SAN DIEGO TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating crashes on the road. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident in San Diego, you need an experienced legal team on your side. TORKLAW has helped countless victims secure justice and maximum compensation for their injuries, and we’re ready to help you. Contact our San Diego truck accident lawyers today to start your free consultation.

WHY TRUCK ACCIDENTS ARE SO DANGEROUS

Large commercial trucks, especially 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Their size and stopping distance make them significantly more dangerous than passenger vehicles.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), here are some recent (2021) statistics involving trucks:

• 5,904 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes (18% increase from 2020)
• The number of large trucks involved in injury crashes increased by 11 percent, from 105,000 to 117,000.
• On average, from 2010 to 2021, intercity buses accounted for 11 percent, and school buses and transit buses accounted for 37 percent and 36 percent, respectively, of all buses involved in fatal crashes.

Other interesting truck information:

• Trucks require 30% more distance to stop than standard vehicles.
• Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck crashes.
• Every 16 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured in a truck-related accident the in U.S.
• 98% of accidents involving a commercial truck result in at least one fatality.
• Brake failures and equipment defects are common contributors to truck crashes.

COMMON TYPES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS

• Rollover Accidents: Often caused by speeding or sharp turns, these crashes are extremely dangerous.
• Brake Failure: Especially on downhill slopes, malfunctioning air brakes can lead to runaway trucks.
• Jackknife Accidents: When a trailer swings out at a sharp angle, often due to improper braking.
• Underride Collisions: Smaller vehicles can get trapped under the trailer, often causing fatal injuries.
• Blind Spot Collisions: Trucks have large blind spots that can lead to side-swipe crashes.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT IN SAN DIEGO

1. Call the police – This will be a 911 situation. If you can talk, try to help others by letting the dispatcher know how many more people might be involved and any other details, you can share. Even if you feel that the accident is not a big deal, it is always best to get the police to document it. Sometimes there are after-effects.
2. Find medical attention – Even in situations where you might believe that you have not suffered from any damages; it is best to seek medical attention and evaluate yourself. Sometimes, when we are in shock, we can’t feel the damage right away. Other times, the injury might be internal. It is best to visit the doctor right after an accident if you have to demonstrate later that your injury was related to the accident. Note that even if an EMT has examined you at the scene, it is still best to visit the hospital for a full evaluation.
3. Collect evidence – Do not attempt to collect evidence and take pictures if you have been injured. Only try this if you are ok, and it is safe to be outside the vehicle. However, collecting evidence will be helpful later when seeking compensation. If any witnesses to the accident, note their names and contact information, take pictures of the road, the road conditions, the accident scene (license numbers, trucking company, etc.), and the damages.
4. Appraise your vehicle – Your car might show only minor damage on the outside, but similarly to people, sometimes the damage is internal. Avoid repairing your car immediately because you will need a repair estimate for any insurance claim you file. In many instances, insurance companies will require agents to appraise the situation before they approve it for repairs. Generally, avoid doing any work on your car until the insurance company has cleared you for compensation.
5. Mind your words – No one wants to be involved in an accident. Although you might feel outraged, it will serve no purpose, lashing out and yelling at the other driver. Avoid saying anything harsh; it is best to check if everyone is ok and wait for help to arrive. You must not admit that you caused the accident. Even if you suspect that it was your mistake, do not say anything at the time. Often people feel the need to be apologetic, but later, when evidence is collected, they realize they were not at fault. Plus, admitting fault can be used against you when trying to claim compensation. If the police ask for a witness statement, it is best to simply state facts, avoid emotion, and never fill in the blank by making up information.
6. Abstain from social media – Quite often, investigators, including the police and insurance companies, will use your social media to prove their case. If you claim that you have suffered injuries and continue posting pictures of partying every night, it might be hard to defend your case. Do not announce your accident to the world; keep the information private until your legal team has completed their research, and you have been awarded compensation. Remember that social media can be used in court to support or undermine your case.
7. Activate your legal team – Get your legal team involved in the case as soon as possible. In most cases, the trucking company will have a lawyer on retention and ready to build a case against you. You need to act as fast as you can before evidence is not easy to collect, and witnesses are no longer interested in helping out or cannot be located. At TORKLAW, we will help you settle your claim to cover all the expenses incurred because of the accident.

DAMAGES YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO

At TORKLAW, we pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, including:

• Pain and Suffering
• Medical and pharmacy bills
• Transportation bills
• Loss of income
• Future loss income
• Rehabilitation costs
• At-home care
• On-going corrective surgeries you might need in the future
• Mental pain and anguish
• Property (car) damages
• Other

CONTACT TORKLAW’S SAN DIEGO TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY

Truck accident cases move quickly, and so should you. Picking the right team to represent you will make the difference. Our expert, compassionate team is ready to take on your case while focusing on healing and getting back to normal. Call us now at 619.600.0697 to start your free consultation.