Long-haul truckers keep our shelves stocked and our cities moving, but when they’re behind the wheel without enough rest, the results can be tragic. Fatigue is a common cause of serious truck accidents in San Diego, CA.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash with a semi-truck or commercial vehicle, it may be linked to driver fatigue. At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how devastating these accidents can be, and we’re here to help you get answers and hold the other party accountable. With over $100 million recovered and over 80 years of combined experience, we know how to fight for the results you need.
Contact us today at (858) 551-2090 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Pines Salomon to Help Me After a Truck Accident in San Diego, CA?
Our team has been handling personal injury cases for decades, and we understand that truck accident claims present their own unique set of challenges. From dealing with big trucking companies to sorting through complicated driving logs, our truck accident attorneys are prepared to take on the tough work so you don’t have to.
Here’s what sets Pines Salomon apart:
- Members of our legal team have been recognized by Super Lawyers, America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys, and Martindale-Hubbell (AV-Preeminent rating).
- We have more than 300 five-star reviews on Google.
- Our team is led by a former attorney from an insurance company who understands how insurers operate and how to challenge their tactics.
When you work with our San Diego personal injury lawyers, you’re not just another case file. We’ll keep you updated, answer your questions, and fight to help you move forward.
Reach out to our law office in San Diego, California, today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Why Fatigue Is So Dangerous Behind the Wheel
Truck drivers often work long shifts, overnight routes, and back-to-back hauls. Even though there are rules that limit how many hours they can drive, those limits aren’t always followed, and that’s when accidents happen.
When a driver is overtired, they may:
- Zone out or fall asleep for a few seconds (called a “microsleep”)
- Miss stop signs, red lights, or changing traffic signals
- Misjudge speed or following distance
- Struggle to stay in their lane
Just one bad decision can cause a massive crash, especially when it involves a vehicle weighing 80,000 pounds.
Types of Crashes Caused by Drowsy Truck Drivers
Fatigue can cause all kinds of dangerous wrecks, including:
- Rear-end collisions, when a driver doesn’t stop in time
- Jackknife crashes, where the trailer swings out and blocks lanes
- Rollovers on curves or ramps
- Head-on collisions from drifting into oncoming traffic
- Sideswipes or off-road crashes due to inattention
Unfortunately, it’s usually the people in the smaller vehicles who suffer the worst injuries.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, it’s not always just the driver who’s at fault. We will dig deep to find out what really happened and who’s legally responsible.
Depending on the case, it might be:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company (especially if they pressured the driver or ignored hours-of-service laws)
- A freight or logistics company
- A maintenance contractor or vehicle manufacturer
We will gather electronic logs, timecards, black box data, and more to build a strong case on your behalf.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?
Truck crashes are different from typical fender benders. The injuries are often more serious, the medical bills higher, and the recovery longer.
You may be entitled to compensation for losses like:
- Hospital stays, surgeries, and rehab
- Prescription meds and ongoing care
- Missed work and future lost earnings
- Physical pain and emotional stress
- Disability or loss of mobility
If the trucking company or driver was grossly negligent, the court may even award punitive damages to send a message.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California?
In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. That might seem like a long time, but building a strong case takes work, and evidence can disappear quickly. It’s best to get started as soon as you can. We can ensure that all applicable deadlines are met in your case.
Contact Our San Diego Truck Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a crash with a large truck, and you think fatigue played a role, don’t wait. The trucking company already has lawyers working on its side. Let our San Diego truck accident attorneys step in and level the playing field. We have over 80 years of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.
Call Pines Salomon today to set up a free case review. We’ll listen to your story, give you honest advice, and help you figure out what comes next.
