San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer

Get in Touch With a San Diego Truck Accident Attorney at Stipp Law

California contains two of the nation’s largest ports, so it’s pegged as a pivotal state for transporting goods via commercial trucks (such as freight trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers.

Drivers move these goods over long distances, which results in longer driving hours, road rage, or even faulty truck mechanisms. Fully loaded semi-trucks weigh around 80,000 pounds, meaning any collision involving them can have devastating consequences. In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 398 fatalities in large truck crashes across California, a 41% increase over the past decade.

If you are involved in a truck accident in San Diego, seeking legal guidance is important.

Trucking companies often deploy specialized teams to minimize their financial liability, collecting evidence and witness statements that could weaken your case. Victims and their families may be entitled to substantial compensation, making it essential to have a San Diego truck accident lawyer who will fight aggressively on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been in a semi-truck accident in San Diego, contact us today for a FREE consultation.

Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Claim in San Diego

If you are injured in a truck accident, you have the right to pursue compensation. Damages may include both economic and non-economic losses such as:

• Medical expenses and future treatment costs
• Property damage
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship or consortium

In wrongful death cases, your family may recover additional damages to cover funeral costs and other financial burdens resulting from the loss. Contact a San Diego truck accident lawyer from Stipp Law today.

Why Use an Experienced San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer at Stipp Law Firm?

We respect our clients and understand the pain and suffering you may have experienced. We know the trucking industry has professionals working on their side to avoid paying little to nothing if possible.

We have handled hundreds of accident cases, but unlike many other firms, we do not handle hundreds of cases at the same time. We want to ensure our clients get personalized attention, you deserve and to maximize what is owed to you.

Federal Trucking Regulations in San Diego, CA

Large commercial trucks, including 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds (significantly more than passenger vehicles). Because of the potential dangers, truck drivers must follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including:

• A 04% blood alcohol limit while operating a truck
• No alcohol consumption within four hours of driving
• Drivers must be at least 21 years old and meet safety standards
• Mandatory vehicle inspections at set intervals
• Required rest breaks and limits on driving hours
• Extreme caution during poor weather conditions
• Trucking companies must schedule reasonable unloading times

Unfortunately, many drivers and trucking companies ignore these regulations to increase profits and efficiency, putting others at risk. When rule violations lead to accidents, victims deserve justice.

How to Prove Fault in a San Diego Truck Accident

Truck accidents involve multiple parties, making investigations complex. Evidence disappears fast, and trucking companies work quickly to protect themselves. A San Diego truck accident lawyer can act fast to secure critical evidence.

At Stipp Law Firm, we:

• Interview witnesses
• Obtain driver logs and trucking company records
• Prevent trucks from being repaired before inspections
• Secure electronic onboard recorder data
• Investigate driver history and vehicle maintenance records
• Document the accident scene

Determining fault often involves multiple parties, including:

• Truck drivers and trucking companies
• Vehicle owners and independent contractors
• Maintenance teams and third-party cargo loaders

We also investigate potential defects in truck design and manufacturing to identify all liable parties.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can happen for many reasons. We work with accident reconstruction specialists and trucking industry experts to uncover causes such as:

• Driver fatigue from excessive hours
• Speeding, reckless driving, or road rage
• Drug or alcohol use
• Distracted driving, including texting or phone use
• Brake failure or mechanical issues
• Poor weather conditions and unsafe driving
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo

Types of Truck Accidents

Certain truck accidents are especially dangerous, including:

• Jackknife accidents: When a truck folds in on itself, often leading to multiple collisions.
• Brake failures: Large trucks require long stopping distances. Faulty brakes can cause catastrophic crashes.
• Tire blowouts: Poor maintenance, overloading, or road hazards can cause tires to burst.
• Cell phone distractions: The FMCSA found a 600% increase in crash risk when truck drivers use cell phones.

Which Parties Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?

Determining liability can be complex, as several parties might be at fault depending on how the accident happened. These may include:

• Truck Driver: If negligence or unsafe driving led to the crash, you may file a claim against the driver.
• Truck Owner: Owners must keep their vehicles well-maintained. Failure to do so can make them liable.
• Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can cause a loss of control or even injury—cargo companies may be held responsible.
• Truck Manufacturer: Defects in parts like brakes, steering, or hitches can lead to accidents, making manufacturers liable.
• City or County Government: Poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, or missing signs that contribute to an accident can result in government liability.
• Trucking Company: If a company hires drivers negligently or violates federal regulations, they can be held responsible.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim For A Truck Accident in San Diego?

In California, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions can apply, such as cases involving government entities or minors. Acting fast is important in building a strong case.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

Every case is unique, but compensation may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and loss of quality of life

Because truck accidents often involve severe injuries, trucking companies carry large insurance policies. However, insurers will fight to minimize payouts. Contact a truck accident lawyer in San Diego, CA, today via Stipp Law Firm.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Your top priority after an accident should be to seek medical treatment. Once your health has been checked, you should prioritize getting in touch with a San Diego truck driver lawyer. The experienced team at Stipp Law Firm will ensure evidence and securing of the scene of the accident are preserved. We will assertively work to prove liability to recover your loss and damages.

This can include securing:

• An accident scene investigation
• A copy of the police report
• Contacting witnesses
• Gathering evidence and documentation
• Speaking to the truck driver’s insurance company

Frequently Asked Questions

What evidence is most important in a truck accident case?

Key evidence includes the truck’s black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, dashcam footage, and witness statements. A lawyer can help secure this evidence before it is lost or altered.

Can truck accident claims include punitive damages?

Yes, if the trucking company or driver acted with extreme negligence, such as driving under the influence or knowingly violating safety regulations, you may be awarded punitive damages to punish reckless behavior.

What happens if the trucking company denies responsibility?

Trucking companies often try to shift blame or downplay their liability. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and challenge their defense to hold them accountable.

Are truck drivers required to carry special insurance?

Yes, federal law mandates that commercial trucks carry higher insurance limits than regular vehicles. This often means larger settlements, but insurance companies will work aggressively to minimize payouts.

Can I still file a claim if the truck accident involved a hit-and-run driver?

Yes, if the truck driver fled the scene, you may have options through uninsured motorist coverage or by working with investigators to track down the responsible party.

Let Stipp Law Firm’s San Diego Truck Accident Lawyers Help

Going through a truck accident case is challenging, but having a skilled lawyer can make all the difference. We handle everything from investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to trial.

Trucking companies have teams of attorneys working against you. Make sure you have experienced legal representation fighting for your rights.

Contact Stipp Law Firm today for a FREE consultation.