San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in San Diego County, you may be facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the added stress of dealing with insurance companies. Truck accident claims often involve complex legal and insurance issues that require experienced guidance to resolve fairly.

Having an experienced San Diego truck accident attorney on your side can make a significant difference in recovering fair compensation. A skilled attorney will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather crucial evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court. Truck accident cases require deep knowledge of the law, and we are here to ensure that your claim is handled effectively and with the attention it deserves every step of the way.

Get the Legal Help You Need Today

Call us at 619-432-5145 or schedule your consultation online to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of the trucking industry and knows how to build a strong case from the accident scene forward.

What should I do right after a truck accident

What should I do right after a truck accident?

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

1. Ensure Safety First

🔹 Check yourself and others for injuries – If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.

🔹 Move to a safe location – If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to avoid further collisions, but don’t leave the scene.

🔹 Turn on hazard lights – Alert other drivers to the accident.

2. Call 911 and Report the Accident

🔹 Request medical assistance – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by emergency responders. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
🔹 Obtain a police report – Law enforcement will document the accident, which can serve as critical evidence for your case.

3. Gather Evidence

🔹 Take photos and videos – Capture damage to all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, weather conditions, and any visible injuries at the accident scene.

🔹 Collect witness information – Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.

🔹 Exchange information – Obtain the truck driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, trucking company name, insurance information, and the truck’s DOT number.

4. Seek Medical Attention

🔹 Don’t delay medical care – Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries take time to manifest.

🔹 Keep medical records – These documents will be crucial for any insurance or legal claim.

5. Do Not Admit Fault

🔹 Avoid discussing fault – Stick to the facts when talking to the police, other drivers, or insurance companies. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as admitting fault.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

🔹 Report the accident – Inform your insurance provider, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you consult with a lawyer.

🔹 Be cautious with other insurance adjusters – The trucking company’s insurer may try to minimize your claim.

7. Consult a Truck Accident Attorney

🔹 Protect your legal rights – A truck accident lawyer can help determine liability, handle negotiations, and maximize your compensation.

🔹 Don’t settle too soon – Insurance companies may offer a lowball settlement; an attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Diana Legal is Here to Help!

Contact Diana Legal now (619-432-5145) for a free consultation and case evaluation!

Injured in a Truck Accident? Diana Legal is Here to Help!

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Diana Legal, we fight for victims of truck accidents to get the justice and compensation they deserve. With our experience in truck accident cases, we know how to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable.

Why Choose Diana Legal?

✅ Proven track record of winning truck accident cases

✅ Aggressive representation against powerful insurance companies

✅ Personalized legal strategy tailored to your case

Call Diana Legal at 619-432-5145 for a FREE Consultation! Or, visit our website to schedule your case review today.

Your fight is our fight—let Diana Legal help you get the compensation you deserve! 

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident isn’t always straightforward. Several parties may be responsible, including:

  • The truck driver (e.g., for speeding, fatigue, distracted driving)
  • The trucking company (e.g., for improper training or maintenance)
  • The vehicle or parts manufacturer (e.g., for defective brakes or tires)
  • The cargo loaders (e.g., for overloading or unbalanced loads)
  • Third-party maintenance providers
  • Government agencies (e.g., for poorly maintained roads or signage)

Identifying all liable parties is critical for maximizing compensation.

Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney in San Diego

Truck accident cases are different from typical car accident claims. They often involve severe injuries, multiple liable parties, and federal and state trucking regulations that can complicate the legal process. A skilled truck accident attorney can help you by:

Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, truck driver logs, and black box data to build a strong case.

Determining Liability: Identifying all responsible parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to offer low settlements; an attorney will fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Pursuing Maximum Compensation: Seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and any future costs related to your injuries.

Litigating If Necessary: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney can take your case to trial to fight for justice.

Whether you’re negotiating a settlement with the insurance company or preparing for a potential truck accident lawsuit, having a skilled and experienced truck accident attorney on your side is essential. Legal representation not only ensures that your case is taken seriously by all parties involved—including insurers, trucking companies, and opposing counsel—but also protects your rights at every stage of the legal process. From gathering evidence at the accident scene to navigating the complexities of the trucking industry and federal safety regulations, your attorney will work to secure maximum compensation and hold all negligent parties accountable.

The Challenges and Safety Considerations of Commercial Trucking

The Challenges and Safety Considerations of Commercial Trucking

The Weight and Stopping Challenges of Box Trucks

Box trucks and other commercial trucks can weigh upwards of 10,000 pounds when not even loaded. It takes time to bring a 10,000+ pound truck to a complete stop and for that reason, truck drivers must utilize heightened and extreme care when operating commercial trucks. Truck drivers, including drivers of box trucks, are held to a higher standard of care than those drivers operating personal vehicles.

The Importance of Defensive Driving for Truck Drivers

Operating a large commercial truck without heightened care and caution can result in catastrophic injuries and fatal truck crashes. Engaging in defensive driving to avoid truck accidents is a must for all commercial truck drivers. In response to this need, Congress passed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act, requiring truck drivers to comply with heightened standards of care.

The Impact of a Commercial Vehicle Accident

The numbers behind a commercial vehicle accident highlight just how catastrophic these crashes can be. Each year, thousands of people are seriously injured or killed in collisions involving large trucks, making commercial truck safety a public concern and legal priority. These statistics not only reflect the scale of the problem but also emphasize the importance of legal advocacy for those affected.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Act) was passed by Congress to promote the safe operation of commercial vehicles and to ensure compliance with safety regulations promulgated under the Act. (49 U.S.C. § 31131(a)(1), (3).) … “Every commercial motor vehicle must be operated in accordance with the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is being operated. However, if a [federal] regulation … imposes a higher standard of care than that [state] law, … the … regulation must be complied with.” (49 C.F.R. § 392.2 (2005).)” Weaver v. Chavez, 133 Cal. App. 4th 1350, 1354, 35 Cal. Rptr. 3d 514, 517 (2005)

Statistical Analysis of Truck Accidents

Statistical analysis of truck accidents estimates that approximately 5,000 people in passenger vehicles die every year in automotive accidents involving semi-trucks. Additionally, about 700 individuals in semi-trucks die each year in these crashes. Relevant commercial trucking statistics, shedding light on these catastrophic truck crashes and fatal trucking accidents, include the following trucking statistics:

  • Approximately 130,000 individuals are injured each year in truck collisions. (TruckAccidents.org, 2019)
  • 3,864 US fatal crashes involved trucks over 10,000 lbs. (FMCSA, 2016)
  • 4,317 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks in the US. (FMCSA, 2016)
  • Approximately 61% of all fatal US crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas, 27% occurred on Interstate highways, and 15% fell into both categories by occurring on rural Interstate highways. (FMCSA, 2016)
  • 37% of all fatal crashes, 23% of all injury crashes, and 20% of all property-damage-only crashes involving large trucks occurred at night (6:00 pm to 6:00 am). (FMCSA, 2016)
  • 84% of fatal crashes and 88% of nonfatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on weekdays (Monday through Friday). (FMCSA, 2016)
  • 27% of US work zone fatal crashes and 8% of work zone injury crashes involved at least one large truck. (FMCSA, 2016)
  • Hazardous materials cargo was present on 4% of the large trucks involved in fatal US crashes and 2% of those in nonfatal crashes. (FMCSA, 2016)
  • Truck drivers log 432 billion miles annually. (Business Insider, 2016)
  • Truck drivers work 70 hours in an 8-day work week before getting a day off vs. 47 hours per week for an average American. (Business Insider, 2016)

Types of Truck Accidents

Trucks are a primary way goods are shipped and transported in the United States, and there are various types of truck accidents that results in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, such truck accidents including:

  • Tire blowouts
  • Amazon trucking accidents
  • Delivery truck accidents
  • Garbage truck accidents
  • Dump truck accidents
  • Brake failure
  • Bus Accidents
  • Cement truck accidents
  • Construction truck accidents
  • Box truck accidents or cube truck accidents
  • Flatbed truck accidents
  • Underride accident
  • Override accident
  • Overloaded trailer
  • Equipment malfunction
  • Defective maintenance
  • Jackknifes
  • Wide-turn trucking accidents
  • Runaway trailers
  • Blindspot truck accident
  • Rollover truck accident
  • Lost load truck accidents
  • Head-on collision truck accidents
  • Rear-end truck accidents
  • Truck driver fatigue
  • Lack of proper truck driver training
  • Construction zone trucking accidents
  • Truck driver inattentiveness
  • Truck driver negligence

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often cause significantly more severe injuries than standard car crashes, largely due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles. When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the impact can be devastating, leading to serious and sometimes permanent injuries. These injuries not only affect a person’s physical health but can also take a toll on their emotional well-being and financial stability.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

TBIs can occur when the head is struck or jolted during a collision. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can affect memory, concentration, coordination, mood, and other cognitive functions. Long-term rehabilitation may be necessary, and some individuals never fully recover.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia. These injuries often result in a lifetime of medical care, physical therapy, and major lifestyle adjustments.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of a truck crash can cause multiple broken bones, including fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, hips, or pelvis. Some fractures are complex and may require surgical intervention, the use of hardware like pins and plates, and extended periods of immobilization and rehabilitation.

Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage

Blunt-force trauma in a truck accident can damage internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Severe Burns and Lacerations

Accidents involving fires, chemical spills, or shattered glass can result in serious burns or deep lacerations. Burn victims may face long hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

Tragically, many truck accidents result in fatalities. When a loved one is lost due to a trucking collision, the surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Many of these injuries require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care. They can also lead to lost income, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. That’s why pursuing maximum compensation is essential—and why having the right legal team can make all the difference.

At Diana Legal, we’re committed to helping truck accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Take the First Step Toward Justice—Let Diana Legal Fight for You

Take the First Step Toward Justice—Let Diana Legal Fight for You

After a truck accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and stressed. But you don’t have to navigate this process by yourself. At Diana Legal, we’re here to guide you with care, clarity, and strong legal support.

We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and stand by your side every step of the way. Our goal is to make this process feel less intimidating—and to help you pursue the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.

Call us at 619-432-5145 or schedule your consultation online to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney.

Your case matters. Your recovery matters. Let’s take the next step together.

    Diana Legal