Aggressive Representation for Bay Area Victims of Commercial Truck Collisions
Sustained serious injuries in a truck crash in San Francisco? At Morales Law Firm, our seasoned trial attorneys bring extensive experience in both criminal and commercial motor vehicle cases to help you seek full justice and compensation.
Why Choose Us?
Our lead attorney, Christopher Morales, is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist with over 25 years of proven courtroom success—including complex commercial vehicle trials. We extend that same relentless advocacy to serious truck accident claims throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area.
✅ Proven track record in large-truck litigation
✅ In-house accident reconstruction experts
✅ No upfront costs, contingency-based fees
✅ Rapid evidence preservation via local investigators
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Francisco
We dive deep into case-specific factors like:
- Federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) violations and driver fatigue
- Mechanical failures (brakes, tires, load securement)
- Speeding on routes like I‑280 and Bayshore Freeway
- Unsafe lane changes around construction zones
- Cargo rollovers, jackknifing, or shifting loads
Our investigation teams secure:
- Electronic Control Module (ECM) data,
- Logbooks and driver records,
- DOT and carrier inspection reports,
- Traffic camera footage from Muni/SFMTA,
- Expert witness testimony on trucking regulations.
Immediate Steps After a Truck Crash
- Call 911 and request both SFPD and paramedics.
- Get checked by a medical professional—some injuries (like internal bleeding or TBI) may not show immediately.
- Preserve evidence by photographing damage, skid marks, truck identification, and road signs.
- Collect eyewitness info and written incident reports.
- Notify your insurer and then call us before speaking to insurers; your statements can drastically affect your claim.
What Damages You Can Claim
California law allows compensation for:
- All medical expenses (past & future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering & emotional distress
- Vehicle and property damage
- Loss of consortium for family claimants
- Punitive damages, if gross negligence or DUI is involved
We calculate life-long impacts—including rehabilitation, home care, and psychological support.
Determining Liability in Truck Cases
Possible defendants include:
- The driver
- Driver’s employer/carrier (vicarious liability)
- Trucking company (maintenance, hiring decisions)
- Logistics brokers or cargo loaders
- Manufacturer/supplier, for defective parts
- Local agencies, if road conditions or signage contributed
We coordinate with accident reconstructionists, occupational safety experts, and regulatory compliance auditors to build airtight liability cases.
California Truck Accident Law Essentials
- 2-year Statute of Limitations under CA Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1
- Pure comparative negligence allows you to recover even if slightly at fault
- Non-economic damages cap? Post-2023 updates removed caps in personal injury cases—maximum recovery possible
- Rideshare/Big Truck exception: Special rules may apply if a truck was under leased/contract carrier or ride-hail company
San Francisco Truck Accident Infographic
San Francisco Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a total of 4,714 people died in large truck crashes in 2021, a 17% increase compared with 2020. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 68% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
San Francisco Truck Accident FAQs
How much does hiring a truck accident lawyer cost?
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you—no upfront fees, ever.
How long does a truck accident case take?
Simpler cases may settle in 6–9 months; complex multi-defendant claims could take 1–2+ years, including trial time. We’ll create a timeline tailored to your case.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under California’s pure comparative negligence, your share of fault reduces your award—but you can still recover damages even if you’re 99% at fault.
What if the trucking company is out-of-state?
We work nationwide. Trucking companies that operate in California are subject to CA law, no matter where they’re based.
Will I have to go to court?
Though many cases settle, we prepare every case as if set for trial—insurers know we’re ready to fight for full justice in court.
How is the Value of My Claim Determined?
Commercial trucking accidents can cause serious damage and physical injuries, as your legal counsel understands. If you have been injured in an accident and are looking to explore your legal options so that you can obtain compensation you may be entitled to, don’t wait to get started. Our professionals serving the community in San Francisco, CA may provide indispensable legal help. If you are wondering how the worth of your accident claim is calculated, several things are considered.
How are damages in an accident calculated?
Truck accident victims can be eligible for many types of economic and non-economic damages. Medical bills, repairs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship and more can all be listed as damages. Your total number of damages indicates the value of your truck accident claim. It is necessary to ensure that your list of damages is accurate, because last-minute changes may result in you not getting the amount you are entitled to.
Which parties can be sued in a truck accident?
Trucking companies work with many different parties, from drivers to third-party vendors. If there is an accident where a commercial truck is involved, parties that can be sued include the driver, carrier or trucking company, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, or loading company. Because there are so many parties involved in a trucking accident, determining who can be sued can get complicated. An attorney will work to find out who played a role in the accident, and the more parties involved the higher your compensation may be.
If I have partial fault will it reduce the value of my claim?
California is one of several states known as a comparative negligence state, which means that even if you have a partial fault you may still receive compensation. If you have partially contributed to a truck accident, it doesn’t entirely eliminate your chances of receiving compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you may still be able to recover some financial compensation, albeit a reduced amount.
What if I don’t receive enough compensation to cover my losses?
A skilled and experienced legal defense will fight aggressively for you so that you receive the compensation that you deserve. They expect insurance companies to attempt to minimize the amount they have to pay, even if they are faced with strong evidence that you are entitled to a higher amount. If you receive a low settlement offer, a lawyer will continue to make negotiations or take the case to trial.
Morales Law Firm, San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyer
1388 Sutter St 8th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94109
Local San Francisco Support & Resources
- SFPD Collision Investigation Unit – specialized in commercial crash analysis
- Cal/OSHA and CHP records – documentation for violations and safety inspections
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital – for ER and trauma documentation
- Bay Area Freight and Logistics Authority – for trucking regulation info
Contact Our San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyer Today
In the wake of a trucking accident, the process of taking legal action can be incredibly overwhelming, especially when recovering from the severe injuries that a trucking accident is likely to produce. Whether you were the victim, or are a grieving family member, the impact is sure to be life-altering. The Morales Law Firm is committed to assisting you in taking legal action to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced and compassionate accident lawyer that San Francisco area residents trust.
Client Review
“Chris Morales is an outstanding attorney. He helped me understand everything going on and all of my options at the time. I was more then happy with the results of his actions and wouldn’t hesitate to call him again if I ever needed him.” Sabastian
