Best Truck Accident Lawyers in San Diego, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the San Diego Police Department is (619) 531-2000.

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

  Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the following address to get a police report from the San Diego Police Department about an arrest, crime, or event: SDPD Records MS#726 P.O. Box 121431 San Diego, CA 92112 You should indicate the date and location of the incident, the parties involved, and the report and incident number, if available. To claim it personally, you can drop by the police department's Records Division located at 1401 Broadway.

• What kind of compensatory damages are available for truck accident victims in San Diego?

  Truck accident victims in San Diego are entitled to receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages, such as lost income, medical expenses, and property damage, are the financial losses a victim incurs due to an accident. Meanwhile, non-economic damages are not financial in nature and compensate for physical, emotional, and mental anguish and suffering.

• What are the factors that affect a truck accident settlement in San Diego?

  The amount of a truck accident settlement in San Diego depends on specific details, such as the extent of the victim's damages and if they have any share of liability for the accident. Some attorneys calculate it by multiplying the total economic damages by a specific number, while others determine the cost per day during the victim's recovery period.

• Can I still recover compensation for a truck accident in San Diego even if I was partly to blame?

  Even if you are partially at fault for a truck accident in San Diego, you can still recover compensation. The state of California abides by a pure comparative negligence doctrine, allowing victims to collect money even if they are 99% at fault. However, it should be noted that damages will be reduced based on the degree of fault. For example, if the victim's compensatory damages are $50,000 but they are 80% responsible for the accident, the amount will be reduced by 80%. This means they will only get $10,000.

• How do you determine the average amount of settlement for a semi-truck accident in San Diego?

  There are several factors to be considered when determining the amount of a semi-truck accident settlement in San Diego. These include the type of injury, severity, liability, and overall damages. The insurance coverage of the truck driver and the company is also taken into consideration. In California, truck drivers are required to have liability insurance with the following limits:

  • $5,000 in property damage
  • $15,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $30,000 per incident of bodily injury Larger commercial trucks are required to carry a higher amount of liability insurance coverage.

• How often do truck accidents occur in San Diego?

  According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, California has the second highest amount of truck accident fatalities in the US. An average of 113 fatal truck crashes happen annually in the state, including in San Diego, while about 3,000 cases yearly result in personal injury. Additionally, 13% of the total number of fatal collisions in California involve commercial trucks.

• 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.