Truck accidents are among the most devastating crashes on the road, often leading to catastrophic injuries and significant financial losses. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make them especially dangerous, and when driver negligence or regulatory violations are involved, the consequences can be severe.
Your San Diego truck accident lawyer with The Ryan Law Group can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.
With 30+ years of trial experience, our team has successfully handled complex truck accident claims involving jackknife crashes, underride accidents, and overloaded trucks.
Your San Diego personal injury lawyer from our firm will work tirelessly to maximize your compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact us today to get started on your case.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Diego
San Diego’s busy highways and dense urban areas see a high volume of commercial truck traffic, increasing the risk of serious accidents. Many truck crashes result from preventable factors such as driver fatigue, improper maintenance, and overloaded cargo.
Below are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in San Diego:
- Driver fatigue – Long hours on the road can lead to drowsiness, slowing reaction times and increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
- Speeding and aggressive driving – Large trucks require longer stopping distances, making high-speed maneuvers especially dangerous.
- Distracted driving – Truck drivers using cell phones, GPS systems, or in-cab entertainment can lose focus and cause severe accidents.
- Mechanical failures – Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and engine failures can make it impossible for a truck driver to maintain control.
- Improper cargo loading – Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can shift unexpectedly, leading to rollovers and jackknife accidents.
- Poor road conditions – Potholes, construction zones, and slick roads increase the risk of losing control, especially for large commercial trucks.
- Inadequate driver training – Drivers who are not properly trained in handling large vehicles or defensive driving techniques may struggle in high-risk situations.
- Blind spot accidents – Large trucks have significant blind spots on all sides, making it difficult for drivers to see nearby vehicles and increasing the risk of side-impact collisions.
- Failure to yield – Some truck drivers disregard traffic signals, merge unsafely, or fail to yield the right-of-way, leading to dangerous intersections and highway crashes.
Many truck accidents occur due to a combination of these factors, making it difficult to determine the primary cause. In some cases, additional elements like extreme weather conditions or unexpected medical emergencies can contribute to a crash.
Your San Diego truck accident attorney from The Ryan Law Group will help you understand how these accidents happen and whether your collision was caused by negligent trucking practices.
For a Free Legal Consultation With a Truck Accident Lawyer Serving San Diego, Call 310-321-4800
How Truck Accidents Differ From Other Car Crashes
Truck accidents often result in far more severe injuries and damages than standard car crashes due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles.
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with passenger vehicles catastrophic. If you were involved in a truck accident, working with a San Diego car accident lawyer with The Ryan Law Group can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
California enforces strict regulations on truck drivers to reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes. Under California Vehicle Code § 21702, truckers are subject to limits on driving hours and mandatory rest periods to prevent drowsy driving accidents.
When trucking companies fail to comply with these safety rules, they may be held liable for injuries caused by overworked drivers.
San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 310-321-4800
Liability in a Truck Accident Claim
Determining liability in a truck accident case is often more complex than in a standard car crash. Multiple parties may be responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and even vehicle manufacturers.
If you suffered serious injuries, your legal advocate can help investigate the cause of the crash and hold all liable parties accountable.
Truck Driver Liability
Truck drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and following all state and federal regulations. If a driver engages in reckless behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, they can be held accountable for any resulting injuries.
Additionally, failing to conduct pre-trip inspections or ignoring mechanical issues can further establish negligence in a truck accident case.
Fatigue is a leading cause of truck crashes, as drivers often face intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines. Many drivers exceed their legally allowed driving hours, increasing the likelihood of drowsy driving accidents.
Reviewing black box data, dashcam footage, and logbooks can help determine if a driver violated safety regulations at the time of the crash.
Trucking Company Responsibility
Trucking companies must ensure that their drivers are properly trained, their vehicles are regularly inspected, and all federal trucking regulations are followed. If a company fails to maintain its fleet or pressures drivers to violate safety rules, it may be held liable for accidents caused by these violations.
Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, per 49 CFR § 395, truck drivers must adhere to strict hours-of-service rules to prevent fatigue-related crashes, and companies that encourage rule-breaking can face serious legal consequences.
Many trucking companies try to avoid liability by claiming that drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. However, if a company exercises control over driver schedules, vehicle maintenance, or safety protocols, it can still be held responsible.
Legal action may be necessary to establish employer liability and secure compensation for victims of preventable trucking accidents.
Cargo Loaders and Third-Party Contractors
Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing a truck to become unbalanced or jackknife.
Cargo loading companies must follow federal weight limits and secure loads properly to prevent accidents. If a truck accident results from unsecured cargo, the company responsible for loading the truck may share liability for damages.
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Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer in San Diego with The Ryan Law Group Today
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, making legal action essential for victims.
If you were injured in a truck accident, you need a law firm with experience in handling complex claims against trucking companies and insurers.
Speak with a truck accident attorney in San Diego today to learn more about The Ryan Law Group and fight for the compensation you deserve, starting with a free consultation.
Call or Text 310-321-4800, or Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form