San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer

Were You Injured in a Truck Accident in San Diego?

As a very populous coastal city with major freeways that run through it, San Diego undergoes regular traffic accidents. Additionally, there are many weigh stations located on the local freeways, like Interstate 8 (I-8) and Interstate 15 (I-15). Therefore, a multitude of large trucks, like a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, travels through the city on a daily basis.

A commercial driver’s license is required to operate these oversized vehicles. However, that does not guarantee that truck drivers will prevent truck accidents from occurring.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a serious truck accident, contact our San Diego personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim specializes in truck accident cases and will advocate on your behalf to recover maximum compensation. To learn more, schedule a free consultation today.

Other Practice Areas We Specialize In

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer?

The legal aftermath of being involved in an accident with commercial trucks is complicated. Who covers the medical expenses? Are employers obligated to pay for a victim’s medical leave? Should a truck accident lawsuit be filed–and against whom?

Attempting to seek compensation through a personal injury claim–while injured–is an exhausting ordeal. This is why entrusting a case in the hands of an experienced truck accident lawyer is invaluable.

San Diego truck accident lawyer, Daniel Kim, and his professional legal team help victims attain justice by holding the negligent parties who caused the crash accountable. The law firm maintains a 99% win record and has established a reputation for success around the city of San Diego.

Additional Benefits Our San Diego Truck Accident Law Firm Offers

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim only deals with truck accidents and motor vehicle-related accidents. This is vital, because, in order to go up against a trucking company and their insurance company, the legal team representing victims must be dedicated experts in their field.

Additionally, our personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning if we cannot secure maximum compensation, clients will not be billed for the services provided. To learn more about our law firm and how we plan to strategize your trucking accident case’s success, schedule a free consultation with our office in San Diego, CA.

We are available to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week, day or night–including on weekends. If you are not sure where to begin or have questions about how truck accident lawsuits work, we encourage you to contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim today.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Helps Truck Accident Victims

Truck accident claims are particularly difficult to settle, because of the multiple parties involved who could be found liable. Then, there is an ample amount of resources available to the trucking companies to unnecessarily extend the case, exhausting a truck accident victim of patience and prompting them to give up and drop the claim.

Unlike car accidents involving reckless drivers, a trucking accident will require substantial evidence proving fault that goes beyond a police report and witness statements. Because our law firm has handled so many trucking accidents, we know exactly what types of evidence must be acquired in order to yield a successful outcome for our clients.

Provide Guidance in Treating Severe Injuries

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we collaborate with tenured medical professionals who can prove the true nature of a victim’s injuries. This includes pain management specialists, physical therapists, surgeons, and others in the medical industry who get our clients on the most effective path to recovery.

Partnering with those who are experts in their respective industries allows us to negotiate for a higher settlement and to get victims appropriately compensated. Additionally, we assist clients set up appointments with local San Diego physicians to remove the added stress of looking for qualified doctors in their vicinity.

Obtain Supporting Evidence from the Trucking Accident

The types of evidence required in a truck accident will vary greatly from a truck crash to a car crash. For instance, a trucker’s driving capabilities, along with his or her driving record must be taken into account. Our truck accident attorney will find an understanding of why a trucker was driving in such a dangerous manner.

The firm also conducts independent investigations with accident reconstructionists to illustrate how and why a truck accident occurs. Between road conditions, poor truck maintenance, or the manner in which truck drivers operate semi trucks, there could be a number of reasons why truck accidents occur.

By collecting truck maintenance records, reviewing how frequently the vehicle was being serviced, obtaining time cards to determine how long the trucker was on the road, and confirming if the truck company was or was not in violation of labor laws, our firm can build a strong case proving negligence not just on truck drivers, but on the trucking companies, as well.

Experienced San Diego Truck Accident Attorney Establishes Case Value

Other vital benefits of working with an experienced San Diego truck accident lawyer are providing guidance and reassurance. Important deadlines like the statute of limitations in California give personal injury victims two years to file a claim. Failing to meet this deadline or filing the paperwork incorrectly can result in the case being dismissed, meaning that damages are no longer recoverable.

However, you will not be concerned with these missteps when working with experience. During the free case evaluation, our personal injury lawyers will go over the case timeline and learn more about the incident. From there, an estimated value of a truck accident case is determined. Invest in The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, and you will be supported from start to finish.

What Losses Can I Recover From a Truck Accident?

“Losses” in a personal injury case are considered financial losses that can be compensated. It’s divided into two categories, economic losses and non-economic losses. Victims are entitled to compensation for the various forms of losses suffered due to truck accidents. The intent is to make an injured victim whole again.

Also referred to as economic damages, this form of loss accounts for any expenses that were paid or will have to be paid and are directly tied to the truck accident, such as:

• Ambulance to a hospital
• Emergency room medical bills and surgeries
• Anticipated medical expenses
• Physical rehabilitation
• In-home care, nursing
• Lost wages for missed work
• Future lost wages for not returning to work
• Property damage
• Modifications to the home

Non-economic damages also compensate victims for losses. However, the forms of loss do not have an exact monetary value and are instead measured based on previous case settlements. Examples include:

• Physical and mental pain and suffering
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Permanent disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (companionship)

What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Tractor-trailer trucks and 18-wheelers are most commonly seen on highways, freeways, and designated truck routes. On residential streets throughout San Diego, garbage trucks, delivery vehicles (FedEx and UPS), tow trucks, and fire trucks are also present.

Anytime large commercial trucks are mixed in with the average passenger vehicle, the roads become substantially more dangerous. Even the smallest crash involving a truck can be devastating due to a truck’s gargantuan size and weight.

Loaded tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while a passenger vehicle may only weigh around 2,000 pounds. If a collision occurs, catastrophic injuries are likely to ensue. Depending on the type of crash and its severity, the outcome will vary. The most common causes of truck accidents in San Diego include:

• Speeding – This is one of the top causes of all motor vehicle accidents across the US. Reckless driving at high speeds will make it difficult to brake and stop abruptly.
• Tire Blowout – Improper truck maintenance can cause a blowout, forcing the truck driver to lose control, veering into other lanes or oncoming traffic.
• Jackknife – When a truck driver loses control, the trailer skids at a 90-degree angle and can skid across the road and into other vehicles.
• Rollover – If a truck is not loaded properly or if it makes a sharp turn, the vehicle can tip onto its side, spilling the cargo, and falling onto smaller passenger vehicles.
• Driver Fatigue – Some vendors and trucking companies set unrealistic delivery times. Truck drivers are entitled to state-regulated rest breaks, but some bypass them in order to meet the delivery window. Not taking a break can result in a truck driver falling asleep at the wheel.
• Driving While Intoxicated – Driving under the influence (DUI) is always dangerous, but that is especially true when it comes to truck drivers. Over-the-counter and prescription medication abuse is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
• Bad Weather Conditions – Inclement weather such as rain and fog are rare in San Diego, CA. However, when it does occur, it can make it very difficult for truck drivers to operate a truck.

Is a Truck Driver or Someone Else Liable in a Truck Accident?

It is not uncommon to believe that the person liable for causing a truck accident was the trucker. However, what if that driver had a record of traffic violations? Maybe the truck driver was not licensed to operate a commercial vehicle. Or, what if the truck accident was a result of the shipped goods not being properly secured?

Regardless of the scenario, it’s important to explore all angles of reasoning to understand why the truck accident occurred in the first place.

Our legal team and investigators will obtain the truck driver’s driving records and work driving log to determine how experienced he or she was, as well as how long the vehicle was being operated before taking a rest break.

How Personal Injury Lawyers Prove Fault

We will also investigate when the vehicle was serviced last and by whom in the event maintenance was neglected or faulty. In addition, our personal injury lawyers will review the truck’s “black box,” or event data recorder (EDR), which is a device that is installed in commercial vehicles to record the movement of a truck, like speed, hours traveled, when the brakes were applied, and more.

After conducting our own investigation, we can determine all parties who shared fault. Depending on the evidence, the following can be found liable for causing the truck accident:

• Truck driver
• Truck owner, if the truck was being rented
• Employers and trucking companies
• The loading company that packed the truck
• Mechanics who last serviced the truck

California’s laws surrounding negligence hold every party involved accountable for their role in causing the truck accident. Therefore, any person or entity who exhibited negligent actions can be found at fault and will be responsible for compensating victims for medical bills and other damages.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, victims should follow the same steps as in other car accidents. Call San Diego’s California Highway Patrol and report the accident. Then, make sure to obtain a police report once it becomes available. Preserve evidence by taking pictures of the accident scene and sustained injuries, as well as exchanging contact and insurance information with the trucking driver.

Most importantly, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only does this prevent injuries from progressing, but it also ensures that hidden injuries are identified and treated. Some injuries are not immediately apparent after the accident and can become fatal if left untreated. In addition, there must be a trace of medical records indicating that victims were injured in the truck accident and that medical treatment was sought following the crash. Otherwise, it will be difficult to claim damages.

Another step that will also require immediate action is contacting an experienced San Diego truck accident lawyer. This is evident for multiple reasons. The statute of limitations begins on the date when the accident occurred, so if a truck accident claim is not filed on time, victims relinquish their rights to recover compensation.

Additionally, evidence can disappear. For instance, the truck’s black box data only keeps a log for 30 days, so if it’s not preserved, that data will be erased. Similarly, the trucking company may repair all damages to the truck before it’s been fully inspected, ridding of all evidence of where the truck was damaged.

The truck company’s insurance will contact victims after the accident, persuading them to accept a low settlement offer and cheating them out of just compensation. After choosing to work with San Diego truck accident lawyers, all communication with an insurance company will be handled by the legal team. Therefore, clients will not have to worry about being deceived or shorted out of full and fair compensation.

If you are experiencing confusion surrounding your personal injury case, schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of Daniel Kim. Our legal team can provide assistance and clarify complicated legal details.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Due to the vast difference in size and weight between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, serious injuries are often sustained in the crash. Some of the most common injuries from San Diego truck accidents include:

• Broken Bones – the most commonly reported after a truck crash are broken and fractured ankles, wrists, ribs, and noses
• Cuts and Bruises – bruising across the chest from where the seat belt restrained a driver or passenger are common, and broken glass or other loose objects can cause lacerations
• Head Injuries – concussion, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), brain swelling, bleeds, and headaches may occur after a truck accident
• Neck and Back Injuries – whiplash, neck sprain, damaged discs, and spinal cord injuries are all commonly reported and serious injuries
• Amputation – suffering severe and deep lacerations could require surgery and in the worst case the loss of a limb
• Wrongful Death – if a family member or loved one was killed in a truck accident a wrongful death claim against the negligent truck driver and trucking company can be filed

If you were injured in a San Diego truck accident, call The Law Offices of Daniel Kim today for a no-obligation consultation.

San Diego Truck Accident Statistics

Like most major cities in Southern California, there is a considerable amount of commercial truck traffic that flows through the city of San Diego, CA. With this high volume of commercial traffic, accidents are to be expected. While there was a slight decrease in 2019, there were still nearly 20,000 car accidents in SD County.

Injuries and Fatalities From Truck Accidents

Commercial vehicles are often moving at high rates of speed and are much larger than traditional passenger vehicles. In the US, the rate of injury and fatalities is much higher when these types of vehicles are involved in accidents. In 2020, 4,842 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes. Additionally, trucks accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal truck accidents, with an estimated 159,000 people injured the year before.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

There are many intersections in San Diego that pose a great threat to motorists, including truck drivers. These intersections experience the most dangerous traffic in San Diego County:

• University Ave. and Estrella Ave.
• University Ave. and Fairmount Ave.
• Garnet Ave. and Mission Blvd.
• Broadway and I St.
• Rosecrans St. and Midway Dr.
• E. 18th St. and Highland Ave.
• 11th St. and Broadway
• North Harbor Dr. and Rosecrans St.
• University and Marlborough Ave.

Freeway traffic is frequented by commercial trucks daily. The following freeways and roads commonly experience the most commercial vehicle presence in San Diego.

• Interstate 5 (I-5)
• Interstate 8 (I-8)
• Interstate 15 (I-15)
• Interstate 805 (I-805)

Schedule a Free Consultation with our Personal Injury Lawyers

If you suffered a serious injury or lost a family member in a truck accident in San Diego, The Law Offices of Daniel Kim can help. Our law firm works on contingency and will work to recover maximum compensation on your behalf. With a 99% success rate, we are confident that we can meet your expectations.

We understand how frustrating these types of personal injury cases can be. Our legal team will support you through the process and keep your rights and settlement protected from the insurance company. To learn more about our San Diego law firm, schedule a free consultation today.

Directions to Our San Diego Office

Our personal injury law firm is right in the heart of Downtown San Diego and is easily accessible by the I-5 freeway or I-163 freeway.

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim — San Diego, CA
Address: 1111 Sixth Avenue, Suite 231 San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 639-9063