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Tracking the exact number of commercial vehicle accidents in the U.S. is difficult. While nearly 500,000 crashes each year involve large trucks and buses, this number does not include other commercial vehicles like taxis, rideshares, delivery trucks, and company-owned cars. These vehicles are involved in many accidents but are often left out of national reports.
In San Francisco, commercial vehicle crashes have increased in recent years. With busy streets, heavy traffic, and a growing number of delivery and rideshare drivers, accidents involving these vehicles are more common than ever. At Thompson Law, we fight for the rights of victims injured in commercial vehicle crashes. Our experienced attorneys work to secure the maximum compensation available and hold negligent parties responsible.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare, delivery truck, or other commercial vehicle accident in San Francisco, we can help. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
If you’ve been in a commercial vehicle accident in San Francisco, you don’t have to handle the challenges alone. These accidents can cause life-changing injuries, leaving victims with mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. Some injuries may heal over time, but others can have lasting effects that impact your ability to work and enjoy life.
Beyond the physical recovery, the financial and mental burden of a serious accident can be overwhelming. That’s why having an experienced legal team on your side is essential. Our San Francisco commercial vehicle accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. We take on powerful insurance companies and negligent parties to ensure our clients receive fair treatment and financial support.
At Thompson Law, we charge no upfront costs, and you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact our skilled accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION and the legal support you need to move forward.
Being involved in a commercial vehicle accident in San Francisco can be overwhelming. The city’s dense traffic, narrow streets, and high volume of delivery trucks, rideshares, and public transit vehicles increase the risk of serious collisions. Here’s a guide to help you handle the situation effectively.
Commercial vehicle accidents in San Francisco happen for many reasons. Knowing the causes can help promote safer driving and prevent serious crashes. Here are some of the most common factors:
Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, slowing reaction times and causing dangerous mistakes. Truck drivers and delivery workers on tight schedules often face pressure to keep driving, even when tired.
Commercial drivers may be texting, eating, adjusting GPS, or handling paperwork while behind the wheel. Any distraction increases the risk of an accident, especially in busy areas like Market Street or Highway 101.
Drivers trying to meet deadlines may speed or take risks that compromise safety. Large trucks and delivery vehicles need more time to stop, making speeding especially dangerous on San Francisco’s steep hills and crowded streets.
Brakes, tires, and lights must be regularly inspected for commercial vehicles to stay safe on the road. Brake failures, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions can cause severe accidents, especially on highways like I-280 or the Bay Bridge.
Alcohol, illegal drugs, and even prescription medication can impair judgment and slow reaction times. DUI-related commercial vehicle crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Trucks with overloaded or unsecured cargo are at risk of jackknifing, rolling over, or losing their load. This can create major traffic hazards on freeways like I-80 or near San Francisco’s busy shipping ports.
Fog, rain, and high winds can make driving more hazardous, especially on bridges and highways. Wet roads increase stopping distances, and strong winds can cause taller vehicles to sway or tip over.
Commercial drivers need proper training to handle large vehicles safely. Lack of experience with turns, braking, or city driving can lead to avoidable crashes, particularly in tight intersections like those in downtown San Francisco.
Passenger vehicles sometimes cut off trucks, tailgate, or fail to give them enough space. This kind of reckless driving puts everyone at risk, especially near loading zones or high-traffic areas.
Construction zones, potholes, and road debris can create hazards for commercial vehicles. Areas like Van Ness Avenue and the Bay Bridge approach often have heavy traffic and roadwork, increasing accident risks.
Large trucks have blind spots that make lane changes more difficult. Improper merging by either a truck driver or another vehicle can lead to sideswipe collisions or force cars off the road. This is especially dangerous on narrow lanes or freeway exits.
When a commercial vehicle accident happens in San Francisco, the driver is not always the only one responsible. Vehicle manufacturers, fleet owners, and operators all have legal obligations to ensure trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles are safe for the road. Mechanical failures can play a major role in accidents, making proper maintenance and safety checks critical.
Certain mechanical failures can directly contribute to serious crashes, including:
Vehicle manufacturers have a legal duty to produce safe, properly tested trucks and buses. If they fail to recall defective parts or knowingly sell vehicles with design flaws, they can be held liable for accidents caused by:
Fleet owners, trucking companies, and independent operators must follow strict maintenance standards in San Francisco. When they fail to inspect, repair, or replace critical components, they put everyone on the road at risk. Some common maintenance failures include:
If a mechanical failure contributed to your accident, you may be entitled to compensation from multiple parties, including:
Collisions involving commercial vehicles in San Francisco are not always caused by driver mistakes. Road hazards, poor weather, and unsafe construction zones often create dangerous conditions, increasing the risk of serious accidents. In some cases, government agencies, contractors, or other third parties may be responsible for failing to maintain safe roadways.
Construction zones are a common issue in San Francisco, with poorly marked detours, potholes, loose debris, and missing signs creating confusion for drivers.
Heavy fog, especially near the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, and coastal areas, reduces visibility and reaction time, making it harder to avoid sudden hazards. Rain and slick roads increase the risk of hydroplaning, jackknifing, or rollovers, while high winds along the Bay Bridge and Highway 101 can push trucks off course or even tip over high-profile vehicles.
Liability for environmental accidents depends on the circumstances. The City of San Francisco or Caltrans may be responsible if poor road maintenance or inadequate signage contributed to the crash. Construction companies may be liable if an unsafe work zone or lack of proper warnings led to an accident. Additionally, commercial drivers who fail to adjust for hazardous conditions can also be held accountable.
Commercial vehicle accidents differ from typical car accidents due to stricter regulations, unique collision types, and more severe injuries. In San Francisco, professional drivers and businesses must follow higher standards, including obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and adhering to additional safety rules. Rideshare and taxi drivers may also need special permits. Violations such as speeding carry harsher penalties, often leading to increased license points.
Collisions involving commercial vehicles tend to be more severe due to their size and handling differences. Common accidents include jackknife incidents, rollovers, and high-impact crashes. Taxis and rideshare vehicles also pose risks since passengers may not wear seat belts, and loose items can cause injuries during a collision. The injuries from these crashes are often more serious, leading to long-term medical and financial challenges for victims.
Filing a claim against commercial insurance policies can be complex, requiring thorough investigation and legal expertise. At Thompson Law, we build strong cases to ensure liability is properly assigned and work to secure maximum compensation. If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your options.
California law requires all vehicles, including commercial ones, to have proof of financial responsibility while on public roads. Commercial vehicles must meet stricter insurance standards compared to personal vehicles to ensure sufficient coverage in case of an accident.
Insurance requirements for commercial vehicles are significantly higher than those for personal cars due to the greater risks involved. For personal vehicles, the state requires:
Commercial vehicles often need much higher coverage. A standard policy starts at $500,000, with higher limits required for vehicles transporting hazardous materials or high-value cargo.
Commercial vehicle operators can meet California’s financial responsibility rules through different methods, including:
Insurance companies in California must report coverage details to the DMV electronically. This allows the state to monitor compliance. Operators must always carry proof of insurance and present it when registering a vehicle, interacting with law enforcement, or after an accident.
Failing to provide proof of insurance or maintain coverage can result in vehicle registration suspension, making it illegal to drive or park on public roads. Commercial vehicle owners in San Francisco should stay informed about these requirements to avoid penalties and ensure full compliance with the law.
When a commercial vehicle accident happens in San Francisco, the injuries can be severe due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Victims often face high medical costs, lost wages, and long recovery periods. Below are some of the most common injuries seen in these accidents:
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision involving a commercial vehicle in San Francisco, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and a long recovery process. These cases can be complex, involving multiple liable parties, insurance companies, and legal challenges.
Our San Francisco commercial vehicle accident lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We handle cases involving trucking accidents, rideshare collisions, delivery vehicle crashes, and more.
San Francisco experiences a high number of commercial vehicle crashes each year, reflecting trends seen across the country. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported nearly 500,000 large truck crashes nationwide in 2021, including over 5,000 fatal incidents. California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of commercial vehicle accidents, with 447 fatalities involving large trucks in 2021 alone.
San Francisco’s dense population, heavy traffic, and commercial activity contribute to the high number of these crashes. Common vehicles involved in these accidents include:
With busy streets and limited space, commercial drivers often navigate tight intersections, congested freeways, and pedestrian-heavy zones, increasing the risk of accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle crash, it is important to seek legal guidance right away. These cases involve complex liability issues, and multiple parties—such as trucking companies or insurers—may be responsible.
Collisions involving trucks, buses, and other large vehicles can cause serious injuries and extensive property damage. Here are some of the most frequent types of accidents involving commercial vehicles:
A truck’s trailer swings out and folds toward the cab, creating a hazard for nearby drivers. These accidents often happen when a truck brakes suddenly or skids on slippery roads.
Smaller vehicles can crash into the back or side of a truck, often resulting in severe injuries. While rear safety bars are required to prevent cars from sliding underneath, side safety bars are not yet mandatory.
Large trucks have high centers of gravity, making them vulnerable to rollovers when taking sharp turns, braking suddenly, or driving in high winds. A rolling truck can cause multi-vehicle pileups on busy roads like I-80 or Highway 101.
A sudden tire blowout can make a truck driver lose control, sending debris across the road and creating dangerous conditions for other vehicles.
Trucks require much more distance to stop than smaller cars. If a truck fails to brake in time, it can slam into the back of another vehicle, often causing life-threatening injuries.
These crashes are among the deadliest, often occurring when a truck driver is fatigued, distracted, or impaired. Given the size and weight of commercial vehicles, head-on collisions frequently result in fatalities.
Trucks need extra space to turn, and miscalculations or blind spots can lead to collisions with nearby cars, cyclists, or pedestrians—especially on San Francisco’s narrow streets.
These side-impact crashes happen most often at intersections. When a large truck strikes the side of a smaller vehicle, the results can be devastating for those inside.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in San Francisco, we are here to help. Call today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case and understand your legal rights.
Liability in a commercial vehicle accident can extend beyond the driver. Depending on the circumstances, the company that owns or operates the vehicle, the manufacturer, or even a third-party maintenance provider may be responsible. If road conditions or improper signage contributed to the accident, a government agency may also be liable.
Avoid giving a recorded statement or signing anything before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts by shifting blame or offering low settlements. Having a lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
A commercial vehicle includes any vehicle used for business, such as delivery trucks, semi-trucks, construction vehicles, taxis, rideshares like Uber and Lyft, buses, and service vans. These vehicles are subject to stricter regulations and insurance requirements than personal vehicles.
California enforces strict insurance requirements and negligence-based liability in commercial vehicle accidents. In San Francisco, local traffic laws, commercial driving regulations, and insurance rules can further impact how claims are handled. A lawyer with experience in San Francisco commercial vehicle cases can help navigate these complexities.
California law generally allows two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. However, if a government agency is involved—such as in an accident with a city bus—you may have as little as six months to take legal action. It’s crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
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.
