San Diego Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Our San Diego Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Charge No Upfront Costs

A commercial vehicle accident can be overwhelming, leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income. Some injuries heal with time, while others result in long-term pain, disability, or emotional trauma.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, making it difficult for accident victims to get the compensation they deserve. Our experienced San Diego commercial vehicle accident lawyers have a proven track record and are dedicated to standing up to insurance companies and fighting for the best possible outcome for our clients.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t face it alone. Contact Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek full and fair compensation.

How Commercial Vehicle Accidents Differ from Typical Car Accidents

Commercial drivers and businesses must follow stricter rules than regular drivers in San Diego. These additional regulations, higher insurance requirements, and the nature of commercial vehicle collisions make these cases different from typical car accidents.

Regulations

Commercial drivers in San Diego must meet strict requirements and face greater penalties for violations. Most need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Class A, B, or C, with endorsements for specific vehicles or cargo. Rideshare and taxi drivers may also need special permits in certain parts of the city. Traffic violations, such as speeding, often result in harsher penalties, with points added to a commercial driver’s license at a higher rate than for personal drivers.

Collision Types

Because of their size and weight, commercial vehicles are involved in more severe accidents than regular cars. Common types include jackknife accidents, rollovers, and high-impact crashes. Rideshare and taxi accidents can also be dangerous, especially when passengers are not wearing seat belts or when loose items in the vehicle become projectiles during a crash.

Injuries

Due to their larger size and heavier weight, commercial vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and multiple fractures. The impact of these crashes is often much more severe than that of passenger car accidents.

If you were involved in a commercial vehicle accident in San Diego, you may be dealing with a complicated insurance claim. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure your case is handled properly.

At Thompson Law, we make sure that your accident is thoroughly investigated, liability is accurately assigned, and your case is prepared for maximum compensation. Our team of skilled negotiators will advocate fiercely on your behalf. To know more, ask questions, and start your case, call us for a FREE CONSULTATION anytime.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law’s San Diego Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Insurance Requirements for Commercial Vehicles in San Diego

San Diego law requires all vehicles, including commercial ones, to have proof of financial responsibility when operating or parked on public roads. Commercial vehicles must carry higher insurance requirements than personal vehicles to cover potential damages in the event of an accident.

Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements

The minimum liability insurance for commercial vehicles in San Diego is usually higher compared to private passenger vehicles, reflecting the increased risk and potential for significant damage or injury.

Personal vehicles:

• $30,000 for injury or death to one person
• $60,000 for injury or death to multiple people
• $15,000 for property damage

Commercial vehicles:

• Minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage
• Higher limits for hazardous materials or valuable cargo

Acceptable Forms of Insurance

Commercial vehicle operators in San Diego can meet financial responsibility requirements by:

• Holding a commercial auto insurance policy
• Depositing $75,000 in cash with the DMV
• Obtaining a $75,000 surety bond from a licensed provider
• Applying for a self-insurance certificate through the DMV

Electronic Reporting and Proof

Insurance providers must electronically report coverage details to the DMV for both personal and commercial vehicles. Drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times and present it when requested by law enforcement, during vehicle registration, or after an accident. Failure to maintain valid insurance can lead to registration suspension, making it illegal to drive or park the vehicle on public roads.

Commercial vehicle owners and operators must stay compliant with these requirements to avoid fines and penalties.

What is a Commercial Vehicle?

A commercial vehicle is any motor vehicle used for business purposes. These vehicles range in size and type, but they all share a common factor: they operate as part of a business and are often covered by commercial insurance.

Common types of commercial vehicles in San Diego include:

• Large trucks and 18-wheelers commonly seen on San Diego highways
• Buses, such as DART buses and school buses operating across the state
• Delivery vans and trucks serving San Diego businesses
• Taxis and rideshare vehicles (like Uber and Lyft) operating within San Diego
• Construction vehicles utilized on job sites throughout the state
• Company cars used by San Diego-based organizations
• Vehicles transporting goods or passengers for profit in San Diego

Key characteristics of commercial vehicles in San Diego:

• Typically larger and heavier than personal vehicles
• May require operators to hold specialized licenses
• Regulated by the San Diego Department of Transportation
• Covered by commercial insurance policies

Commercial vehicles often require specialized licenses, follow strict safety regulations, and carry larger insurance policies than personal vehicles. If you’ve been in an accident with one of these vehicles, you may face complex legal and insurance challenges. Our San Diego legal team is here to guide you through the process.

Types of Commercial Vehicles

San Diego businesses rely on a variety of commercial vehicles for transportation, deliveries, and services. Some of the most common include:

• Freight and Shipping Trucks
• Semi-Trucks and Tractor-Trailers
• Utility and Service Trucks
• Delivery Vans and Box Trucks
• Fleet Vehicles Operated by Businesses
• Public and Private Buses
• Ambulances and Emergency Response Vehicles
• Taxis, Rideshare Vehicles, and Limousines
• Food Trucks and Mobile Kitchens
• Tow Trucks and Recovery Vehicles
• Cement Mixers and Construction Vehicles
• Tanker Trucks for Liquid or Hazardous Materials
• Vehicles Transporting More Than 10-15 Passengers

San Diego Commercial Vehicle Accident Statistics

San Diego sees a high number of commercial vehicle accidents each year, following national trends reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In 2021, large trucks were involved in 494,000 crashes across the U.S., with 5,340 resulting in fatalities. San Diego consistently ranks among the states with the most commercial vehicle crashes due to its large population, heavy traffic, and major highways. That year, San Diego recorded 447 deaths involving large trucks, making it one of the deadliest states for these types of accidents.

In San Diego, accidents involving commercial vehicles happen frequently, especially on busy highways like I-5, I-15, and I-805. Delivery trucks, rideshare cars, and buses are common in urban areas, increasing the likelihood of collisions. These accidents often cause severe injuries and financial hardship for victims.

For more details on commercial vehicle safety, visit the FMCSA website.

Common Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Crashes involving commercial vehicles can be severe due to their size and weight. Some of the most common types of accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents:  A truck’s trailer swings sideways, forming a V-shape with the cab. This can block multiple lanes and cause serious collisions.
• Underride Accidents:  A smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, often leading to fatal injuries. While rear safety bars help, side bars are not yet required.
• Truck Rollovers:  High-speed turns, sudden braking, or bad weather can cause trucks to tip over, putting nearby drivers at risk.
• Tire Blowouts:  A commercial truck’s blown tire can cause the driver to lose control, and debris can create hazards for other motorists.
• Rear-End Collisions:  Trucks take longer to stop. When they hit a smaller vehicle from behind, the damage is often catastrophic.
• Head-On Collisions:  These are often deadly due to the size of commercial vehicles. Driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment is usually to blame.
• Wide Turn Accidents:  Large trucks need extra space to turn. If a driver miscalculates or doesn’t see a nearby car, a collision can happen.
• T-Bone Collisions:  These side-impact accidents usually occur at intersections and can be especially dangerous when a truck is involved.

If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, an experienced San Diego commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in San Diego

A crash involving a commercial vehicle can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you need to do immediately:

Immediate Steps

• Move to a safe location if possible.
• Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help.
• Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives.

Gather Evidence

• Take pictures of the vehicles, injuries, and the crash scene.
• Get contact details from witnesses and others involved.
• Write down the commercial vehicle’s company name and license plate number.

Seek Medical Care

• Let paramedics check you, even if you feel okay.
• Go to a hospital or urgent care for a thorough evaluation.
• Follow all doctor recommendations and treatment plans.

Report the Incident

• Provide details to the police for an official report.
• Inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Be prepared for the commercial vehicle’s insurer to contact you.

Preserve Key Evidence

• Keep medical records, bills, and receipts.
• Save proof of accident-related expenses.
• Wait to repair your car until after an inspection and documentation.

Legal Guidance

• Talk to a San Diego commercial vehicle accident lawyer before making any statements.
• Do not sign documents from the insurance company without legal guidance.
• Know that proving fault in these cases can be complicated.

Next Steps

• Investigations by insurance companies and law enforcement may take time.
• Continue medical treatments and follow-up care.
• Prepare to negotiate with insurance adjusters.

Possible Outcomes

• The insurance company may offer a settlement.
• If no fair agreement is reached, the case could go to court.
• Compensation depends on injury severity and financial losses.

A San Diego attorney with experience in commercial vehicle accident cases can help you navigate this process and fight for fair compensation.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in San Diego

Commercial vehicle accidents in San Diego happen for different reasons. Knowing more about these causes can help practice safer driving and raise awareness about potential dangers on the road. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Driver Fatigue:  Truck drivers work long hours, and exhaustion can slow reaction times and lead to mistakes.
• Distracted Driving:  Checking a phone, eating, or adjusting GPS can take a driver’s focus off the road.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving:  Truckers may exceed speed limits to meet delivery deadlines, making accidents more severe.
• Improper Vehicle Maintenance:  Faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning lights can lead to crashes if vehicles aren’t properly inspected.
• Driving Under the Influence:  Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication can impair judgment and reaction time.
• Poor Cargo Loading:  Unsecured or overloaded cargo can shift, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents.
• Adverse Weather Conditions:  Rain, fog, and high winds in San Diego can make roads slippery and reduce visibility.
• Inadequate Training:  A lack of training can lead to poor decision-making behind the wheel.
• Aggressive Driving by Other Motorists:  Other drivers may cut off or tailgate large trucks, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions:  Potholes, construction zones, and debris can make driving dangerous, especially for large vehicles.
• Lane Merge Errors:  Wrong lane merging (due to blind spots), either by commercial drivers or other motorists, can cause sideswipe collisions or push vehicles off the road. This is especially dangerous in congested areas or near construction zones.

Mechanical Causes of Collisions in San Diego

Besides the driver, other parties may share responsibility for a commercial vehicle accident. Vehicle manufacturers are required to produce safe, high-quality vehicles and equipment, while owners and operators must ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and safe for operation on San Diego roads.

• Mechanical Issues:  Issues like brake failure, tire blowouts, faulty airbags, or defective seat belts can play a direct role in accidents.
• Manufacturer Responsibility:  Companies may be responsible if they neglect safety testing, fail to issue recalls, or ignore known defects in their vehicles or equipment.
• Owner/Operator Negligence:  Commercial vehicle owners and operators are required to perform regular maintenance and follow San Diego’s strict inspection regulations. Failing to do so can result in hazardous mechanical breakdowns.

Providing details about your accident to a personal injury attorney is important. We can determine whether mechanical failures, defective parts, or poor maintenance contributed to the crash and work to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Environmental Causes of Collisions in San Diego

Both natural and human-made environmental factors can create hazardous driving conditions that lead to accidents. These elements affect the crash scene and may influence liability in certain situations.

• Construction Hazards:  Poorly maintained roads, unsafe construction zones, and faulty infrastructure contribute to crashes. In San Diego, government agencies or contractors may be responsible if road hazards like potholes, missing signage, or dangerous detours result from negligence in construction or maintenance.
• Weather Conditions:  While drivers cannot control heavy rain, fog, or wildfires, they are responsible for adjusting their driving to match road conditions. Speeding on wet roads or failing to account for low visibility in fog can make a driver liable for an accident.

Environmental factors can make accident cases more complicated. Speaking with a personal injury attorney who understands San Diego’s laws can help determine how these conditions may have contributed to your crash.

FAQs About San Diego Commercial Vehicle Accidents

What qualifies as a commercial vehicle in San Diego?

A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business purposes, whether it’s transporting goods or passengers. This includes delivery trucks, semi-trucks, buses, and taxis. Even some pickup trucks and vans qualify as commercial if they are used for work, such as transporting equipment or making service calls.

Who can be held liable in a commercial vehicle accident?

Liability isn’t always limited to the driver. Depending on the situation, the company that owns the vehicle, a third-party maintenance provider, or even the vehicle manufacturer could be responsible. For example, if a truck crashes due to brake failure, the trucking company might be liable for neglecting maintenance, or the manufacturer could be at fault if the brakes were defective.

What should I do if the commercial vehicle’s insurance company contacts me?

If an insurance adjuster contacts you, be careful. Their goal is to protect their company, not you. Avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a quick settlement without speaking to a lawyer first. Anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your claim. Instead, politely decline to discuss the accident and contact an attorney who can handle the negotiations for you.

How does San Diego law impact commercial vehicle accident claims?

San Diego has strict insurance and liability laws for commercial vehicles. Unlike personal auto insurance policies, commercial policies usually have higher coverage limits, which means insurance companies often fight harder to avoid paying full compensation. Liability in accidents is based on negligence, meaning the party responsible for causing the crash can be held legally accountable. A lawyer familiar with San Diego’s traffic and commercial vehicle laws can help navigate these complexities and maximize your claim.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a claim after a commercial vehicle accident in San Diego?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if a government vehicle is involved—such as a city bus or a municipal work truck—you may need to file a claim within six months. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to seek compensation, so it’s best to start the process as soon as possible.