San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer
Helping Victims of Catastrophic Crashes on California Freeways and Local Roads
Accidents involving large commercial vehicles are some of the most devastating collisions on California’s roadways. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, including tractor-trailers, box trucks, delivery vans, and other heavy vehicles, crashes involving trucks often result in catastrophic injury or loss of life. When these accidents occur, the legal and factual issues are more complex than in the average car crash, and the stakes are considerably higher.
At In Motion Law, APC, we represent injury victims and their families in claims against truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties responsible for unsafe vehicles and negligent driving. With extensive litigation experience and a results-driven approach, our San Diego truck accident lawyer investigates thoroughly, builds strong cases, and pursues full compensation for our clients — whether through settlement or at trial.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Diego
Truck accidents are often caused by a mix of driver error, company negligence, and regulatory violations. Truck drivers and carriers are subject to strict safety rules under both federal and California law, but not all of them follow these rules the way they should. When corners are cut, serious accidents happen.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigue and drowsy driving are leading causes of commercial vehicle crashes. Long hours on the road, irregular sleep schedules, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines all contribute to tired drivers behind the wheel. Although federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules are in place that limit driving time and require rest breaks, violations are still common.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the number of hours a truck driver can legally be on duty. Generally, property-carrying drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. There are also rules about breaks, weekly maximums, and required logs to track compliance. When drivers or their employers fudge logbooks or fail to schedule proper breaks, they place everyone on the road in danger.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another serious problem. Even prescription or over-the-counter medications can impair alertness or reaction time. FMCSA regulations set the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial drivers at just 0.04% — half the limit for most drivers — but violations still occur.
Negligent and Reckless Driving
Speeding, reckless driving, and failing to signal are dangerous in any vehicle, but these behaviors are especially deadly when committed by the driver of a fully loaded 80,000-pound rig. Semi-trucks take significantly longer to stop than the average car, require more room to maneuver, and have large blind spots that can make lane changes hazardous. When a truck driver follows too closely, merges aggressively, or makes other preventable driving mistakes, the results can be catastrophic.
Untrained or inexperienced drivers can also pose a significant risk. Operating a commercial vehicle safely takes skill, training, and experience. Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are qualified and adequately trained before putting them behind the wheel. Failure to do so can lead to tragic results and potential liability for negligent hiring or supervision.
Negligent Cargo Loading
Cargo loading errors such as unsecured loads, overloaded trailers, or uneven weight distribution can affect the stability and handling of a truck. Improperly loaded cargo may shift during transit, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents, or even spill onto the roadway, endangering others.
FMCSA Regulations and Truck Safety
The FMCSA sets detailed safety standards that govern everything from driver hours to vehicle inspections and maintenance. These regulations are designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses, but they are far too often ignored by truckers and trucking companies operating in California. Some of the most critical regulations include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) rules: Limit driving time and mandate rest periods to prevent fatigue.
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements: Carriers must routinely inspect, repair, and maintain their trucks and keep detailed records. Brake failure, tire blowouts, and mechanical defects caused by poor maintenance can lead to deadly crashes.
- Driver qualification standards: Drivers must pass medical exams, hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and be regularly tested for drugs and alcohol.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Required in most trucks to electronically record HOS and prevent manipulation of driving logs.
When accidents happen, investigating compliance with these regulations is a critical part of building a strong case. At In Motion Law, we know how to review logs, maintenance records, driver history, and company procedures to uncover violations that may have contributed to the crash.
Leading Types of Serious Truck Accidents in California
Big rigs and 18-wheelers can be involved in the same types of accidents as cars, trucks and SUVs, including blind spot accidents, rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, sideswipes, and more. But because commercial trucks are so much larger and heavier, any collision is more likely to cause severe injury or death for the occupants of the smaller vehicle involved.
In addition, several other types of accidents that don’t normally occur between passenger vehicles are particular to large commercial trucks and tractor-trailers. These accidents are especially dangerous to the drivers and passengers in the other vehicle.
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out to the side of the cab, forming an angle that resembles a partially open folding knife. These accidents often result from sudden, improper braking methods or improperly loaded cargo. A jackknife can take out multiple lanes of traffic and can involve multiple vehicles in a chain reaction.
Rollover accidents are especially dangerous and can be caused by excessive speed, sharp turns, or shifting cargo. A rolled truck can crush nearby vehicles and cause major traffic disruptions and injuries.
Underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath, often crushing the roof or shearing it off. These accidents are frequently fatal and are facilitated by the absence or failure of rear or side underride guards, some of which are required by federal regulations.
Override accidents occur when a truck runs over a smaller vehicle in front of it. Trucks require a much longer stopping distance, and when a truck driver is speeding or following too closely, they may not be able to brake in time to avoid a devastating impact.
Who Is Responsible After a Truck Accident in San Diego?
Truck accident claims often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the company responsible for loading the cargo, or even the manufacturer of a defective truck part. Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes may trigger a broader investigation into company policies, maintenance practices, and regulatory compliance.
Trucking companies may have their own legal teams and insurance adjusters working quickly to minimize liability. That’s why it’s essential for injury victims to have legal representation of their own — someone who understands the law, knows how to preserve critical evidence, and can fight back when a trucking company tries to deflect blame or undervalue a claim.
How In Motion Law, APC Can Help
At In Motion Law, we approach every truck accident case with the diligence and care it deserves. We know what to look for and where to find it — from driver logs and black box data to maintenance records and safety violations. Our thorough preparation and strategic approach allow us to negotiate from a position of strength and, when necessary, take the fight to court.
We represent injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and others harmed in California truck accidents, as well as families who have lost loved ones in fatal crashes. Our goal is to maximize your compensation while minimizing your stress. Let us handle the legal work so you can focus on healing.
If you or a family member has been hurt in a truck accident in San Diego or anywhere in California, don’t try to settle your legal claim without experienced legal representation. Contact In Motion Law, APC, for a free consultation with a knowledgeable and dedicated San Diego truck accident attorney who puts your interests first.
