Chula Vista Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Injured by a Commercial Vehicle in Chula Vista?

Collisions involving commercial vehicles in Chula Vista often leave victims with serious injuries, emotional stress, and significant financial burdens. These vehicles are typically larger and more dangerous than passenger cars, and accidents involving them tend to be more complex. If you’re dealing with mounting medical bills or an uncertain recovery, knowing your rights and options is critical.

At Thompson Law, we understand the stress and confusion you may be facing after a crash involving a commercial vehicle. We offer a FREE CASE REVIEW with no upfront fees unless we win your case. Contact our Chula Vista commercial vehicle accident lawyers today to pursue the justice you deserve.

 

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The Importance of Hiring a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Commercial vehicle accidents require specialized legal knowledge. These cases involve:

  • Multiple liable parties:  Responsibility may lie with the driver, their employer, or the company that maintained the vehicle.
  • Corporate insurance:  These insurers often act quickly to reduce their liability.
  • Strict regulations:  State and federal rules impact everything from driver hours to vehicle maintenance.
  • Evidence preservation:  Key records such as logbooks and dashcam footage can disappear quickly without legal intervention.
  • Higher damages:  Because of commercial vehicles’ size and weight, injuries are often more severe, requiring aggressive compensation pursuit.

An experienced attorney helps ensure critical evidence is preserved, legal procedures are followed correctly, and your claim is not undervalued. Without representation, you’re at a significant disadvantage. Reach out now for a FREE CONSULTATION. You don’t pay unless we win.

Thompson Law’s Advantage in Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases

At Thompson Law, we bring a proven track record to every case. Led by Ryan “The Lion” Thompson, our firm has recovered over $1.9 billion for injured clients. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. Our legal team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and begin building your case immediately.

With extensive experience handling complex commercial vehicle claims, we are equipped to investigate the crash, communicate with insurers, and push for full compensation. From the moment you call us, we take over the legal burdens so you can focus entirely on getting your life back together.

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(844) 308-8180

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best Chula Vista law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

We treat every client like family because we understand how life-changing a commercial vehicle accident can be. Our mission is to help you regain control after a serious crash with a commercial vehicle. From helping you collect needed evidence to handling aggressive corporate insurers, we manage every detail of your claim with skill and compassion. While you focus on recovery, we fight to get the maximum compensation you deserve.

 

Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle

In California, a commercial vehicle refers to any vehicle operated for business purposes, including transporting goods or passengers in exchange for payment. These vehicles are used to generate income.

Injuries from commercial vehicle accidents are rarely minor. These vehicles are bigger, heavier, and governed by different rules than personal cars, which makes the legal process more complex and the stakes even higher.

At Thompson Law, we help victims hold businesses and their insurers accountable. Below are common vehicle accident cases we come across:

Delivery Truck Accidents

Delivery drivers are often under intense pressure to meet tight deadlines. Speeding, fatigue, and distraction are common factors when these trucks collide with other vehicles or pedestrians, especially in busy neighborhoods.

Utility and Service Vehicle Accidents

From internet repair vans to plumbing trucks, these vehicles are constantly moving through local streets. When companies fail to train or supervise their drivers properly, innocent people pay the price.

Construction Truck Accidents

Dump trucks, cement mixers, and other heavy-duty vehicles pose serious risks. With large blind spots and long stopping distances, even a low-speed crash can lead to life-altering injuries.

Shuttle Van Accidents

Shuttle vans operated by hotels, airports, and private companies often transport multiple passengers. These accidents can raise complicated questions about liability and insurance coverage.

Company Car Accidents

When employees cause crashes while driving for work, it’s not just about the driver. These claims can involve corporate policies, layered insurance, and legal teams focused on minimizing payouts.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving any of the vehicles mentioned above, give us a call. Get the justice you deserve with a FREE CASE REVIEW from the trusted team at Thompson Law.

At Thompson Law

We provide victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Chula Vista Commercial Vehicle accident lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence for injured victims so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Commercial Vehicle Collision

Victims of commercial vehicle crashes are often eligible for substantial compensation. Damages fall into several categories:

Economic Damages

  • Medical bills:  Covers hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care.
  • Lost wages:  Compensation for time missed from work during recovery.
  • Future earning capacity:  For those left unable to return to their prior jobs.
  • Property damage Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal property.

Non-economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering Acknowledges the emotional and physical toll of the accident.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life:  Compensates for limitations on daily activities and hobbies.
  • Mental impact:  For anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma following the crash.

Punitive Damages

In extreme cases, such as drunk or intentionally reckless driving, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish wrongdoing and prevent future misconduct.

What Really Causes Commercial Vehicle Wrecks?

Commercial vehicle accidents don’t just happen; they’re usually the result of avoidable failures. Whether it’s human error or mechanical negligence, here’s what commonly leads to life-changing collisions:

Exhausted Drivers Behind the Wheel

Commercial drivers often push past safe limits to meet deadlines. Fatigue dulls reflexes and decision-making, turning a heavy-duty truck into a serious hazard.

Multitasking on the Move

From checking delivery apps to answering dispatch calls, distracted driving is a growing problem in the industry, and it only takes a split second to cause a crash.

Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers

Operating a commercial vehicle takes skill, training, and preparation. When companies cut corners on training, everyone else on the road pays the price.

Driving Too Fast for Road or Load

Speeding is dangerous in any vehicle, but in a multi-ton truck, it’s deadly. Many wrecks happen because drivers can’t slow down in time to avoid impact.

Unsafe or Overloaded Cargo

Shifting loads, unsecured freight, or weight beyond legal limits can throw off a vehicle’s balance and make it harder to control, especially during turns or sudden stops.

Brake and Tire Failures

Worn-out brakes, bald tires, and skipped inspections are recipes for disaster. Maintenance shortcuts often lead to mechanical breakdowns that cause serious wrecks.

Dangerous Weather With No Margin for Error

Rain, fog, or ice can quickly turn a heavy truck into a sliding battering ram. Without proper caution, bad weather becomes a deadly variable.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance Requirements

California law requires commercial vehicles to carry higher insurance limits than personal vehicles. The values below represent the updated limits effective January 1, 2025. The previous policy only charged half of the amounts below.

Coverage Type Minimum Required Amount
Injury or death of 1 person $30,000
Injury or death of more than 1 person $60,000
Property damage $15,000

 

For certain vehicles, especially those transporting hazardous materials or passengers, significantly higher limits may apply. Our legal team reviews all available policies to identify the best path toward full compensation. Call Thompson Law now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Commercial Vehicle Laws in Chula Vista, CA

Understanding the laws that apply to commercial vehicles can play a key role in proving liability after an accident. Both California state law and federal regulations set strict requirements for how these vehicles are operated and maintained. If these rules are broken, it may support your claim and increase your chances of recovering full compensation.

Hours-of-Service Regulations

To reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes, commercial drivers are required to follow strict limits on how long they can drive without rest.

  • Property-Carrying Drivers: May drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
  • Passenger-Carrying Drivers: Limited to 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty.

Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Regular vehicle inspections are critical for safe commercial driving and are required by law.

  • CHP Terminal Inspections: The California Highway Patrol inspects carrier terminals every 13 to 25 months to ensure safety compliance.
  • Daily Pre-Trip Inspections: Drivers must check their vehicles before every shift and document any defects.
  • Post-Trip Inspections: While not always required, they are strongly recommended to identify issues early.
  • Maintenance Records: Companies must keep maintenance logs for at least 1 year, and certain components, like brakes, must be documented for even longer.

CDL and Licensing Standards

Only properly licensed drivers are legally allowed to operate commercial vehicles. In California, this means holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the correct endorsements for the vehicle type and cargo. Driving without proper certification is not only illegal but also a sign of employer negligence.

Load Securement and Weight Limits

Overloaded or poorly secured cargo can turn a truck into a road hazard. California and federal laws set strict guidelines for what commercial vehicles can carry:

Load Regulation Type Legal Limit
Single Axle Weight Up to 20,000 lbs
Tandem Axle Weight Up to 34,000 lbs

 

Drivers and companies are responsible for ensuring that cargo is evenly distributed and properly tied down. Overloaded trucks are harder to stop, more likely to roll over, and put extra strain on brakes and tires, leading to catastrophic failures.

Accident-Prone Intersections in Chula Vista, CA

Certain intersections in Chula Vista experience higher rates of commercial vehicle crashes:

  • Broadway & Palomar Street:  Busy delivery and local commuter area.
  • H Street & Paseo Del Rey:  Close to retail and business centers.
  • Olympic Parkway & Eastlake Parkway:  Frequent truck traffic and construction zones.
  • Main Street near I-5:  High-speed merging with large truck volumes.

If your accident occurred at one of these locations, it may support your claim by showing a known hazard area. We are well-versed in California accident laws and can represent your case aggressively. Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION with us today.

Steps to Take Right After a Commercial Vehicle Collision

Your actions after a crash can significantly affect your claim:

  1. Report the accident to 911 and request medical assistance.
  2. Get a copy of the police report.
  3. Get checked even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to surface.
  4. Take photos, gather witness info, and note details.
  5. Get the commercial driver’s license and employer contact.
  6. Avoid giving statements to insurers and let your attorney speak for you.
  7. Contact Thompson Law so we can begin investigating immediately to preserve your rights.

We Help You Rebuild After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Our team at Thompson Law knows the pain and disruption these accidents cause. That’s why we act quickly, compassionately, and aggressively. We pursue all compensation available and support you throughout your recovery.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Start with a FREE CASE EVALUATION today.

 

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FAQs About Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases in Chula Vista

How is liability determined in commercial vehicle accidents?

Liability is determined by evaluating evidence like crash reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements. Often, more than one party is at fault: the driver, the employer, or a third-party contractor.

What is the deadline for filing a lawsuit for commercial vehicle accidents in Chula Vista?

Two years from the date of the accident is the standard in California for filing a personal injury lawsuit. However, if a government entity is involved, the window may be shorter (as little as six months) to file a claim. Acting quickly ensures you preserve crucial evidence and meet all legal deadlines.

How do I prove driver negligence?

Negligence is proven by demonstrating that the driver breached a duty of care, causing the accident and your injuries. This can include records showing speeding, distracted driving, or lack of rest. Our legal team gathers video footage, expert testimony, and electronic driving logs to strengthen your claim.

Can I sue if I was a passenger of a commercial vehicle involved in a collision?

Yes. As a passenger, you have the right to pursue compensation from any at-fault parties, including the driver of the commercial vehicle or another motorist. You are generally not considered liable, which makes your path to recovery more straightforward. Let us help you identify who’s responsible and guide you through the claims process.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.