Have you been hurt in a truck accident in San Diego, California? You may have the right to seek compensation if the trucking company or driver violated important safety rules. Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand how state and federal trucking regulations apply to your case and whether they were broken.
Our trusted truck accident lawyers have 80 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $100 million for injury victims across California. We know the laws that govern commercial trucks and how to hold negligent companies accountable when they put profits ahead of safety.
Contact our personal injury attorneys today at (858) 551-2090 for a free initial consultation.
How Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You File a Truck Accident Claim in San Diego, CA
Truck accident cases are rarely simple, as you may need to go up against a powerful trucking company and/or its insurer to seek financial relief in San Diego, CA. Having an experienced legal team on your side can give you the leverage you need to recover the full compensation you’re entitled to.
At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, we have built a reputation for strong trial advocacy and winning results. Our San Diego truck accident attorneys are well-versed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) rules and California’s trucking laws. We’ll put that knowledge to work for you throughout the entire legal process.
When you hire our personal injury lawyers, we will:
- Investigate your accident and determine whether state or federal rules were violated
- Obtain logbooks, inspection records, and electronic data from the truck
- Work with leading accident reconstruction specialists and industry experts
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical care
- Negotiate with insurers on your behalf and prepare your case for trial if necessary
Our mission is simple: to get you the best possible result while you focus on your health. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a free case review.
Federal Trucking Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees the rules that govern interstate trucking.
Some of the most important regulations include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) rules: Truck drivers have strict limits on how many hours they can drive before resting. They must also take mandatory breaks to reduce fatigue.
- Driver qualifications: To operate large trucks safely, drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and meet medical standards.
- Vehicle maintenance: Carriers are required to regularly inspect and maintain trucks to ensure they are roadworthy.
- Weight limits and cargo securement: Federal law sets maximum weight limits and requires loads to be secured properly to prevent shifting or falling cargo.
- Drug and alcohol testing: Truck drivers must pass pre-employment, random, and post-accident tests to ensure they are not impaired.
Violations of these federal rules often contribute to crashes. If evidence shows a violation caused your accident, it can significantly strengthen your claim.
California’s Trucking Regulations
In addition to federal rules, California enforces its own state laws designed to protect drivers on the road. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) inspects commercial vehicles and ensures compliance with state safety standards.
Key state regulations include:
- Intrastate hours of service: Similar to federal rules, California has limits on how long truckers can operate within the state.
- Weight and size restrictions: Trucks must comply with California’s stricter limits on vehicle size, weight, and routes.
- Emissions and environmental standards: California has unique environmental rules that require carriers to upgrade equipment and limit pollution from diesel engines.
- Insurance requirements: California requires commercial trucking companies to carry higher levels of liability insurance to cover serious accidents.
In many cases, both state and federal laws will apply. That makes it important to have a lawyer who has experience with both.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in California?
California law typically gives you two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced. If you miss it, you could lose your right to seek compensation.
There are only exceptions for rare cases, so we recommend contacting our attorneys for help as soon as possible after the accident. That way, we can ensure your claim is filed appropriately and on time.
Contact Our Experienced San Diego Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Were you injured in a truck accident in San Diego, CA? You may be entitled to substantial compensation if state or federal trucking regulations were violated.
At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how to take on powerful trucking companies and win. Call today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced San Diego truck accident attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win compensation for your case.
