San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer

Every year, about 500,000 truck accidents result in property damage, personal injury, or even death. Because trucks are larger than regular automobiles, the aftermath of a trucking accident can be serious, and often more substantial than accidents caused by cars.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you’re not alone. Conger Law can help you understand how and why truck accidents happen, and what to do after a truck accident. We’ll also explain why it is important to call a lawyer after a truck accident. Truck accidents are terrible and overwhelming, but we’re here to help.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in San Diego

If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident in San Diego, there are steps you can take to ensure you are fairly compensated.

Accumulate Evidence

After a truck accident, gathering evidence is extremely important. Evidence includes photos or videos of the accident scene, witness statements, electronic recorder data from the involved vehicles, and any other relevant information. This can help to determine exactly what happened during the accident and who caused it.

Document Information

Record all details about the accident. This could include the date, time, location, weather conditions, and any other contributing factors. This information can help build a solid legal case.

Prioritize Medical Care

Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention after a truck accident. Sometimes, injuries may not initially seem serious, but could worsen over time. Additionally, medical records serve as vital evidence during legal proceedings. Medical records offer important insight into the timeline and extent of injuries, treatment administered, and future health implications.

File an Accident Report

In San Diego, you must report truck accidents to the local authorities. If an accident results in any form of injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, it must be documented in an official report. Additionally, filing a report is an important part of creating a successful legal case by providing an official account of the incident.

Consult Conger Law 

After you have accumulated evidence, documented information, sought medical care, and filed an accident report, it’s time to consult the Conger Law. Ryan Conger specializes in handling truck accident cases in San Diego and can help you determine what to do next.

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Diego

In 2020, California was one of the most dangerous states for truck accidents, ranking second with 364 deadly truck collisions. According to Forbes Advisor’s car accident research, California also faces significant risks for all types of crashes, highlighting the need for increased road safety measures in the state. Truck accidents can happen for all kinds of reasons, but some are more common than others. Below are the most common causes of truck accidents in San Diego.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work long hours and cover vast distances. Despite regulations limiting the number of hours a driver can operate without rest, some drivers or companies may disregard these rules, leading to accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving refers to any activity diverting a truck driver’s attention from the vehicle and the road. Common distractions include texting, talking, eating, drinking, talking, or even changing the radio station.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks are heavier and larger than cars, so they require longer distances to come to a complete stop. When truck drivers speed or drive recklessly, they increase the risk of a serious accident.

Improper Loading

If a truck’s cargo is not properly loaded and secured, it can shift during transport. This can cause the truck to become unbalanced, making it harder for the driver to control, and potentially leading to an accident.

Equipment Failure

Not all truck drivers perform routine equipment inspections like they should. Sometimes a truck’s brakes, tires, lights, or other important equipment fail due to lack of proper maintenance or a manufacturing defect.

Lack of Training

Driving a truck is harder than driving a small vehicle. If a driver hasn’t received adequate training, they may not be prepared to react appropriately in a difficult situation, such as poor weather conditions or dense traffic.

Each accident is unique and may involve many factors. Understanding these common causes of truck accidents can help identify who may be at fault.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in California

Truck accidents can be incredibly dangerous. It can be important to understand the most common types of truck accidents in California.

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck brakes too quickly, it can cause the truck to fold in half, or “jackknife.” This often results in road blocks and further accidents.

Blindspot Accidents

Commercial trucks have significantly larger blindspots than average vehicles. Often, truck drivers rely on other drivers to be cautious and aware. Unfortunately, even the most cautious individuals can be struck by a truck who is not aware of its blindspots.

Under Ride Accidents

When a truck brakes too quickly, vehicles behind the truck can be caught by surprise. Sometimes, smaller vehicles and motorcycles can collide with the large truck and become trapped beneath the truck’s trailer.

Wide Turn Accidents

Large trucks take up more space when they make turns because they need to swing further to compensate for their size. Sometimes this traps cars in between the cab and trailer of the truck as it turns, resulting in an accident.

Spilled Cargo Accidents

If a truck’s cargo is not properly secured, it can fall off the back of the truck. These objects can strike cars behind the truck, or cause other drivers to swerve to avoid hitting the objects. This can be especially dangerous if it occurs when a truck is driving fast, like on the freeway.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts are particularly dangerous when they happen to commercial trucks. The sheer size of the tire can cause significantly greater damage, and can cause all sorts of accidents if a tire is blown at speed. Blown tires may indicate the company has not been keeping their vehicle fleet properly maintained.

These are just some of the numerous types of truck accidents that can occur on the road. Trucks can be dangerous, and the size and weight of these vehicles can lead to severe, sometimes life-changing injuries.

Common Injuries from Truck Accidents

Due to the massive size of the vehicles involved, truck accidents often result in severe injuries. Even with safety measures in place, the force of collisions involving trucks can lead to a range of physical trauma, some of which can have long-term implications. Truck accidents often result in high medical costs, long recovery times, and intricate insurance claims. The most common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries are serious and can result in all sorts of life changing deficits, including loss of consciousness, headaches, confusion, mood changes, and other long-term cognitive issues.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Depending on the severity and location of the injury, spinal cord injuries can lead to pain management, surgery, or even partial or complete paralysis and chronic pain. Spinal cord injuries usually require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Broken Bones

The force of a truck collision can result in bone fractures. Some broken bones require surgery and lengthy recovery periods.

Internal Injuries

Damage to organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs are typical examples of internal injuries resulting from truck accidents. These injuries can be life changing or even fatal.

Cuts and Burns

Deep cuts or burns can lead to significant blood loss or risk of infection if not promptly treated.

Remember, these injuries can be deceiving. Cuts and burns may not immediately present severe symptoms. Therefore, seeking immediate medical attention following a truck accident is critical, regardless of how you initially feel. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent further medical complications and aid in the recovery process.

What Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Do For You?

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with both injuries and legal issues. A truck accident lawyer can help by providing assistance and expertise to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Let’s delve deeper into how a dedicated truck accident lawyer can help.

A Truck Accident Lawyer Will Investigate and Gather Evidence

When you seek the help of a truck accident lawyer, your attorney will assume the responsibility of investigating your case. They will put together timelines, obtain police reports, gather data, and identify and interview witnesses.

Your lawyer is able to subpoena information that could shed new light on the accident. For example, in a truck accident case, your attorney may subpoena things like:

• The truck driver’s GPS
• The truck driver’s driving record
• The company’s maintenance logs
• The company’s personnel records

Your attorney is also able to contact professionals in relevant fields who can provide expert advice.

A Truck Accident Lawyer Will Help You Understand Compensation and Insurance

Lawyers know how to navigate the complex California legal system. A truck accident lawyer from Conger Law can help you understand your rights, potential compensation, and how to achieve justice.

Additionally, lawyers provide guidance regarding insurance claims and settlement negotiations. Dealing with insurance claims, settlement negotiations, and even possible lawsuits becomes less daunting with a truck accident lawyer. We ensure victims receive fair treatment from insurance companies and at-fault parties.

A Truck Accident Lawyer Will Protect Your Rights

Truck accident lawyers prioritize client rights. Comprehensive investigations to gather evidence, consultations with experts to establish liability, and robust advocacy in court proceedings are part of this process.

A Truck Accident Lawyer Will Ensure Fair Compensation After a Truck Accident

Conger Law Injury Attorneys will fight to secure fair compensation for clients, covering medical bills, lost income, and other accident-related expenses. By accurately estimating the value of a claim, considering all physical, emotional, and financial damages, and negotiating on behalf of clients, Conger Law strives for maximum compensation.

A Truck Accident Lawyer Can Understand Commercial Vehicles and Fault Allocation

The state of California characterizes a commercial vehicle as any registered mode of transport used for profit, either through the conveyance of persons or goods. This broad definition encompasses various vehicle types, which include:

• Freight trucks
• Semi-trailers
• Service vehicles
• Delivery vans
• Corporate cars
• Public buses
• Emergency vehicles
• Taxi services and limousines
• Mobile food units
• Towing services
• Industrial rigs, for instance, water well drilling rigs
• Cement dispensing trucks
• Vehicles designed to transport more than 10-15 individuals for financial gain

Assigning blame in accidents involving commercial trucks requires an understanding of additional intricacies, as the employer of the commercial driver might bear responsibility. These companies bear the responsibility to hire good drivers with sufficient training. Furthermore, these companies must guarantee the maintenance of commercial trucks in a safe, roadworthy state, involving regular checks and inspections. Therefore, in the event of an accident, both the driver’s actions and the company’s adherence to these requirements are significant factors in determining responsibility. 

For expert assistance in navigating these complexities, turn to Conger Law Injury Attorneys in San Diego. With a wealth of experience in dealing with commercial vehicle accidents, Conger Law Injury Attorneys can help ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Connect with the Right Truck Accident Lawyer in San Diego

If you or a family member have experienced property damage or bodily injury resulting from a collision with a commercial vehicle in California, we can help explain your rights.

At Conger Law Injury Attorneys, our aim is to simplify the process. We offer consultations at zero cost, providing an opportunity to understand your options without any undue pressure. Call us at (619)-569-1919 or fill out our quick online form today.

Citations

24 Disturbing Truck Accident Statistics (2023 Edition), Policy Advice
https://policyadvice.net/insurance/insights/truck-accident-statistics/

Truck Accident Statistics For 2024, Forbes Advisor
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/truck-accident-statistics/#truck_accidents_statistics_by_state_section