Best Truck Accident Lawyers in San Francisco

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in San Francisco, California?

  The phone number of the San Francisco Police Department for non-emergency situations is (415) 553-0123.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in San Francisco, California?

  Truck accident reports can be obtained by visiting the San Francisco Police Headquarters or by making an accident report request online. A minimum of five days are needed from the date of the accident for the report to be carefully reviewed and approved for release before any request attempts should be made. Residents who want to make a follow-up on their request may send an email to sfpd.cisu@sfgov.org, including the case number and GOV-QA reference number.

• What kinds of trucks are frequently involved in collisions in San Francisco?

  The number of truck accidents continues to rise both in San Francisco and throughout California, and the types of trucks that are commonly involved are 18-wheelers, tractors, waste disposal units, tankers, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles. Regardless of the type of truck, injury victims are strongly advised to report the accident.

• Can a person file a truck accident lawsuit in San Francisco even if they are partially at fault?

  California is a comparative fault state, which means a person can still file a lawsuit for truck accidents in San Francisco even if they are partially at fault. However, the amount of compensation that the plaintiff will recover will be reduced by how much they are at fault. For example, if the damages are calculated to be $5 million, the plaintiff who is 50% at fault will get only half the amount, or $2.5 million.

• What is the timeframe for filing a claim against a driver who caused a truck accident in San Francisco?

  Truck accident victims in San Francisco have two years from the date of the accident to file for a civil lawsuit. If a claim is against a government agency, the aggrieved party must first submit a claim within six months of the incident before submitting a civil lawsuit. A claim may be rejected if the applicable statute of limitations is not followed.

• Who are commonly held liable for truck accidents in San Francisco?

  Trucking firms are the ones typically held accountable for truck accidents in San Francisco. Various factors cause truck crashes, but the primary one is that trucking companies push their drivers to violate trucking laws to save their businesses time and money. Truck drivers are also sometimes held accountable if their carelessness, such as when they operated a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, directly contributed to the accident.

• What are considered critical evidence for proving liability for truck accidents in San Francisco?

  The driver's drug and alcohol test results and the truck inspection report from the scene of the accident are the two most common pieces of evidence that are critical to proving liability for truck accidents in San Francisco. The black box of the truck, as well as other documents such as maintenance history, weight tickets, and delivery instructions, can be obtained, evaluated, and analyzed. A TRO can also aid in the preservation of relevant evidence.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.