San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyer

Is anything in life as sudden, disturbing, and painful as severe injuries in motor vehicle accidents, especially trucks? 

The consequences of such accidents are physically and emotionally disastrous, involving overwhelming medical bills along with loss of wages and mental anguish.

When your life has been turned upside down by a truck accident in San Francisco, the attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm are here to assist you. 

Our firm’s San Francisco truck accident attorneys deliver unwavering support and direct all-encompassing efforts toward your case, whether involving 18-wheeler accidents, big rigs, commercial trucks, or other vehicle accidents.

As professional legal advocates for victims of truck accidents, our team fights for your rights, demanding your rightful justice and compensation.

Why Choose Wilshire Law Firm as Your San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyers

When coping with the aftermath of a truck accident, choosing the right legal team is paramount. Here’s why Wilshire Law Firm should be your first choice:

Empower Your Legal Journey with Our Exceptional Team

At Wilshire Law Firm, we take pride in our formidable team, comprising over 500 legal professionals from diverse backgrounds, all dedicated to your cause. We harness our extensive resources and wealth of experience to serve you, our esteemed client. 

Our unwavering commitment to excellence and client satisfaction has earned us a consistent place among the ‘Best Law Firms’ by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® for an impressive four years, from 2020 to 2023.

Proven Success

Our track record speaks volumes about our competence. We have consistently achieved remarkable verdicts across a broad spectrum, encompassing personal injury, employment law, and class action lawsuits. This unwavering dedication and success have secured our position in Top Verdict’s prestigious lists, including Number 1 Settlements and Top 10 Verdicts in California. 

These accolades highlight our skill in obtaining justice and reaffirm our exceptional history of recovering over $1 billion for our deserving clients.

Justice for All, Regardless of Financial Circumstances

We firmly believe that financial constraints should never deter you from pursuing justice. This is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. 

Simply put, you won’t incur any fees unless we win. Our commitment to your needs knows no bounds. We can assess your case 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

This underscores our understanding of the importance of providing timely assistance, whether you’re dealing with post-accident challenges or facing urgent legal concerns.

We’re not just about justice; we’re about making your journey toward it smooth, clear, and triumphant. Our San Francisco personal injury lawyers stand steadfastly by your side, ready to champion your cause and support your family every step of the way.

San Francisco Truck Accident Statistics

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there are a lot of big rig accidents in the state every year. These accidents cause a lot of deaths and serious injuries. 

Recent numbers show that more than 7,000 people get hurt or killed in these accidents across California. San Francisco also has its fair share of these accidents, especially on busy city streets where many people get injured.

When big trucks have accidents, it significantly changes people’s lives. People can get seriously hurt, have money problems, and have to deal with complicated legal issues.

At Wilshire Law Firm, we comprehend the profound impacts of such accidents and possess the capability to assist you during this challenging period. We are resolute in our commitment to aiding truck accident victims in securing the maximum compensation they rightfully deserve.

Negligence in Truck Accidents

The concept of negligence is crucial when determining liability. When a truck driver or any other party involved in the operation and maintenance of a truck acts negligently and causes harm to someone else, they can be held responsible for the damages.

A critical condition of California’s Personal Injury law is the doctrine of negligence. As per California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI) (2020) 401, negligence is failing to use reasonable care to prevent harm.

There are various ways negligence can occur in a truck accident. It can happen when a truck driver doesn’t follow traffic rules or if the truck isn’t properly maintained. 

Negligence can also involve trucking companies not following safety rules.

However, proving negligence in a truck accident isn’t always easy. To show negligence, you need to prove these things:

• The defendant (like the driver or trucking company) had a duty to be careful towards the plaintiff (the person who got hurt).
• The defendant didn’t do what they were supposed to, which broke that duty.
• The plaintiff got hurt directly because of this breach.
• The plaintiff had losses because of this injury.

At Wilshire Law Firm, our dedicated team of lawyers excels in proving negligence. Through meticulous investigation, collection of evidence, and consulting medical professionals and industry consultants, we work on building a solid case that points out the negligent actions that led to the accident and holds the responsible parties accountable.

If you are a truck accident victim, remember, it is not your job to prove negligence—that’s ours. Your focus should be on recovery, while our focus will remain on asserting your rights, proving the negligence, and pursuing the compensation you have a right to.

What are the Most Common Injuries in a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some can be very severe due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. 

The most common injuries in truck accidents include:

Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and forth due to the impact of a collision.

Fractures: Broken bones are common in truck accidents, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.

Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can include herniated discs, spinal fractures, and damage to the spinal cord, which may result in paralysis.

Internal Injuries: Truck accidents can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, which may require surgery or other medical intervention.

Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries can involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to strains, sprains, or tears.

Burns: In cases where a truck carries hazardous materials or fuel, fires, and burns can occur, causing lasting injuries.

Amputations: In some cases, severe accidents can lead to the loss of limbs, requiring amputation.

Psychological Injuries: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional trauma are common psychological injuries resulting from truck accidents.

The severity of injuries in truck accidents can vary widely, and the recovery process is long and challenging. Seeking immediate medical attention after a truck accident is crucial, even if injuries seem minor initially, as some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. 

Consulting with legal and medical professionals to ensure victims receive appropriate compensation and care for their injuries.

What Kind of Damages Can You Claim in a San Francisco Truck Accident?

If you’ve been in a truck accident, you can get money to cover your losses, also called damages. This money, or compensation, is usually to repay you for things you can count, like bills and expenses, as well as things that are harder to measure, like how the accident affected you personally.

Typical Damages Recovered in a Truck Accident Lawsuit

Lost Earnings: If the accident causes you to miss work, you can seek compensation for your lost income. If your injuries lead to a long-term disability affecting your ability to earn money, you may also be eligible for compensation for your lost income.

Medical Expenses: You can be reimbursed for all your healthcare costs related to the accident, including immediate medical care, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs resulting from the accident.

Property Damage: Any harm to your vehicle or personal belongings due to the accident should be covered.

Pain and Suffering: Unlike medical bills or lost income, pain and suffering refer to non-economic damages – the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident. 

While there’s no direct cost associated with this, you can request compensation based on the severity and duration of your pain and suffering.

Emotional Distress: Truck accidents can lead to psychological stress. You can also seek compensation for these emotional injuries, such as anxiety, depression, or the loss of enjoyment in life.

The Statute of Limitations in San Francisco

Scheduling is essential when filing a lawsuit for a truck accident. California law sets a specific deadline called the Statute of Limitations, which determines the timeframe for filing a lawsuit. 

Not meeting this deadline can result in losing your legal rights and ability to seek due compensation.

California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1 states that personal injury lawsuits, including truck accidents, must be instituted within two years from the accident date. 

However, certain exceptions exist where this time limit may be extended or reduced, depending on the accident circumstances.

Understanding and working within the Statute of Limitations can be complex, requiring careful attention and personal injury law experience. 

Our experienced attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm have in-depth knowledge of these mandates and ensure timely filing, ensuring your claim’s validity.

Hiring a lawyer can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a fair settlement or winning a lawsuit if the responsible party is unwilling to cooperate. 

How Can a San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

If you’ve been in an accident with a big rig truck, hiring a lawyer can be crucial for several reasons:

Legal Skill: A lawyer concentrating on truck accident cases has the legal knowledge and proficiency to navigate complex trucking regulations and laws specific to commercial vehicles. They can help you understand your rights and assess the merits of your case.

Investigation: Lawyers have the resources to conduct thorough investigations into the accident. This includes gathering evidence, obtaining accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing data from the scene and the truck’s black box, if available.

Liability Determination: Establishing liability in truck accidents can be challenging. A lawyer will work to identify the responsible parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or other potentially liable parties, and build a strong case against them.

Negotiation: Lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. They have experience handling insurance claims and can advocate for your best interests.

Legal Strategy: Your lawyer will develop a legal strategy tailored to your case, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. They will also advise you on the best action, such as pursuing a settlement or taking your case to court.

Documentation and Legal Filings: Lawyers handle all the necessary paperwork and legal filings, ensuring that deadlines are met and that your case is presented effectively in court, if necessary.

Trial Representation: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and arguing on your behalf.

Compensation Maximization: Lawyers are skilled at assessing the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future expenses. They work to maximize the compensation you receive.

Emotional Support: Dealing with a truck accident can be emotionally challenging. A lawyer can provide support and guidance, helping you navigate the legal process and alleviating some of the stress associated with the accident.

Law Compliance: Truck accident cases may involve compliance with various state and federal laws and regulations. Lawyers ensure that your case adheres to all legal requirements.

Hiring a lawyer after a big rig truck accident helps protect your legal rights, increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation, and provides valuable assistance during a challenging time.

Let Wilshire Law Help You

Choose Wilshire Law Firm for dedicated and customized legal support with a proven track record of over $1 billion in results. 

Contact us today for a free consultation to secure the compensation you deserve and focus on your recovery. We’re here to advocate and pursue justice for you. Call us at (213) 712-4459.

Our San Francisco Location

Wilshire Law Firm

75 Broadway, Suite 202
San Francisco, CA 94111
Tel: (415) 968-4279