San Diego is the first stop for massive truck traffic passing between California and Mexico on I-8, I-5, and I-805. While this is good for the local economy, extra truck traffic on the roads can lead to more truck accidents. Even more than standard car accidents, crashes involving commercial trucks often result in devastating injuries, extensive property damage, and complicated legal claims. The sheer size and weight of trucks make accidents more likely to cause catastrophic consequences.
At BD&J, we understand the unique challenges that truck accident victims face. Our goal is to help those affected recover the full compensation they deserve by navigating the legal process on their behalf. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, our experienced San Diego truck accident attorneys can fight for your rights.
Types of Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in various ways, each presenting risks and legal implications. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings outward, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This often happens due to sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or improper weight distribution. These accidents can be particularly dangerous as they may lead to multi-vehicle collisions, blocking several lanes of traffic and causing widespread damage.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips over, often due to excessive speed, sharp turns, improper cargo loading, or hazardous road conditions. The sheer size and weight of a commercial truck make these incidents especially dangerous, potentially crushing smaller vehicles in the truck’s path.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries. These accidents typically happen when a truck stops suddenly, or a smaller vehicle misjudges stopping distances. Side and rear underride guards can help reduce the severity of these crashes, but they remain among the deadliest types of truck accidents.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles due to their size and weight. When a truck driver fails to brake in time or when traffic suddenly slows, devastating rear-end collisions can occur. These crashes are especially dangerous for smaller vehicles, as the force of impact can cause severe injuries or push them into other vehicles.
Blind Spot Accidents
Large trucks have extensive blind spots on all sides, particularly along the rear and sides of the trailer. If a truck driver fails to check these areas before merging or changing lanes, they can collide with vehicles in their blind spots. These accidents can result in serious injuries, especially if a smaller vehicle is forced off the road.
Tire Blowouts
Sudden tire failures can cause truck drivers to lose control, leading to swerving, rollovers, or collisions with nearby vehicles. Tire blowouts often occur due to overloading, improper inflation, or worn-out tires. When a truck tire bursts at high speeds, the driver may struggle to maintain control, endangering everyone on the road.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to exhaustion that impairs reaction time and judgment.
- Distracted driving: Using a phone, adjusting controls, or eating while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Exceeding speed limits or engaging in aggressive driving behavior increases the likelihood of serious crashes.
- Mechanical failures: Poorly maintained trucks can experience brake failures, tire blowouts, or other malfunctions that contribute to accidents.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Weather and road conditions: Slippery roads, fog, and other environmental factors can increase the risk of truck accidents.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Truck Accidents?
Determining liability in a truck accident case is often more complex than in a typical car accident. Multiple parties may be responsible, including:
- Truck drivers: If a truck driver was negligent, such as driving while fatigued or distracted, they may be held accountable.
- Trucking companies: Companies that hire truck drivers may be liable if they failed to enforce proper safety regulations, training, or maintenance.
- Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can lead to accidents, making cargo companies potentially responsible.
- Truck manufacturers: If a mechanical defect, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- Government entities: Poorly maintained roads, defective traffic signals, or hazardous conditions may place liability on government agencies.
How Is Fault Determined in Truck Accident Cases?
Proving fault in a truck accident case requires thorough investigation and legal expertise. Our team at BD&J gathers critical evidence to build a strong case, including:
- Police reports: Official accident reports can provide key details about the crash and who may have been at fault.
- Truck driver logs: Federal regulations require truckers to keep detailed driving logs, which may reveal violations of hours-of-service rules.
- Black box data: Many commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices that record speed, braking patterns, and other key data.
- Witness testimonies: Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable perspectives on how the accident occurred.
- Accident reconstruction: Experts can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and other evidence to determine the cause of the crash.
- Maintenance records: Reviewing a trucking company’s maintenance history can reveal negligence in vehicle upkeep.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
Truck accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and damages. Potential compensation includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Wrongful death damages
Our San Diego truck accident attorneys are committed to ensuring victims receive the maximum compensation they deserve.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Navigating a truck accident claim without legal representation can be overwhelming. At BD&J, we provide comprehensive legal support by:
- Handling insurance companies: We negotiate with insurers to prevent victims from settling for less than they deserve.
- Conducting thorough investigations: Our team gathers evidence, consults experts, and builds a strong case.
- Determining liability: We identify all responsible parties to maximize compensation.
- Filing legal claims: If necessary, we take cases to court to ensure our clients get justice.
- Providing personalized guidance: We keep clients informed throughout the legal process and address their concerns.
Consult With BD&J Injury Lawyers
Truck accidents can have life-altering consequences, and victims deserve fair compensation for their losses. At BD&J, we’re committed to providing hard-hitting legal representation to truck accident victims in San Diego. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and are prepared to fight for your rights. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
