Experienced and Trusted Truck Accidents Law Firm

Truck Accident Lawyers in San Diego

Injured in a San Diego Truck Accident?

Commercial trucking is a vital part of our nation’s economy and our nation, but the huge trucks driving alongside us also present a very real danger. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s more than 16 times the weight of an average SUV and more than 20 times the weight of an average compact or midsize vehicle. These massive vehicles can reach 75 feet in length.

When things go wrong with one of these giant trucks, it often results in tragedy. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are exceptionally vulnerable in crashes caused by commercial trucks. Catastrophic injuries to the brain and spinal cord are frequent consequences of truck accidents. Unfortunately, these crashes are often fatal. Despite comprising only, a fraction of a percentage of total collisions, truck accidents account for more than 12 percent of motor vehicle fatalities.

If you have been seriously injured or if you have lost a family member due to a truck accident in San Diego, you and your family may be able to recover money for medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages over a lifetime, and the emotional trauma of losing that person’s love, support and companionship.

Contact Eugene Bruno & Associates today. We’ve been getting justice for truck accident victims in San Diego for over 30 years. Our firm has an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, and Expertise.com rated Eugene Bruno & Associates as the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a FREE consultation with a San Diego truck accident lawyer.

What Causes Truck Accidents in San Diego?

Semi-trucks require expert drivers and reliable safety equipment. When operated in a responsible manner, these giants are relatively safe. But when they are operated by untrained, sleep-deprived drivers, or drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or when safety equipment is not well maintained, then they become a danger to us all.

Truck accidents often stem from preventable factors. Negligence is a leading cause, where truck drivers may fail to adhere to the rules of the road or become distracted. Driver fatigue is another significant issue, with long hours on the road leading to decreased alertness and slower reaction time. Speeding is a significant problem, as it not only increases the likelihood of an accident but also the severity of the resulting injuries.

Improper loading may cause a truck to be unbalanced or overweight, making it difficult to maneuver and more prone to tipping over. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can also lead to catastrophic accidents. DUI is a major causes of truck crashes, and trucking companies must screen drivers regularly and collect DMV printouts to help prevent these accidents. Inadequate truck maintenance leads to devasting crashes.

Truck accidents can occur in a variety of scenarios. Distracted driving remains a persistent issue, as truck drivers might use their phones or other devices while driving, taking their attention away from the road. Aggressive driving tactics, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes not only endanger everyone along the roadway.

Types of Truck Accidents in San Diego

San Diego truck accidents can take many forms, each with its own set of risks and legal considerations. Rollovers are among the most dangerous, often resulting from sudden maneuvers or loss of control, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Jackknifing, when a truck folds at the hinge between the cab and the trailer, can create unavoidable hazards for surrounding traffic, and they frequently cause traffic pileups.

Underride accidents, which occur when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, lead to catastrophic outcomes. Runaway trailers that detach and careen out of control are extremely perilous.

Blind spot accidents are a significant threat with large commercial trucks. These vehicles have expansive blind spots on all sides, making it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles. When trucks change lanes or turn without noticing a vehicle in the blind spot, it can result in a serious collision.

Who Is Liable for Truck Accident Injuries?

Determining liability in a San Diego truck accident is a complicated process. The trucking company might be responsible, especially if they have neglected proper hiring practices, training, or have pushed drivers to work beyond legal time limits. These trucks are on our roads to turn profits for big companies, but those profits cannot be more important than the lives of others.

Training drivers and ensuring properly functioning safety equipment costs money and cuts into profits, so some companies skimp on safety, and they put us all at risk by doing so. The big companies that profit from putting these dangerous trucks on our roads without proper safety assurances must be held accountable.

The truck driver may be held liable for crashes, particularly when actions such as speeding or driving under the influence directly lead to an accident. Maintenance contractors could be liable if an accident was caused by the failure to maintain or repair the truck adequately. Manufacturers of defective parts can also be liable if faulty components contribute to an accident.

Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

Injuries from truck accidents are often more severe than those from car collisions due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common and can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Amputations may be necessary when limbs are crushed or severely damaged. Nerve damage causes chronic pain and loss of function.

Spinal cord injuries may lead to paralysis. Whiplash is also frequent in less severe impacts, leading to ongoing neck and back issues. Wrongful death is an unfortunate reality in the most tragic accidents.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Injuries

After a truck accident, victims often face an overwhelming burden of medical expenses. Immediate costs may include emergency care, surgeries, and hospital stays. Long-term expenses may involve rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and medical devices. Lost wages compound the financial strain, impacting not only the victim but also their family. If the injury results in reduced earning capacity or permanent disability, the future loss of income must also be considered.

If the victim’s injuries impact their ability to work, compensation must account for reduced earning capacity. Financial recovery must take into account factors such as career trajectory and inflation.

Securing compensation for pain and suffering is a critical aspect of any truck accident claim. The physical pain and emotional distress that result from such accidents can be profound and lasting. Calculating these non-economic damages poses a challenge, as they are subjective and do not have a direct monetary value.

Legal Representation for San Diego Truck Accident Victims

You may be able to find justice and closure by holding the responsible party accountable. When the time is right, reach out to a San Diego auto accident attorney at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) who can help. You and your family deserve this opportunity to seek justice for you or for the loved one you have lost.