California is an important part of agricultural distribution in the United States. As a result, we see significantly more commercial truck and big rig accidents than in other parts of the country. Many trucks travel using Interstate 5, Highway 99, and even Interstate 80 to bring goods and fresh produce to our towns. Long hauls, heavy loads, and time constraints often put truck drivers under immense pressure which can lead to an accident. Driver negligence, overtired drivers, and even aggressive drivers can cause accidents which can cause serious injury or even death to San Francisco residents. At the Tiemann Law Firm, our truck accident attorneys regularly handle lawsuits for people who have been injured or lost loved ones in trucking accidents near San Francisco and throughout Northern California and the Bay Area. Our experienced truck accident attorneys can help you understand the claims process and protect your interests.
Trucking Accidents in the San Francisco Bay Area
Many truck accident attorneys make the mistake of handling accidents involving commercial trucks and big-rigs in the same way they would handle an accident involving two passenger vehicles. This is often a result of inexperience and a misunderstanding of the physical and legal differences between accidents involving passenger cars and those involving commercial trucks. Working with a truck accident attorney will help to ensure that you get the best possible settlement for your case. At the Tiemann Law Firm, our skilled trucking accident attorneys have the experience you need to feel confident in our representation from the start.
Physical Differences between Trucking Accidents and Auto Accidents
Taking a look at the physical differences between trucks and passenger vehicles can help you understand how these collisions can cause serious physical injury regardless of the speeds involved. Typically, big-rigs are between 67 – 75 feet long and often weigh up to 80,000 pounds. An average commuter vehicle is only 16 feet long and weighs a mere 3,500 pounds. As you can imagine, hitting a jackknifed big-rig is like hitting a brick wall. As a result of the physical size of a commercial truck, these accidents often involve significant physical injuries because, even at low speeds, the human body and the cars we travel in are not able to withstand the forces involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler. Our truck attorneys have regularly handled trucking accidents involving the following injuries:
- Whiplash
- Back Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Concussions
- Lacerations
- Disfigurement
- Death
Our lawyers understand the physical forces involved in these accidents and will work with you to ensure you receive the medical care and legal attention you deserve after an accident with a commercial truck.
Legal Differences between Trucking Accidents and Auto Accidents
In addition to the physical differences between cars and commercial trucks, there are significant legal differences in the way these cases are handled. Accidents between two or more personal automobiles often involve a discussion of personal responsibility, injuries suffered and proper compensation. In accidents involving big-rigs, there is often a question of the different types of legal responsibility that could be involved in the accident. Your experienced trucking accident lawyer can help you determine if the driver was also the owner of the truck he or she was operating. If he or she was not the owner, the owner of the truck may also be responsible for the damages you or a loved one suffered under a theory of owner liability. In addition to traditional owner liability, the trucking company may also be responsible for failing to properly screen the driver (negligent entrustment) or failing to properly train the driver (negligent supervision). At the Tiemann Law Firm we are committed to helping you determine the appropriate theories of responsibility and will assure that all of the proper parties are held accountable. At the Tiemann Law Firm there is no cost until we win, so call us to discuss your case!
