes an accident.
- Third-Party Service Providers — Some truckers hire third-party companies for truck maintenance. If they fail to inspect or replace worn-out parts, these companies can also be held responsible for some of your injuries.
- Truck/Truck Parts Manufacturers — Accidents sometimes happen due to a flawed truck design or component. In these cases, you may file a product liability claim against the manufacturers. Our semi truck accident lawyers can also help you with this process.
- Other Motorists — You may also seek accountability from other motorists for your losses if you can prove their negligence.
Proving Fault In Semi-Truck Accident Cases
Before you can demand compensation from the liable parties, you first have to demonstrate their negligence. Our semi truck accident lawyers in San Francisco can help with that by gathering pieces of evidence to establish these four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — Everyone is responsible for acting with due care and caution. For example, truckers must focus on driving safely and within the speed limits set by the city of San Francisco.
- Breach of Duty — Failure to uphold this responsibility is a breach of duty and constitutes negligence. We will use the data gathered from the dashcam and CCTV footage to determine whether the truck driver made improper lane changes. Speed cameras can also detect whether drivers are exceeding the speed limit.
- Causation — Suppose you have proven negligence; you must also link your injuries to the accident. That’s why medical care after an accident is crucial.
- Damages — This element refers to the financial and intangible losses you’re suffering due to the accident.
What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Pursue?
Semi-truck accident victims may be able to file a claim for economic and non-economic damages. Our San Francisco semi truck accident lawyers can quantify your case based on these damages. We will then use the calculated amount as a basis when negotiating with insurance companies.
Economic damages refer to tangible financial losses in an accident, including:
- Medical bills
- Liens
- Home renovation expenses to cater to your disability.
- Nursing care fees
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
Non-economic damages are the intangible losses you suffer as a result of the accident. These damages are subjective, so they can be challenging to quantify. Nevertheless, our skilled personal injury attorneys can help you assign a monetary value to them that reflects their impact on your life.
Non-economic damages include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Isolation
- PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Grief
- Loss of consortium
Keep every invoice, receipt, and billing statement associated with your damages. For your intangible losses, you can keep a journal that recounts every thought, pain, and experience you’ve gone through after the accident. Your semi-truck accident attorneys can use this documentation as evidence to support your claim.
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
What Should I Do Following A Semi-Truck Crash?
If you have an accident with a semi-truck, here are some steps you can take to protect your rights and safety.
- Stay calm and assess your situation. Check for injuries on your body before doing anything else.
- Call 911 as soon as possible. Wait for the paramedics to reach you.
- Seek immediate medical attention when medics arrive. However, if you can, move to a safer place on the side of the road. Never leave the scene, even if the liable party runs away.
- Seek immediate medical attention as soon as the EMTs arrive. Prioritize your health and safety. If you need to be rushed to the hospital, don’t think twice. Let the police handle the accident scene.
- If you don’t require hospitalization and can stay at the scene, gather enough evidence. Take photos and videos of the damage to your property, your injuries, the traffic, the weather, and anything else that could be useful later.
- Get the details of the witnesses, including their names and contact numbers. Ask if they can provide testimony to the police and if they are willing to repeat that information to your lawyer if necessary.
- Exchange information with the liable party. Note their names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details.
- Furthermore, note down the truck’s license plate number and the name of the trucking company.
- Seek further medical attention after the accident. Visit the ER for further checkups and obtain a copy of your medical report. Follow the doctor’s advice and the treatment plan.
- Report the accident to your insurance company, but refrain from apologizing or claiming you are “okay.” Only provide the information they require.
- Contact a legal representative. Semi-truck accident lawyers in San Francisco will explain your legal rights and guide you through filing a claim.
Semi-Truck Accident Statistics
Being a truck driver is considered one of the most dangerous jobs, and it comes as no surprise to many. Statistics can support this harrowing fact.
In 2022, 116,353 semi-trucks were involved in accidents, with 3% leading to fatalities. Across the United States, California ranks second with the most injuries, totaling 2,675. Meanwhile, fatal crashes in the Golden State reached 305.
However, semi-trucks aren’t the only vehicles involved in accidents. In the same year, 168,320 cases involved large trucks. Of these, 4,766 were fatal to one or more people involved. Accordingly, 76,180 were injured. Around 71% of these were occupants of other vehicles, and 27% were occupants of the large truck.
This data highlights the importance of proper safety protocols and regulations to keep everyone on the road safe. If you or a loved one is injured in a semi-truck accident, our San Francisco attorneys are committed to helping you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
There is no standard compensation for claims, as semi-truck accident settlements are unique to each case. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the liable parties, and how willing they are to settle.
How Much Do Semi Truck Accident Lawyers Charge In California?
San Francisco personal injury lawyers, including those at Arash Law, typically do not charge any upfront attorney’s fees. Instead, we work on a contingency fee basis, where we only take a cut of the compensation you may receive. The amount depends on the case, but we can discuss this fee structure during your onboarding process.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations When Filing A Semi Truck Accident Case In San Francisco?
California, including San Francisco, has a statute of limitations of generally two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims. That means victims only have a limited amount of time to take legal action. Nevertheless, exceptions may apply in certain cases. To help you manage the deadline applicable to your case, consult semi-truck accident attorneys in San Francisco.
What Are The Regulations Governing Semi-Trucks?
The United States regulates the trucking industry to guarantee the safety of truckers and other motorists they share the roads with. When it comes to semi-trucks, the maximum overall weight limit is 80,000 pounds. In California, semi-trucks with single axles (single wheels) are only allowed to carry 20,000 pounds. Trucks with double axles (double wheels) can carry 34,000 pounds.
Meanwhile, there are also federal and state regulations regarding driver rest periods. Generally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers to take a 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving. In California, they must take a 30-minute break after five straight hours of driving. Additionally, truckers are required to take 10-minute breaks every four hours of duty.
Our semi-truck accident lawyers will consider these laws when establishing the at-fault party’s negligence.
I’m An Undocumented Immigrant. Will I Face Deportation If I File A Personal Injury Claim?
No, you cannot be deported just because you filed a personal injury or wrongful death claim. State law generally prohibits your status from being used against you in a civil case for damages. Undocumented immigrants have the same rights to compensation as any other U.S. citizen. According to the law, an individual’s immigration status is not admissible evidence. Discovery of a party’s status is also not permitted.
Get Legal Help From Our San Francisco Semi Truck Accident Lawyers
Arash Law understands the challenges you may be facing. That is why we want to help you handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your well-being. Let us advocate for your right to seek just compensation through the legal process.
In addition to truck accident cases, we also assist injured victims in resolving various personal injury claims, ranging from car accidents to premises liability. Contact our San Francisco semi truck accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Our semi-truck accident law firm also serves surrounding areas, including Daly City, Tiburon, Alameda, Oakland, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Albany, Berkeley, Piedmont, Mill Valley, Pacifica, Richmond, Corte Madera, Millbrae, and Larkspur.
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