SAN DIEGO TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

San Diego Truck Accident Attorney

A crash with a loaded semi is not a normal car accident claim. The driver, the carrier that put them on the road, the company that loaded the trailer and the maker of a failed part can all share the blame, and each one tends to have its own insurer and its own lawyers. Key records, like the driver's hours-of-service logs, are only kept for a set time. Etehad Law is a personal injury firm based in Beverly Hills. We review San Diego County truck crash cases in a free consultation, and there is no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.

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If a commercial truck hit you in San Diego County, California generally gives you two years to file an injury lawsuit (Code of Civil Procedure 335.1). If a government vehicle or public road is involved, a written claim is usually due within six months (Government Code 911.2). The driver, the trucking company and others may share liability. Etehad Law offers a free consultation and charges no attorney fee unless it recovers compensation.

Overturned tractor-trailer lying on its side across a two-lane road

Understanding the Complexity of Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences. These types of cases can be complex due to various factors involved such as multiple parties, extensive damage, and serious injuries. It is important for individuals who have been involved in a truck accident to understand these complexities so that they can navigate their case effectively.

Factors That Contribute to Truck Accident Cases

The case results shown here are past Etehad Law cases and are not presented as San Diego cases. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and every case is different.

Recent Case Results: $1,000,000

Rear-end by commercial vehicle. Disputed back surgery. Full policy limits tendered.

Recent Case Results: $825,000

Client was struck by a delivery driver.

Truck Accidents Laws In San Diego

Truck crashes on San Diego County roads can cause serious injuries and deaths. In order to protect the victims of these accidents, there are specific laws and regulations in place that govern trucking companies and their drivers.

One such law is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), which sets standards for commercial motor vehicles and their drivers. This includes requirements for driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, hours of service limitations, drug testing policies, and more. The FMCSR also requires trucking companies to carry certain levels of insurance coverage to ensure compensation for any damages caused by an accident.

Some of these rules reach the equipment itself. Under federal regulation 49 CFR 393.86, most trailers and semitrailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more that were manufactured on or after January 26, 1998, must be equipped with a rear impact guard. In a crash where a car slides under the back of a trailer, whether that guard was there and met the standard can matter.

Furthermore, if a truck accident does occur in San Diego County, it is important to note that California follows a comparative fault system when determining liability. This means that each party involved may be assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions leading up to the accident. If you were partially at fault but still suffered damages from the accident, your compensation may be reduced accordingly.

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences not only physically but financially as well. That’s why it’s crucial for anyone who has been injured in a truck accident in San Diego to seek legal representation from experienced personal injury lawyers who handle these types of cases. They will fight for your rights and help you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work time, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident.

Why You Need Legal Representation

Navigating through all these complexities on your own can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially while trying to recover from physical injuries. Seeking legal representation from an experienced attorney who handles truck accident cases is crucial for several reasons:

Knowledgeable about Laws & Regulations: A skilled lawyer will have extensive knowledge about state-specific laws governing commercial trucks which could impact your case significantly.

Accessible Resources & Expert Witnesses: An established law firm has access to resources like investigators who can gather evidence at the scene before it disappears or expert witnesses who can provide testimony to support your case.

Negotiation & Litigation Skills: Trucking companies and their insurance providers will have a team of lawyers working against you. Having an experienced attorney on your side with strong negotiation and litigation skills is essential for obtaining fair compensation for damages.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Truck Accident Attorney

When it comes to choosing a truck accident attorney, several key considerations should be taken into account. First and foremost, you want an attorney who has experience specifically with truck accidents. These types of cases can be complex and require in-depth knowledge to achieve the best outcome for your case.

Another important factor is reputation. You want an attorney who has handled truck accident cases before. This not only shows their command of the subject but also gives you confidence that they will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

At Etehad Law, we have years of experience dealing with truck accidents and have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized attention to each client’s case and fighting tirelessly on their behalf.

Additionally, when choosing a truck accident attorney, it’s crucial to consider communication and accessibility. At Etehad Law, we make ourselves available 24/7 so that our clients can reach us whenever they need us. We understand how overwhelming this process can be for victims and their families, which is why we strive to provide support every step of the way.

Lastly, trustworthiness is essential when selecting an attorney. You want someone who will always act in your best interest and keep you informed throughout the entire legal process. With Etehad Law as your partner for truck accidents, you can rest assured knowing that we prioritize honesty and transparency with all our clients.

Experience matters when it comes to selecting a truck accident attorney in San Diego. By prioritizing experience and focus, you can trust that your case is in capable hands. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Etehad Law for a consultation. We’re here to provide the experienced and dedicated legal representation you need to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

If you or a loved one need a personal injury attorney, call us to schedule a free case consultation and we'll guide you to success.

(310) 550-1220

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.

San Diego Truck Accident FAQs

In most cases, two years from the date of the crash. California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 sets a two-year limit for lawsuits over an injury or death caused by someone else's wrongful act or neglect. Some claims have shorter deadlines, especially when a government agency is involved, so check your dates early.

Claims against a public entity follow different rules. Under California Government Code section 911.2, a claim for personal injury or death has to be presented to the agency no later than six months after the claim arises, which is usually the date of the crash. If the agency rejects the claim in writing, Government Code section 945.6 generally gives you six months from that notice to file suit. The same rules can apply when a dangerous road condition on public property played a part.

Often more than one party. The truck driver is the obvious one. Under California Civil Code section 2338, a business is responsible for the negligence of its agents while they are doing its work, which is why a trucking company can answer for a driver who was on the job at the time. Depending on the facts, the truck or trailer owner, the company that loaded the cargo, a repair shop or a parts maker may also share fault.

For property-carrying drivers, federal hours-of-service rules allow a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. A driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, has to take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving, and may not drive after 60 or 70 hours on duty in 7 or 8 consecutive days. Source: FMCSA, Summary of Hours of Service Regulations.

Under 49 CFR 395.8(k), a motor carrier has to keep each driver's records of duty status and supporting documents for at least six months. Those records can show whether a driver went over the hours limits before a crash. A preservation letter sent early asks the company to hold on to logs, electronic data and maintenance records before they can be discarded.

One reason is the border. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Otay Mesa port of entry was the second-busiest truck crossing on the U.S.-Mexico border in 2025, with 990,111 incoming truck crossings. If the truck that hit you was hauling freight across the border, identify the carrier, its USDOT number and its insurer as early as you can.

Yes, in many cases. California follows pure comparative fault, set out by the California Supreme Court in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804. Your share of the blame reduces what you can recover, but it does not bar the claim. If you were found 20 percent at fault, for example, your damages would be reduced by 20 percent.

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