Home Truck Accidents Experienced and Trusted Truck Accidents Law Firm

San Diego Truck Accident Lawyers

Are You in Need of a San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer?

Commercial truck accidents are some of the most devastating crashes on California roads. A collision with an 18-wheeler or big rig can cause serious, life-changing injuries—or worse.

Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are extremely vulnerable in crashes caused by commercial trucks. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck crash in San Diego, you need more than sympathy. You need a legal team that knows how to take on the trucking industry, demand answers, and fight for your future.

A San Diego truck accident lawyer only works for you. Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a FREE consultation with a San Diego truck accident lawyer.

Why Choose Us Over Other San Diego Truck Accident Attorneys?

When you’re going up against a trucking company and its insurance carrier, you need a legal team with integrity and a proven track record of success. That’s exactly what Eugene Bruno & Associates offers.

Eugene Bruno & Associates: Truck Accident Law Firm in San Diego

  • 99.7% success rate in injury cases
  • Tens of millions recovered for injured clients
  • Over 85 years of combined experience handling complex claims
  • Named among the Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Diego and El Cajon by Expertise.com
  • Listed as one of the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego
  • Member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  • Direct, personal service — no endless handoffs or radio silence

Do You Have a Case for a San Diego Truck Accident Claim?

You may have a strong claim if:

  • You were injured in a crash involving a commercial truck
  • The crash was not entirely your fault
  • Your injuries have resulted in medical expenses, lost wages, or long-term impacts

Our legal team will conduct a full investigation to identify every party that played a role in the crash. Then, we’ll pursue the maximum compensation available—often from more than one source.

Don’t Wait! How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in California?

In California, the general statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, such as one resulting from a truck accident, is two years from the date of the crash. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely.

However, certain factors can shorten or complicate this timeline:

  • Claims against public entities, such as government-operated trucks, may require filing within six months
  • Delayed discovery of injuries can sometimes extend the deadline, but only under specific circumstances
  • Wrongful death claims may follow different timelines, depending on when the death occurred relative to the accident

Don’t assume you have plenty of time. Trucking companies often act fast to limit liability by destroying evidence, repairing damaged vehicles, or denying involvement.

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we move fast to preserve your claim and stop the trucking company from taking advantage of the system. If you were injured in a truck accident, call us immediately to protect your rights.

What Would Happen If You Didn’t Hire an SD Truck Accident Attorney?

After a truck accident, it may be tempting to deal directly with the insurance company, especially if they offer a quick settlement. But doing so without legal guidance can seriously jeopardize your recovery.

Trucking companies and their insurers are focused on one thing: protecting their profits. Without an attorney, you’re on your own against experienced legal teams whose job is to pay you as little as possible.

You may not know the full value of your case, especially if you’ve suffered serious or long-term injuries. Insurance adjusters might also pressure you into accepting a lowball offer before you even know the extent of your medical needs or how long you’ll be out of work. Once you accept that offer, you likely waive your right to future compensation—even if your condition worsens.

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we know how to stand up to trucking companies and their insurers.

What Causes Truck Accidents in San Diego?

Semi-trucks require expert drivers and reliable safety equipment. When operated in a responsible manner, these giants are relatively safe. But when they are operated by untrained, sleep-deprived drivers or drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or when safety equipment is not well maintained, they become a danger to us all.

Truck accidents often stem from preventable factors. Negligence is a leading cause, where truck drivers may fail to adhere to the rules of the road or become distracted. Driver fatigue is another significant issue, with long hours on the road leading to decreased alertness and slower reaction time. Speeding is a significant problem, as it not only increases the likelihood of an accident but also the severity of the resulting injuries.

Improper loading may cause a truck to be unbalanced or overweight, making it difficult to maneuver and more prone to tipping over. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can also lead to catastrophic accidents. DUI is a major cause of truck crashes, and trucking companies must screen drivers regularly and collect DMV printouts to help prevent these accidents. Inadequate truck maintenance leads to devastating crashes.

Truck accidents can occur in a variety of scenarios. Distracted driving remains a persistent issue, as truck drivers might use their phones or other devices while driving, taking their attention away from the road. Aggressive driving tactics, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes, endanger everyone along the roadway.

Types of Truck Accidents in San Diego

San Diego truck accidents can take many forms, each with its own set of risks and legal considerations. Rollovers are among the most dangerous, often resulting from sudden maneuvers or loss of control, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Jackknifing, when a truck folds at the hinge between the cab and the trailer, can create unavoidable hazards for surrounding traffic and can cause frequent traffic pileups.

Underride accidents, which occur when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, lead to catastrophic outcomes. Runaway trailers that detach and careen out of control are extremely perilous.

Blind spot accidents are a significant threat to large commercial trucks. These vehicles have expansive blind spots on all sides, making it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles. When trucks change lanes or turn without noticing a vehicle in the blind spot, it can result in a serious collision.

Who Is Liable for Truck Accident Injuries?

Determining liability in a San Diego truck accident is a complicated process. The trucking company might be responsible, especially if they have neglected proper hiring practices and training or have pushed drivers to work beyond legal time limits. These trucks are on our roads to turn profits for big companies, but those profits cannot be more important than the lives of others.

Training drivers and ensuring properly functioning safety equipment costs money and cuts into profits, so some companies skimp on safety, and they put us all at risk by doing so. The big companies that profit from putting these dangerous trucks on our roads without proper safety assurances must be held accountable.

The truck driver may be held liable for crashes, particularly when actions such as speeding or driving under the influence directly lead to an accident. Maintenance contractors could be liable if an accident was caused by the failure to maintain or repair the truck adequately. Manufacturers of defective parts can also be liable if faulty components contribute to an accident.

Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

Injuries from truck accidents are often more severe than those from car collisions due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common and can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Amputations may be necessary when limbs are crushed or severely damaged. Nerve damage causes chronic pain and loss of function.

Spinal cord injuries may lead to paralysis. Whiplash is also frequent in less severe impacts, leading to ongoing neck and back issues. Wrongful death is an unfortunate reality in the most tragic accidents.

Compensation Available for San Diego Truck Accident Injuries

After a truck accident, victims often face an overwhelming burden of medical expenses. Immediate costs may include emergency care, surgeries, and hospital stays. Long-term expenses may involve rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and medical devices. Lost wages compound the financial strain, impacting not only the victim but also their family. If the injury results in reduced earning capacity or permanent disability, the future loss of income must also be considered.

If the victim’s injuries impact their ability to work, compensation must account for reduced earning capacity. Financial recovery must take into account factors such as career trajectory and inflation.

Securing compensation for pain and suffering is a critical aspect of any San Diego truck accident claim. The physical pain and emotional distress that result from such accidents can be profound and lasting. Calculating these non-economic damages poses a challenge, as they are subjective and do not have a direct monetary value.

Frequently Asked Truck Accident Questions

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

Get medical attention right away—even if you feel okay. Then, if you’re able, take photos of the scene, gather witness contact information, and avoid speaking to the trucking company’s insurer without legal advice.

How is a truck accident different from a regular car accident?

Truck accidents in San Diego often involve more severe injuries, multiple liable parties, and federal regulations. These cases require more in-depth investigation and stronger legal strategies.

Who can be held liable in a truck accident case in California?

Depending on the situation, liability may fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance contractor, a freight loader, or even the truck manufacturer.

What kind of compensation can I recover in California?

You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, pain and suffering, and more.

Should I speak with the insurance company?

No. Their goal is to limit what they pay. Let your attorney handle all communication to protect your rights.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

You pay nothing unless we win. Eugene Bruno & Associates offers free consultations and only collects a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf.

Other Locations We Serve

Legal Representation for San Diego Truck Accident Victims

You may be able to find justice and closure by holding the responsible party accountable. When the time is right, reach out to a San Diego auto accident attorney at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) who can help. You and your family deserve this opportunity to seek justice for you or for the loved one you have lost.

Additional Information

Don't see what you're looking for?

Truck Accidents