Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles, and a San Francisco truck accident attorney can help you understand your legal options if you’re involved in such an accident. Due to their sheer size, they are capable of causing significant injuries and damage to property. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident involving a truck, it is important to understand your legal rights to recovery.
Coping with the aftermath of a truck accident can be a very trying time for injured victims and their families. You may be facing pain, obstacles in recovery, and limitations at work and in your personal life. You should not have to suffer for someone else’s negligent behavior.
We recommend you call us today or contact us online to schedule a free one-on-one consultation.
Trucking Accidents in California
In 2021, the Golden State had the second-highest number of trucking accident fatalities in the United States at 437 deaths, exceeded only by Texas. California is a big state. San Francisco is the fourth most populated city in the state, and with 865,933 mouths to feed, commercial vehicles are an important part of the economy. California’s transportation logistics infrastructure drives one-third of the state’s economy and includes 5,800 miles of high-volume commercial traffic interstate and highways, including U.S. 101, Interstates 80, 880, and 280, along with Highways 1 and 5.
Unfortunately, the basic infrastructure throughout most of the city is not ideal for large trucks. Sharp curves, steep hills, one-way streets, minimal parking, and other factors can make driving difficult for commercial truck drivers, but that does not mean they shouldn’t be held accountable for their mistakes.
Types of Injuries in a San Francisco Truck Accident
Injuries sustained in a collision with a semi-truck are likely to be serious for everyone involved. Speed and angles are often factors in the severity of injuries. Another big factor is the type of vehicle you were in at the time of the collision. Undoubtedly, collisions with motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are generally catastrophic. Common truck injuries may include:
- Back and neck injuries,
- Head injuries including traumatic brain injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis,
- Bone fractures,
- Lacerations,
- Whiplash,
- Rib and torso injuries, and
- Internal injuries.
It is imperative that you receive medical attention as soon as possible following a truck accident, regardless of whether you believe your injuries are severe. Some serious injuries can take days, weeks, or months to be fully realized as the body compensates for what has happened. Often, injured victims experience an adrenaline rush from the accident that keeps them from realizing how much pain their body is in until after things have calmed down.
Medical records can serve as proof of the seriousness of your injuries. Follow all doctor treatment protocols. In many cases, the cost of medical care can be intimidating. Do not let that deter you from receiving the care you need. Your health is the priority. Your San Francisco semi truck accident attorney can work to get you the compensation you need, while you focus on healing.
San Francisco Truck Accident Causes
There are countless ways that trucking accidents occur, and not all of them are the fault of the driver. In many cases, the fault falls to multiple parties, which is what can make truck accident claims so complex. Knowing how and why an accident occurred is key to identifying the at-fault party and who to bring your claim against. Your San Francisco delivery truck accident lawyer can help you determine who caused your accident and what other parties may be liable. Here are a few factors that can lead to truck accidents.
Excessive Speed
Commercial trucks carry so much weight that it can take 40% longer to stop a semi-truck than a passenger vehicle. There are a lot of factors that go into exact stopping time, but it is undoubtedly difficult for a speeding truck to make quick driving maneuvers.
Driver Fatigue
Federal laws limit the number of hours a driver can be on the road and how often breaks are taken. Falling asleep at the wheel or driving while exhausted is not good for anyone. If a driver has failed to follow the rules and the trucking company knew about it, they could both be liable.
Unbalanced Cargo
An unbalanced load can cause cargo in the trailer to shift suddenly. If the weight is too heavy, this could result in the trailer tipping over into the road or onto another vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Texting and driving is a serious problem nationally, and truck drivers are not excluded from the problem. There are also plenty of other distractions aside from smartphones, especially in the busy Bay Area.
Defective Parts or Mechanical Errors
All drivers are required to perform inspections of the vehicle before and after trips to make sure everything is running properly. Any issues must be addressed before they get on the road. In some cases, mechanical issues may be due to a mistake made by the mechanic or a defective part.
Road Conditions
Weather is one factor that impacts road conditions. Another factor is the proper maintenance of roadways and traffic indicators. The government (federal, state, or local) is responsible for maintaining the roads and ensuring they are safe for all vehicles.
Choosing the Best Truck Accident Attorney in San Francisco
California is full of attorneys, but few have the unique combination of experience, compassion, and determination of the award-winning team at the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, PC. As a vehicle accident victim himself, Ali Yousefi understands what you are going through. You need a San Francisco truck accident lawyer who sees you as more than a case number. We are here to help.
Contact Us
Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.
FAQ
What is the largest truck accident settlement?
There is no way to accurately determine what your settlement will be worth by comparing what others have received. Each accident has its own unique set of circumstances. At The Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, PC, we have recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars on behalf of personal injury victims.
Who pays for a truck accident?
Generally, in California, the at-fault party will be responsible for your expenses from a truck accident. Cases generally start as insurance claims, but when the damage is severe, litigation may be an option. There are a number of parties who could be potentially liable including the driver, the trucking company, a third-party cargo loader, a parts manufacturer, and others.
Can I still file a claim if I shared some fault for the accident?
Yes, California follows a comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still pursue a claim, but your compensation may be reduced based on your degree of fault. An attorney can assess your case and guide you accordingly.