San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyer

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. As experienced San Francisco truck accident lawyers, we at Nagelberg Bernard Law Group are here to guide you through this challenging time.

Due to the size and weight of big rigs, semi-trucks, and other commercial vehicles, truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, you need a truck accident attorney in San Francisco with the knowledge and experience to fight for your rights.

Why You Need a San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyer

The stakes are higher in truck accidents than in regular car accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.

This massive weight can cause devastating damage when involved in a collision. Victims often suffer from severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and more.

Insurance companies representing trucking businesses are well-prepared to minimize payouts. That’s why it is essential to have a big rig accident lawyer in San Francisco, CT, who can counter their tactics and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Francisco

Understanding the primary causes of truck accidents can provide valuable context for your case.

Some of the most common reasons include:

1. Driver Fatigue: According to the FMCSA, truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving daily, yet fatigue is a significant factor in accidents. Studies show that fatigue can impair reaction time as severely as alcohol intoxication.
2. Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Federal and state regulations mandate that trucks be inspected regularly. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in mechanical failures, such as brake or tire issues.
3. Overloaded Trucks: California state law and FMCSA regulations limit how much a truck can carry. Overloading can affect a truck’s handling and braking, increasing the risk of an accident.
4. Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems while driving are all forms of distracted driving that can lead to catastrophic accidents.
5. Speeding and Reckless Driving: Pressured by tight deadlines, some truck drivers resort to speeding, which drastically increases the likelihood of accidents.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

The steps you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s a guide from our San Francisco truck accident lawyers:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so visiting a doctor is crucial even if you feel fine.
2. Call Law Enforcement: An official police report can provide vital evidence for your claim.
3. Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
4. Collect Contact Information: Gather contact details from witnesses and other drivers involved in the accident.
5. Consult with a truck accident lawyer near me: Speaking with us early can help ensure that critical evidence is preserved and that you receive proper legal guidance from the outset.

How We Build a Strong Case

At Nagelberg Bernard Law Group, we use a comprehensive approach to build the strongest case possible for our clients. Here’s how we do it:

1. Detailed Investigation

We conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, collecting police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. We also gather data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) and GPS system to determine if federal or state regulations were violated.

2. Expert Consultations

Our firm collaborates with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to build a compelling case. These experts can provide crucial insights into how the accident occurred and the long-term impact of your injuries.

3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies

We have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies that represent trucking firms. We work to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Unlike standard car accident cases, trucking insurance policies often have much higher limits, so insurers fight even harder to minimize payouts.

4. Trial-Ready Litigation

While most cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. Our reputation as a top-rated injury lawyer in San Francisco ensures that insurers know we mean business. If necessary, we are ready to take your case to court to fight for the justice you deserve.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Truck accidents can lead to significant financial, emotional, and physical burdens. As your semi accident attorney in San Francisco, we pursue compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Including hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and future medical care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
• Wrongful Death: If the accident resulted in a loss of life, surviving family members could be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.

California Truck Accident Laws

Truck accident cases often involve specific laws and regulations that don’t apply to other motor vehicle accidents. Understanding these laws is crucial to building a successful claim.

Statute of Limitations

In California, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. For property damage, you may have up to three years to file.

Comparative Negligence

California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your award will be reduced by 20%.

Federal Truck Regulations

Understanding federal truck regulations is vital for any truck accident case. These rules, established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), aim to ensure the safety of all road users by setting high standards for truck operations and driver conduct. When these regulations are violated, they can significantly impact liability in an accident case.

As your San Francisco truck accident lawyer, we leverage these regulations to build a strong case for our clients.

Some of the important federal truck regulations that may apply to an accident claim include:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Limits: Truck drivers are restricted to driving a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. This regulation is meant to combat driver fatigue, a leading cause of truck accidents.
• Mandatory Rest Breaks: Drivers are required to take a 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving to ensure they remain alert and focused on the road.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Trucks must have ELDs that record driving hours to ensure compliance with HOS regulations.
• Weight Limits: Federal law sets the maximum weight for trucks at 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Exceeding this limit can make the truck harder to control and more prone to accidents.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Trucking companies must regularly inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles to prevent mechanical failures. Maintenance documentation must be kept up to date.
• Driver Qualification: To operate large commercial vehicles, drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and pass medical exams.
• Substance Testing: Drivers are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing to ensure they are not impaired while driving.

These regulations are designed to minimize the risks associated with commercial truck operations. If any of these regulations are found to be violated in an accident case, it can strengthen a claim and increase the likelihood of obtaining compensation.

Why Choose Nagelberg Bernard Law Group

Choosing the right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Experience: With decades of experience handling truck accident cases, we have a proven track record.
• Resources: Our firm has the resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurers.
• Client-Centered Approach: We focus on your needs, providing compassionate yet aggressive legal representation.

We understand how life-changing a truck accident can be and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and see why we’re known as a top-rated injury lawyer in San Francisco.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Contact Nagelberg Bernard Law Group, your trusted truck accident lawyer near me, for a comprehensive case evaluation. Let us help you navigate this difficult time and secure the justice you deserve.