San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorneys in San Diego, California

Commercial and other large trucks often perform necessary services for the community of San Diego and California as a whole. However, even though these trucks are necessary, they pose a significant risk to smaller passenger vehicles they share the road with. While cars are built to help protect individuals during a car accident when they collide with a truck, they are striking an object significantly larger in size and weight, instantly placing passengers at a disadvantage.

Trying to recover or move on from a devastating accident, like a truck accident, can be extremely difficult. These kinds of accidents tend to result in debilitating injuries that temporarily or permanently disable a person, preventing them from working. This causes medical bills to pile up and other financial burdens to arise. At Setareh Law, we are determined to help you recover fair compensation to ensure you have the financial means to aid your recovery. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

There are many possible reasons that a truck accident may occur, from the weather to driver error. However, understanding the various causes of truck accidents is not only vital to a truck accident claim, but it can help truck drivers and drivers in passenger vehicles be aware enough of the potential risk to help them be proactive about avoiding these kinds of accidents. 

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Alcohol or drug use by one or both drivers
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driving while fatigued 
• Truck drivers exceeding their hours of services 
• Unsafe operation under the conditions of visibility, weather, or grade
• Falsified drivers logs, inspection logs, or maintenance records
• Tailgating 
• Improper lane changes
• General driver distraction (phone, GPS, etc.)
• Brake failure
• Equipment failure 
• Poor weather conditions
• Poor road surface conditions
• Tire blowouts

Drivers may not be able to control the weather or road maintenance, but they can take action to ensure they are driving with complete attention to the road and their surroundings. Accidents can happen in the second that one takes their eyes off the road and result in injuries that completely alter their quality of life. 

When you’ve taken care to ensure you’re doing your best to be a safe driver and other vehicles or trucks fail to do the same, their actions can cause you significant pain and loss. This is why San Diego gives victims the chance to recover monetary compensation. No amount of money can ever make up for the losses suffered or pain felt, but it can help address financial burdens, which can, in turn, lessen the stress one feels in the aftermath of a truck accident. 

Who Is Liable for a San Diego Truck Accident?

Liability in a truck accident depends on the circumstances which lead to the accident; this is why it’s important to understand the exact or proximate cause of the accident. Determining fault and liability in a truck accident is a task that requires extensive investigation, collaborating with experts, and gathering evidence. 

Even when fault for the accident seems straightforward, many different components can affect who will ultimately bear the financial responsibility for your damages.  Every case is different, but common parties that may be held liable in a truck accident claim include:

• Negligent truck drivers
• Truck owners
• Lessee or lessor
• Independent contractors
• Independent owner-operators 
• The trucking company 
• Maintenance companies 
• Distributors
• Loaders, individuals who secured the cargo 
• The trucks manufacturers 

In some cases, one or more parties may be at fault for the accident. For instance, the truck company may be liable for violating federal regulations, but the truck driver also failed to follow protocol. Since both the trucking company and the truck driver played a part in causing the accident, they may both be held liable. 

How to Establish Fault in a Truck Accident Claim

The aftermath of a truck accident can be chaotic. While it may be the last thing on your mind to contact an attorney, reaching out to an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible can save you from headaches and a lot of time and energy. The moment you partner with Setareh Law, we can move to preserve evidence quickly, speak with witnesses, and deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf, giving you the space to focus entirely on your recovery. 

After a truck accident, our firm can help:

• Interviewing witness before their recollection of the accident fades
• Obtain the truck driver’s logs
• Obtain the trucking company’s records
• Keep the truck from being repaired before an inspection 
• Obtain the truck’s electronic on-board recorder data
• Obtain a copy of the truck driver’s driving history 
• Examine all inspection and maintenance records done on the truck
• Thoroughly examine and document the accident scene

Most truck accident claims begin with investigating the truck driver’s negligence but don’t stop there. It’s important to consider the role of every individual and company that has a hand in the truck and truck driver’s actions before coming to a conclusion on who is responsible. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

Even if you don’t contact an attorney on the day of the accident, it’s vital to reach out as soon as possible before risking losing your right to compensation by waiting too long and surpassing the statute of limitations. 

In California, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, as mentioned above, the more you wait to contact an attorney, the higher the chance that evidence will be lost. Therefore, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is essential to benefit your claim and protect your right to compensation. 

Schedule a Consultation With Our Experienced San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer Today 

At Setareh Law, our experienced lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for those injured by negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and any other party whose actions cause our clients to suffer injuries or losses. We aggressively pursue compensation for all accident-related damages and see that the liable party in your truck accident is held responsible for their negligence. Whether you speak English or Spanish, Setareh Law is here for you.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation by completing our contact form or calling (310) 659-1826.