San Mateo Truck Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our San Mateo Truck Accident Lawyers Are Advocates Focused On Your Recovery.
We rely heavily on our hardworking truck drivers to keep things moving smoothly. However, accidents happen, and when they do, it’s essential to turn to San Mateo truck accident lawyers for help. Call us at (888) 488-1391.
The City of San Mateo boasts a wealth of history at the heart of the Bay Area. It is situated approximately 15 miles south of San Francisco and is adjacent to Burlingame, Hillsborough, Foster City, and Belmont. Several economic factors contribute to San Mateo’s success, including tourism and trade in goods. However, due to increased traffic and diverse industries, truck accidents are unfortunately occurring in the area.
At Arash Law, we have extensive experience in helping truck accident victims pursue compensation from the negligent parties for the damage they caused. Our dedicated team works diligently to seek justice and fair settlements for the injured. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay for attorneys’ fees if we win your case. Clients may still be required to pay certain case-related fees, regardless of the outcome. If you’ve been in a truck accident, we offer a free initial consultation to get your case started.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Can Skilled San Mateo Truck Accident Lawyers Assist With Your Claim
It is normal to feel frustrated and overwhelmed after a truck collision. In such situations, our San Mateo truck accident lawyers play a crucial role in guiding you through the legal process and guiding you through the legal process to obtain fair compensation.
- Knowledge in Truck Accident Laws — Traffic accidents involving trucks require an understanding of the regulations and laws specific to the commercial trucking industry. Our truck accident lawyers in San Mateo are familiar with these legal standards and the complexities they create in determining liability.
- Thorough Investigation — Personal injury claims often depend on a detailed review of the circumstances leading to the accident. Our team conducts comprehensive investigations, gathering key evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert analyses. This process helps establish what happened and build a well-documented claim.
- Effective Negotiation Skills — Dealing with insurance companies and other involved parties is a delicate process that demands experience. Our San Mateo truck accident lawyers will negotiate and advocate for your rights. We’ll pursue a fair settlement that accounts for the medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages you may have incurred.
- Courtroom Advocacy — We are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our attorneys focus on clearly demonstrating how the accident affected your life and pursuing a fair resolution under the law.
Our personal injury law firm is dedicated to serving truck accident victims in San Mateo and throughout California. To know if you have a valid claim, reach out to San Mateo truck accident lawyers.
What Are Commercial Trucks?
Typically, we are referring to trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds and performing business operations. Commercial trucks include:
- Tanker/Fuel trucks
- Mail delivery trucks
- Cement/Construction trucks
- Vehicle delivery trucks
- Dump trucks
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Various factors may contribute to an accident involving a big commercial truck. Among them are:
- Driver Fatigue — Truck drivers are legally required to get sufficient rest for long-haul journeys. However, scheduling demands and extended hours on the road can sometimes lead to fatigue, which may affect alertness and reaction time.
- Excessive Speed — Failure to comply with speed regulations or adjust to road conditions increases the chances of devastating accidents.
- Overloading — Federal and state laws mandate strict adherence to specified load capacities for trucks. Exceeding these limits can place additional strain on braking systems and tires, potentially making it more difficult for a driver to maintain control in certain situations.
Determining the cause of a truck accident often requires reviewing evidence such as driver logs, vehicle data, and maintenance records. San Mateo truck accident lawyers from Arash Law can use this information to identify which parties may be responsible for the incident.
Accidents On Major Highways & Freeways
Our San Mateo truck accident lawyers represent victims of trucking accidents on major highways, freeways, tunnels, or bridges, such as:
- 101 – North & South (Bay Shore Freeway)
- 280 – North & South (Junipero Serra Freeway)
- 82 – El Camino Real North & South
- 80 – East & West
- Bay Bridge
- 92 – East & West
- San Mateo Bridge
- 84 – East & West
- Dumbarton Bridge
- 880 – North & South (Nimitz Freeway)
- 24 – East & West (Grove Shafter Freeway)
- Caldecott Tunnel
- The MacArthur Maze
- 580, 85, 237, and more
Types Of Truck Accidents In San Mateo County
The size and weight of commercial trucks make collisions particularly dangerous, especially when safety regulations are not carefully followed. Truck drivers must operate their vehicles with reasonable care to prevent foreseeable accidents. When this duty is not met, incidents like the following may occur:
- Rollovers
- Jackknife accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Under-ride accidents
- Cargo load accidents
San Mateo truck accident lawyers can analyze the facts, review supporting documentation, and determine which parties may bear legal responsibility.
What Steps Should You Take After A Truck Accident In San Mateo?
After a truck accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Taking certain steps can help protect your well-being and preserve important information that may be relevant to an insurance or legal claim. Consider the following:
- Check for Injuries — Prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Assess yourself and others for injuries. If injuries are severe, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
- Call the Police — Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. The police report is a crucial document that can provide valuable information for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.
- Gather Information — Collect as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. Exchange contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration with the other parties involved. Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, and any relevant road signs or signals.
- Preserve Evidence — Keep a record of medical treatments, retain damaged personal belongings, and do not repair your vehicle until an assessment has been conducted. These details can help establish the extent of damages during a legal dispute.
- Seek Witness Information — If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can provide additional perspectives on the events leading up to the accident and may be crucial for your case.
- Seek Medical Attention — Get medical help promptly to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries. This not only aids in injury healing but also demonstrates your commitment to the healing process, which can be beneficial if legal action is considered.
- Consult With Our Truck Accident Lawyers in San Mateo — Consider hiring personal injury lawyers in San Mateo to benefit from their legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and connections to medical professionals. Experienced lawyers can evaluate the circumstances, coordinate with medical professionals, and develop a strategy based on the evidence available.
Who Should Be Held Accountable After A Truck Accident In San Mateo?
Determining who is responsible for a truck accident is an important part of the legal process. Unlike most traffic collisions, truck accidents often involve multiple parties. Identifying each party’s role helps clarify where liability may lie under California law.
Truck Driver
The first point of scrutiny in any truck accident investigation is often the truck driver. Commercial truck drivers are held to higher standards due to the potential dangers associated with their role. Factors such as driver fatigue, impairment, distraction, or failure to follow traffic laws can contribute to accidents. In cases where the driver’s actions directly led to the collision, they could be held liable.
Employer
Employers are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, providing proper training, and maintaining their fleet in accordance with industry standards. If a truck accident is the result of negligence in any of these areas, the trucking company could be held accountable for the damages.
Vehicle Maintenance Personnel & Manufacturer
Mechanical failures and defects in trucks sometimes cause accidents. Poor maintenance practices or manufacturing defects can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or other issues that contribute to accidents. It may be the trucking company’s fault for failing to maintain its vehicles or the manufacturer’s fault for producing faulty products.
Government Entities
In some cases, road conditions or inadequate signage may contribute to truck accidents. If the accident is a result of poorly maintained roads or inadequate traffic control measures, government entities responsible for road infrastructure may share a portion of the liability.
More than one party can be at fault in some truck collision cases. San Mateo truck accident lawyers can evaluate the available evidence and help identify where liability may rest.
How Do You Determine Negligence In A San Mateo Truck Accident?
Truck accident lawyers in San Mateo must prove four elements to establish negligence:
- Duty of Care — In the context of a truck accident, this duty involves a commitment to operate the vehicle safely and responsibly. It’s essential to articulate the specific responsibilities the truck driver had in prioritizing the safety of others on the road.
- Breach of Duty — The next critical step is demonstrating that the truck driver failed to meet the duty of care they owed. This breach could encompass various actions, such as reckless driving, failure to adhere to traffic laws, or negligence in vehicle maintenance.
- Causation — This process involves showing that the truck driver’s lack of care caused the collision. In order to have a compelling narrative about the accident, it is important to examine the events leading up to it.
- Damages — This element involves showcasing the injuries sustained by the victim as a direct result of the truck accident. Documenting medical records, gathering witness statements, and presenting other relevant evidence are crucial in establishing the damages incurred due to the accident.
Rules And Regulations For Truck Drivers In San Mateo
Truck drivers are required to adhere to state laws and regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations include restrictions on the size and weight of commercial trucks, such as a maximum length of 65 feet and a weight limit of 80,000 pounds. Critical requirements for truckers include:
- Obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) through proper training and testing.
- Driving age requirements: 18 for intrastate driving, 21 for interstate driving outside California.
- Maintaining logs, whether electronic or hand-written, detailing stops, rest breaks, meal breaks, and inspection outcomes.
- Regularly inspecting trucks for mechanical issues before, during, and after trips.
- Adhering to FMCSA regulations on maximum driving hours within seven days.
Violating these rules increases the risk of accidents. Overloading can make a truck unstable, and driving excessive hours can lead to driver fatigue, posing dangers on the road. In the event of a truck accident, evidence of regulatory violations can be crucial in proving negligence for an injury claim. Lawyers who handle truck accident cases in San Mateo can review this evidence and explain how it may affect 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
Is There Compensation Available For Truck Accident Victims In San Mateo?
After a truck accident, individuals who have suffered serious injuries may be entitled to pursue compensation from the parties responsible. The types of recoverable damages in these cases generally fall into the following categories:
Economic Damages
- Legal fees
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Loss of wages or wage-earning potential
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Emotional distress
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rarely awarded in legal cases and are meant to punish defendants for grossly negligent or intentional behavior. Unlike compensatory damages, they don’t aim to compensate the plaintiff for losses but rather to punish the liable party and discourage similar conduct.
Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim allows the surviving family members or beneficiaries of the deceased person to seek compensation for losses resulting from a loved one’s death caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful act.
If you wish to explore your legal options after a truck accident, consulting a lawyer can help you understand your rights and the potential value of your claim. San Mateo truck accident attorneys can review your case, assess available evidence, and handle negotiations with insurers or other parties involved.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Claim For A Truck Accident In San Mateo, CA
The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 sets a time limit for people injured in truck wrecks to file a civil action. Generally, a plaintiff must file a lawsuit within two years of a truck accident.
Speak To Our San Mateo Truck Accident Attorneys
Our San Mateo personal injury attorneys at Arash Law have years of experience handling trucking accident claims throughout California. We are dedicated to guiding clients through the legal process and advocating for fair outcomes. Discuss your case with our San Mateo truck accident attorneys by calling (888) 488-1391.
Besides San Mateo, CA, we offer legal services throughout various surrounding areas, including Tanforan, San Bruno, Millbrae, Hillsborough, Burlingame, El Granada, Miramar, Half Moon Bay, Emerald Hills, Woodside, West Menlo Park, Atherton, Menlo Park, North Fair Oaks, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Highlands-Baywood Park, and Belmont.
