San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyers

Why Thompson Law As Your Truck Accident Lawyers in San Francisco

Finding the right truck accident lawyer is important for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation. To make the best choice, consider these key factors:

Experience Handling Truck Accidents

Look for a lawyer with a strong track record of handling truck accident cases. Experience in this area increases the chances of a successful outcome.

Knowledge of Trucking Laws

A skilled attorney should understand trucking regulations, liability issues, and the complex factors involved in these cases. This knowledge is key to building a strong claim.

Access to Resources

Truck accident cases often require expert investigations. Choose a lawyer with connections to accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and other experts who can support your case.

Clear and Open Communication

Your lawyer should keep you informed, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions throughout the legal process. Strong communication helps you feel confident in your case.

Client Reviews and Testimonials

Reading reviews from past clients can give you insight into a lawyer’s professionalism, reputation, and ability to deliver results. Positive feedback can help you make an informed decision.

Choosing the right truck accident lawyer in San Francisco can make all the difference in your case. By considering these factors, you can find an attorney who will fight for your best interests and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Recover in San Francisco?

Victims of truck accidents in San Francisco may be eligible for compensation to cover various damages, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced future earning potential
• Property damage for vehicle repairs or replacement
• Additional costs like transportation, in-home care, or assistive devices

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and emotional suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to lasting injuries or disabilities
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, or depression

Punitive Damages

• In cases of extreme negligence, such as drunk driving or serious safety violations, courts may award punitive damages to hold the responsible party accountable and prevent similar behavior.

At Thompson Law, we are committed to helping truck accident victims in San Francisco secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.

Who Is at Fault in a Truck Accident in San Francisco?

Determining fault in a truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. A thorough investigation is needed to identify who is liable.

• The truck driver:   Fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence can all lead to accidents.
• The trucking company:   Negligence such as poor vehicle maintenance, hiring unqualified drivers, or failing to follow safety regulations can contribute to a crash.
• Cargo loaders:   Unsecured or unbalanced cargo can cause a truck to tip over or lose control.
• Vehicle manufacturers:  Defective parts like brakes, tires, or other mechanical failures may play a role in the accident.
• Third parties:  Other drivers, road construction crews, or government agencies may be responsible if their actions or road conditions contributed to the crash.

Every truck accident case in San Francisco is different. A detailed investigation is necessary to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in San Francisco?

Taking the right steps after a truck accident in San Francisco can help protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. Here is what you should do:

• Seek medical care immediately, even if you do not feel injured. Some conditions do not show symptoms right away.
• Call 911 to report the accident to the San Francisco Police Department and request emergency help if needed.
• Document the scene by taking photos or videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
• Exchange insurance and contact information with the truck driver, and gather contact details from any witnesses.
• Do not admit fault or speak to insurance companies before consulting a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim.
• Contact our experienced truck accident lawyers in San Francisco to evaluate your case and protect your rights.

At Thompson Law, we are here to guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION, and let us handle the legal work so you can focus on your recovery.

How to Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Case in San Francisco

Proving negligence in a truck accident case can be challenging, even when fault seems obvious. Without experienced legal representation, important details may be overlooked. Our skilled truck accident attorneys in San Francisco thoroughly examine all evidence to build a strong case for you.

The key elements of proving negligence include:

Duty of Care

Truck drivers and trucking companies must operate safely, follow traffic laws, and comply with federal regulations to protect others on the road.

Breach of Duty

We show that the at-fault party, such as the truck driver or trucking company, failed to meet this duty. This could include reckless driving, speeding, ignoring safety standards, or failing to maintain the truck properly.

Causation

We prove that the negligent actions directly caused the accident and resulted in your injuries and financial losses.

Damages

We collect detailed evidence, such as medical records, bills, proof of lost wages, and documentation showing how the accident has affected your life physically, emotionally, and financially.

By proving each of these elements, we build a strong case to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our San Francisco truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Francisco

Truck accidents in San Francisco often happen due to unsafe or reckless actions. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue:  Truck drivers may exceed legal driving hours, leading to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.
• Distracted driving:  Using a phone, GPS, or eating while driving takes focus away from the road.
• Speeding: Driving too fast, especially on busy roads like Highway 101 or I-280, increases the risk of serious crashes.
• Improperly loaded cargo:  Uneven or unsecured loads can cause tipping or loss of vehicle control.
• Mechanical failures: Problems like brake issues, tire blowouts, or poor maintenance can create dangerous situations.
• Inexperienced drivers:  Truckers who are not familiar with San Francisco’s congested streets and tight turns may struggle to drive safely.
• Driving under the influence:  Alcohol or drug use severely impacts judgment, focus, and reaction times.

If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by any of these factors, our San Francisco truck accident attorneys are ready to investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Thompson Law's Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys 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.

To build a strong case, we carefully gather and analyze key evidence, including:

• Eyewitness statements
• Official San Francisco police reports
• Your personal account of the accident
• Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists and industry professionals
• Medical records and treatment history
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Photos and videos of the crash scene
• Truck maintenance records and driver logs

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law’s San Francisco personal injury lawyers today 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.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in San Francisco

Truck accidents come in many forms, each posing serious risks to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Some of the most common types of truck accidents in San Francisco include:

• Rear-end collisions:  Trucks need more time to stop, and speeding or distracted driving often leads to crashes with vehicles ahead.
• Jackknife accidents:   A truck’s trailer folds at an angle, blocking lanes and causing multi-vehicle pileups.
• Underride crashes:  Smaller vehicles slide under a truck’s trailer, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Rollover accidents:  Sharp turns, excessive speed, or unbalanced cargo can cause trucks to tip over, putting nearby vehicles in danger.
• Blind spot accidents:  Large trucks have areas that are hard to see, making lane changes and turns especially risky.
• Tire blowouts:  A sudden tire failure can cause the driver to lose control, often leading to dangerous collisions.
• Wide-turn accidents:  Trucks need extra space to turn, and misjudging the distance can lead to crashes with vehicles or pedestrians.

No matter the type of accident, our experienced truck accident lawyers in San Francisco are ready to investigate the crash, determine what caused it, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How to File a Truck Accident Claim in San Francisco

Filing a truck accident claim in San Francisco involves several important steps. After addressing your immediate health and safety needs, follow these steps to move forward with your claim.

1. Notify the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company

Once the responsible party is identified, we can help you notify their insurance company of your intent to file a claim. This starts the claims process and ensures your case is documented.

2. Gather Documentation for Your Claim

Strong evidence is key to a successful claim. This may include medical records, repair estimates, proof of lost wages, and documentation of pain and suffering.

3. Determine Liability

Truck accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or vehicle manufacturers. Our legal team will conduct a detailed investigation to determine who is liable.

4. Demand Compensation

Our attorneys will send a formal demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurer, outlining the damages you have suffered and the compensation you are seeking. This letter sets the foundation for settlement discussions.

5. Negotiate a Settlement

Most truck accident claims are resolved through negotiations. We will work to secure a fair settlement that covers both economic and non-economic damages.

6. File a Lawsuit if Needed

If the insurance company does not offer fair compensation, we can help you file a lawsuit. San Francisco follows California’s statute of limitations, which is two years for personal injury claims. We will prepare your case for trial, gathering expert testimony and additional evidence.

7. Resolve Your Case

Your case may be settled at any stage, or it may go to trial if necessary. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through every step to ensure the best possible outcome.

Filing a truck accident claim can be complex, but having the right legal team makes a difference. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION. We are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

San Francisco Accident Statistics

Understanding traffic accidents in San Francisco can help identify risks and improve road safety. Below are key findings from the Vision Zero Traffic Fatalities: 2023 End of Year Report:

Traffic Fatalities in San Francisco

• There were 26 fatal collisions in 2023, resulting in 26 traffic deaths on city streets.
• 65% of fatalities occurred on the 2022 Vision Zero High Injury Network, where accidents are most common.
• 42% of deaths took place in Equity Priority Communities, areas identified as high-risk by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

Most At-Risk Road Users

• Pedestrians were the most affected, with 18 deaths (69% of all fatalities). This is a 10% decrease compared to 2022.
• Four people were killed while traveling in a motor vehicle, including two drivers and two passengers.
• Two riders of standing powered scooters lost their lives, bringing the total number of scooter-related deaths in San Francisco to nine since tracking began in 2017.
• One motorcyclist and one moped rider were killed. This represents an 86% decrease from 2022, when seven motorcycle-related deaths occurred.
• No bicyclists were killed in 2023, compared to one fatality in 2022.

Demographics of Traffic Fatalities

• 77% of those killed were male. All female fatalities were pedestrians.
• Older adults (65+) accounted for 38% of fatalities, with most being pedestrians.
• 12% of victims were Black, despite making up only 5% of San Francisco’s population. The largest racial groups affected were White (38%), followed by Asian (35%) and Hispanic (12%).
• Two homeless individuals were among those killed.

Leading Causes of Fatal Accidents

• The most common cause of fatal accidents was pedestrians failing to yield outside of crosswalks, which accounted for 19% of fatalities.
• Other major causes included:
  • Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks (12%)
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol (12%)
  • Unsafe vehicle movement, such as backing up improperly (12%)
• One fatal DUI hit-and-run case remains under investigation.

Driver Behavior and Fault

• In cases where a driver was at fault, 61% were driving straight before the collision.
• 68% of motor vehicle vs. pedestrian, cyclist, or scooter accidents were the driver’s fault.
• 27% of fatalities were hit-and-run cases, down 36% from 2022.
• 8% of fatal accidents involved large vehicles such as trucks or vans, a slight decrease from 2022.
• 15% of traffic fatalities involved a single-vehicle collision, such as hitting a barrier or utility pole. This was a 50% decrease from 2022.

Dedicated to You and Your Truck Accident Case

Choosing the right legal team for your truck accident case is crucial for getting the best outcome. At Thompson Law, we are dedicated to providing top legal representation and support for truck accident victims in San Francisco. Here is why you can trust us:

No Fees Unless We Win

You do not pay any upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Proven Results

With over $1.9 billion recovered for our clients, we have the skills and track record to deliver the best possible results.

Simple and Quick Process

Getting started is easy. Contact us anytime to speak with an attorney. You can sign up from your smartphone or computer, and we will begin working on your case immediately.

Available 24/7

Accidents can happen at any time. Our team is available around the clock to provide the help you need when you need it most.

Personalized Attention

Every client matters. We provide compassionate service, keep you informed at every step, and make sure your case gets the attention it deserves.

Bilingual Support

We offer bilingual legal assistance so Spanish-speaking clients can access justice and communicate clearly throughout the legal process.

At Thompson Law, we focus on getting you the maximum compensation. From investigating the crash and dealing with insurance companies to preparing for trial, we handle everything so you can focus on your recovery.

San Francisco law has strict deadlines for filing a truck accident claim, so do not wait. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and let our experienced truck accident attorneys fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

FAQs About Truck Accident Cases in San Francisco

How much do accident attorneys charge in San Francisco?

Most truck accident attorneys in San Francisco work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay anything upfront. We only collect a fee if they win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or court award.

What makes truck accident cases different from car accident cases?

Truck accidents involve more complex legal and safety factors compared to car accidents:

• Larger vehicles cause greater damage. Trucks’ size and weight lead to more severe injuries and property damage.
• Trucking is heavily regulated. Federal laws govern trucking operations, making legal knowledge essential.
• More parties may be responsible. Liability may fall on the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or manufacturers.
• Settlements are often higher. Due to the severity of injuries and damages, compensation amounts are typically larger.

How long do most truck accident settlements take in San Francisco?

The time to settle a truck accident case depends on its complexity. Cases with minor injuries may be resolved in a few months, while serious cases with disputed liability or catastrophic injuries can take 12 to 24 months or longer, especially if they go to trial.

What is the statute of limitations on a truck accident in San Francisco?

San Francisco follows California’s deadlines for filing a lawsuit after a truck accident:

• Personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the accident date.
• Property damage claims have a three-year deadline.
  Missing these deadlines can prevent you from seeking compensation, so it is important to act quickly.

How much are most truck accident settlements in San Francisco?

Truck accident settlements in San Francisco vary based on injury severity, property damage, and other details of the crash. On average, settlements range between $75,000 and $300,000. Cases involving serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death, may result in settlements over $1 million.