San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyer

Pursuing Compensation After a Truck Accident

When you get into a truck accident, you need the help of our San Francisco, CA truck accident lawyer. With over 25 years of outstanding service, we know far too well how serious a truck accident can be. When you are the victim in this type of accident you may be experiencing severe injuries that can cause long-term or permanent damage to your health. This kind of accident can be terrifying if you were in a car because of the sheer size and weight difference between a car and a truck. Unfortunately, even if you are a safe driver and follow the rules of the road, you can still get into a truck accident. If you require representation, contact the Morales Law Firm today.

Types of Trucking Accidents

Large trucks can be seen from coast to coast, fundamental in transporting goods throughout the country. Despite the integral role that large trucks play in the country’s economy, there is tremendous pressure on truck drivers and companies to perform. Our accident lawyers will tell you that because of this, trucking companies and their drivers can participate in negligent behavior in efforts to transport goods as quickly as possible. As a result, some large trucks can pose a significant risk to others on the road. For many, driving near a truck can bring on a sense of anxiety. At a moment’s notice, a truck driver’s negligence can produce results that can be life-altering. Our legal professionals share with you common ways that a trucking accident may occur:

• Poorly trained truck drivers
• Improperly maintained trucks
• Driving in blind spots
• Inclement weather conditions
• Jackknifing
• Truck rollovers
• Lost loads
• Becoming trapped under trucks
• Wide turns

Managing trucking accidents can be incredibly complicated. You will be required to not only prove negligence but determine who can be held responsible. An accident lawyer may help you to determine whether there are multiple parties at fault and assist you in taking action.

Injuries Trucking Accident Victims Suffer

A trucking accident can be devastating, the sheer size of a large 18-wheeler, even at reduced speeds can have a significant impact should an accident occur. Much of the time, trucking accidents can produce injuries that are far more severe than that of a motor vehicle collision. Our professionals have experience representing victims who have faced several extensive injuries. Common types of injuries may include:

• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Paralysis
• Fatalities

Working with our San Fransisco truck accident lawyer may support accident victims and their families in not only valuing their claims but also representing them by negotiating with insurance companies and attorneys to obtain the best possible outcome.

How to Drive Safely Around Commercial Trucks

Although sharing the road with commercial trucks can be dangerous, it is often unavoidable. Taking extra steps to stay safe around these large vehicles is important. Here are several useful tips for driving safely around commercial trucks.

First, increasing your following distance is imperative. Following too closely to any vehicle is risky, but doing so with a commercial truck can be particularly dangerous. If the truck stops suddenly, you could be pulled under its trailer. To avoid this, always maintain a significant distance when driving behind a truck. Second, avoid distractions while driving, especially around commercial trucks. Staying focused on the road is vital. Reading a text message or changing the radio station can divert your attention, making it difficult to react if a truck suddenly changes lanes or pulls out in front of you. Third, stay out of a truck’s blind spots. Trucks have large blind spots where the driver cannot see nearby vehicles. To reduce the risk of a collision, make a conscious effort to remain visible and avoid lingering in these areas.

When passing a commercial truck, do so cautiously. Trucks cannot stop as quickly as passenger vehicles, so sudden lane changes should be avoided. Always pass on the left side to ensure the driver sees you and use your turn signal well in advance. Additionally, remember to dim your brights when approaching a truck. Bright headlights can reflect off the truck’s mirrors and impair the driver’s vision, creating a hazardous situation. Patience is another crucial aspect of safe driving around trucks. Truck drivers often follow lower speed limits, which can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry. However, speeding, honking, or weaving through lanes to get ahead increases the risk of accidents.

Finally, always wear your seatbelt. While it won’t prevent all truck accidents, a seatbelt significantly reduces the likelihood of life-threatening injuries in the event of a collision. By practicing these safety measures, you can help make a safer driving experience when sharing the road with commercial trucks.

How Our Truck Accident Lawyer May Help You

Whether you were the driver of the truck or an occupant of a car, if you are involved in a truck accident, it’s important you retain a truck accident attorney. That’s why victims turn to our team of professionals for experienced legal guidance. Reach out today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Dealing with the Insurance Companies

If you are at fault, you may want a strong legal counsel to help you deal with your own insurance company. Sometimes you are entitled to partial compensation, depending on the circumstance. If you are not at fault, it is also a good idea to hire a lawyer to help with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Sometimes the at-fault party’s insurance company will contact you in hopes of making a quick, cheap settlement, but you don’t legally have to speak with them or explain yourself to them. Instead, refer the representative to your truck accident lawyer.

Determining Who Is at Fault

Determining fault is not always straightforward. Sometimes it takes further investigation to determine what caused the accident, who is responsible, and why. Regardless of what you might think, or whether you feel you are not to blame, the accident should (and will) be investigated to get to the answers. In general, if you plan to seek compensation, you should ask an accident lawyer to investigate the case and build a defense for you on your behalf.

Suing the At-Fault Party

If you have filed a claim, or are planning to do so, you should have a legal professional help you out with the process. Your attorney may help you determine the best strategy to follow so the entire process isn’t quite as stressful as it could be. Your lawyer will walk you through the steps it takes to recover compensation from someone, including understanding which damages to seek.

Providing Legal Guidance

No matter what the situation might be, it can give you peace of mind in knowing you have unbiased legal guidance to help you along the way. Your accident lawyer can confirm all of the details are identified, addressed, and presented in your case (when applicable). A full assessment of your current and future prospective losses can be analyzed so that you recover maximum damages. Without legal guidance, you might risk losing the money that you need and deserve.

4 Ways Weather Affects Truck Driving

Going out on the road when there’s only a bit of ice and rain may not seem like an unusually risky idea. A thin layer of snow on the ground could make truck drivers think that there is nothing to worry about. However, driving without appropriate care in such conditions can lead to severe crashes with cars and other smaller vehicles on the road.

• Less Visibility

Flurries and raindrops coming down at a steady pace can greatly impact how far down the road you can see. Even a brief lack of visibility can lead to a truck sideswiping another vehicle or ramming into the back of it. Connecting with our team at The Morales Law Firm could be your next step if this kind of accident happens to you.

• Added Confusion and Frustration

While negligent driving is a serious concern, so is distracted driving. If a truck driver is fixated on the heat outside the vehicle or the sound of thunder more than the road in front of him or her, then a crash may occur.

This frustration can also build when an employee driving a truck is trying to make up for lost time due to bad weather. Unsafe driving and speeding can lead to a crash, which means your legal representation could get involved.

• Different Handling

Driving the same speed in stormy weather as clear weather can lead to someone losing control of a large truck and potentially harming others. This is because how to handle a vehicle when the roads are wet or slick is different than how it should be handled when the roads are dry. Truckers who are rushing to fulfill orders or get to their next stop can disregard warnings and continue to go over the recommended speed limit or fail to leave enough room for braking on a wet road. After an accident, you may feel as if you need an accident attorney on your side.

• More Obstructions

Windy days can leave cardboard or other items blowing around near a road. If these obstructions cover up a driver’s windscreen, it can cause that person to swerve and hit another vehicle. Strong winds can also impact how fast a truck should be driven since larger vehicles can become unsteady in some conditions. This instability often causes crashes and injuries on highways.

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 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

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