When truck drivers and trucking companies are careless, such as engaging in distracted driving or violating motor carrier regulations, serious accidents and injuries may result. If you suffered injuries in a recent San Diego truck collision, the skilled legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers can help. Our attorneys will swiftly investigate the circumstances of your trucking accident, determine your options, and file a timely insurance claim on your behalf.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced San Diego truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.
Why Select Us for Your Legal Needs?
In a trucking accident claim or lawsuit, you want an experienced legal team on your side with a strong track record of success. The knowledgeable San Diego truck accident attorneys at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured accident victims. We welcome the opportunity to litigate your case if the insurance company refuses to compensate you fairly.
You can see our most recent client testimonials here. Let us help you obtain the fair compensation you deserve for your truck-accident losses.
How Much Money is a San Diego Truck Accident Case Worth?
The amount you can get for a San Diego truck accident case depends on several important factors, including the severity of your injuries, the overall effects on your life, and the level of negligence involved. Compensation in these cases typically covers both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include measurable costs related to your trucking accident. These often include medical bills, lost income, and property damage. For example, if you need ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation, you can seek compensation for those future medical expenses. If you miss work due to your injuries, you can claim lost income and any future earnings you may lose if you’re unable to return to your job.
On the other hand, non-economic damages are more subjective and cover losses that don’t have a direct financial cost. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment. For example, if your injuries cause long-term pain or prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for those losses. The amount you can receive for non-economic damages often depends on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your daily life.
In some cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. These are awarded in situations where the truck driver’s or trucking company’s behavior was particularly reckless or intentional. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. However, they are not awarded in every case.
San Diego truck accident settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the specifics of the case. The more severe your injuries and the clearer the other party’s fault, the higher your compensation will likely be. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can accurately calculate your damages and pursue the maximum amount of compensation available in your case. We can also negotiate with insurance companies or take your case to trial if necessary.
Where Do Trucking Accidents Frequently Occur in San Diego?
Truck accidents in San Diego can happen anywhere, but certain locations are more prone to these types of collisions due to traffic volume, roadway conditions, and similar factors.
- Highways and Interstates – One of the most common places for trucking accidents in San Diego is on highways and interstates – especially I-5, I-8, I-15, and I-805. These roads are heavily trafficked with large trucks transporting goods throughout the state and beyond. High speeds, lane changes, and merging traffic create dangerous conditions, especially during rush hour. Accidents on these highways often involve multiple vehicles, making them particularly serious.
- Freeway Interchanges – San Diego’s freeway interchanges, like the ones connecting I-5 with I-8 or I-805 with I-15, are also hotspots for truck accidents. These areas are complex, with vehicles entering and exiting at high speeds. Trucks, which take longer to slow down and maneuver, can have difficulty navigating these interchanges, leading to collisions. The combination of sharp curves, heavy traffic, and multiple lanes increases the risk of accidents.
- Downtown San Diego – Downtown areas – particularly near the Port of San Diego – also see a high number of trucking accidents. Trucks often travel through this area to deliver goods to businesses and the port, navigating narrow streets, pedestrian traffic, and frequent stops. The congestion and tight spaces make it difficult for truck drivers to maneuver, leading to accidents involving smaller vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
- Construction Zones – Construction zones are another common site for truck accidents in San Diego. These zones can be unpredictable, with lane closures, reduced speed limits, and workers on or near the road. Trucks, which require more time to stop or change lanes, may struggle to navigate these temporary conditions safely, resulting in accidents.
Types of San Diego Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents in San Diego often result from various forms of negligence by truck drivers and trucking companies.
Truck Drivers
- One common type of truck driver negligence is distracted driving. This includes texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. Trucks require constant attention due to their size and the time it takes to stop or change lanes. Even a momentary distraction can lead to a serious accident.
- Another common form of negligence is fatigued driving. Truck drivers often work long hours, sometimes exceeding the legal limits that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and may fall asleep at the wheel, leading to devastating crashes.
- Speeding is also a significant issue. Due to trucks' size and weight, speeding is particularly dangerous. It takes much longer for a truck to stop, and if the driver is speeding, the chances of losing control or causing a severe accident increase dramatically.
- Impaired driving is another common form of negligence. If a truck driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain medications, their ability to drive safely is compromised, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies can also be negligent in ways that contribute to accidents. Inadequate maintenance is one such issue. Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure that they are safe to operate. If a company fails to maintain its vehicles properly – neglecting to fix brakes, tires, or other critical parts – accidents are more likely to occur.
Improper loading is another concern. Trucks must be loaded in a way that balances the cargo (and in accordance with FMCSA regulations). If a company loads a truck unevenly or fails to secure the cargo properly, the truck can become unstable, increasing the risk of rollover accidents.
Finally, hiring unqualified drivers is a form of negligence. If a company hires a driver without properly checking their background, training, or licensing, it can be held responsible for any accidents the unqualified driver causes.
Common Injuries in a San Diego Truck Accident
Trucking accidents in San Diego can cause severe injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. The most common injuries in these accidents often require extensive medical treatment and can have long-lasting effects on victims’ lives.
- Head and Brain Injuries – One of the most serious types of injuries from a truck accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs can occur when a victim’s head strikes a hard surface inside the vehicle or when the brain is jolted violently within the skull. Symptoms of a TBI range from concussions to more severe effects, such as memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and even permanent brain damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal cord injuries are another common result of truck accidents. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Victims with spinal cord injuries may require lifelong medical care and physical therapy, significantly limiting their quality of life and ability to work.
- Internal Injuries – Internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent after a trucking accident. These injuries often require emergency surgery and can be fatal if not treated right away.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries – Whiplash and other neck injuries are common, especially in rear-end collisions with trucks. Whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked back and forth, causing strain on the muscles and ligaments. While some cases of whiplash heal with time, others can lead to chronic pain and stiffness.
- Broken Bones – Due to the force of impact in truck accidents, broken bones are also frequent. Victims can suffer fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis. Some fractures may require surgery to repair, and others may lead to long-term complications, such as chronic pain or limited mobility.
- Open Lacerations and Visible Bruising – Cuts and bruises, though less severe, are also common in trucking accidents. These injuries can result from shattered glass, debris, or impact with the vehicle’s interior.
All of these injuries can have lasting effects on truck accident victims and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Aggressively Fighting the Insurance Company after a San Diego Trucking Accident
Fighting the insurance company after a San Diego trucking accident requires a strategic approach to ensure you receive fair compensation. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, here’s how we can help you throughout the process:
- Gather Complete Evidence – We will first collect and organize all necessary evidence related to your truck accident. This includes photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. We will also obtain medical records, bills, and witness statements. Comprehensive documentation supports your claim and clearly shows the damages you’ve suffered.
- Understand Your Coverage and Rights – We will review your insurance policy and any relevant trucking company policies to determine the coverage limits and exclusions. Knowing your rights and the specifics of your coverage helps us negotiate effectively and ensure you obtain the full compensation you deserve.
- Handle All Communications with the Insurance Company – We will manage all communications with the insurance company, including settlement negotiations. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we use our legal knowledge and skills to advocate for you. We’ll present your evidence clearly and assertively to support your claim.
- Negotiate for a Fair Settlement – Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements to minimize their payouts. We will carefully evaluate these offers and negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement reflecting the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Prepare for Legal Action if Needed – If ongoing settlement negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory outcome, we are prepared to take legal action on your behalf. We will file a lawsuit and represent you in court to pursue the compensation you deserve.
By handling evidence collection, understanding your coverage, managing insurance communications, negotiating effectively, and preparing for legal action, we can fight the insurance company on your behalf after a San Diego trucking accident.
Important Steps to Take after a Trucking Accident in San Diego
After a truck accident in San Diego, taking the right steps is crucial for your safety and for building a strong case. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Ongoing Medical Attention – Completing your medical treatment regimen helps document your injuries and can be vital for your truck accident claim or lawsuit.
- Gather Documentation – Gather and retain copies of all important documents, including medical records, medical bills, police reports, photographs, and lost income documentation from your employer.
- Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in San Diego – At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we will skillfully handle all communications with the insurance company, represent you during all legal proceedings, and pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Following these steps helps to preserve evidence and sets the stage for a successful claim.
Call a Knowledgeable San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we are prepared to fight for your rights and maximize the compensation you recover for your injuries and losses. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled San Diego truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.