San Diego Semi Truck Accident Attorney

In California, and other states across the U.S, drivers of semi-trucks and similar vehicles, are legally required to complete specialist training and obtain a commercial driver’s license. Despite this, and the best efforts of truck drivers, the sheer size and weight of these vehicles means that, when accidents do happen, the consequences can be catastrophic. As an empty semi-truck weighs up to 40,000lb, the driver will need to use all their skill and experience when forced to brake suddenly. Unfortunately for other motorists in adjacent lanes, and pedestrians who happen to be nearby, no amount of skill and experience can make a several ton vehicle stop immediately, so collisions are very likely. Unfortunately, when a semi-truck accident involves you and your car, you are highly likely to sustain serious injuries, with fatalities all too common.

Even the most experienced and careful of drivers can make a seemingly small mistake resulting in a devastating semi-truck accident. If you have been injured, or lost a loved one, in such an accident, you need expert legal guidance and support from our San Diego truck accident lawyers.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in San Diego

According to the United States Department of Transportation, accidents involving semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles are more common than you may currently believe. The most recent statistics show that, across the nation:

• 500,000 truck accidents happen every year
• Approximately 5,000 of these truck accidents result in fatalities
• Over 87,000 people are injured in these collisions

With so many semi-truck accidents happening, both in San Diego and beyond, it may seem obvious that there are also numerous potential causes. Our extensive experience of handling semi-truck accident-related cases has taught us that most accidents fall into one of the following broad categories:

• Driver fatigue, which can be a major issue when truck drivers are incentivized to deliver quicker and, therefore, tempted to skip rest breaks, meals and sleep. It is estimated that driver fatigue and tiredness causes around 30% of all semi-truck accidents
• Reckless driving by other motorists forcing the truck driver to slam the on brakes suddenly. This can lead to skidding or jack-knifing, due to the weight of the truck’s load. Motorists other than the truck driver cause some 75% of semi-truck accidents
• Distracted driving, most of which is due to using a cellphone while behind the wheel, but can also occur for a variety of other reasons
• Adverse weather conditions impacting the surface of the road, or the truck driver’s visibility
• Defective vehicle components, including brakes

Most Common Injuries Sustained in San Diego Semi-Truck Accidents

In addition to identifying the most common factors contributing to collisions, our San Diego semi-truck accident attorneys are also well-versed in the injuries that regularly occur in wrecks. Should you be involved in a semi-truck collision, you may sustain one or more of the following injuries:

• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Concussion
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Internal injuries or organ damage

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal semi-truck accident, our San Diego lawyers could also file a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf. California law imposes strict qualification criteria on these claims so, if you believe you may be eligible, you should speak to our attorneys immediately.

Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation with an Expert San Diego Attorney Today

To find out how a Simpson Law Group attorney could use their outstanding legal knowledge and experience to recover maximum compensation on your behalf,

call us today on 619-236-9696 for a free consultation.