San Diego Truck Accident Lawyers

Why Truck Accidents Are So Complex and Devastating

Truck crashes are not ordinary accidents. They involve commercial vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds, which travel long distances on tight schedules and operate under strict federal and state regulations. When something goes wrong, the consequences can be life-changing.

We represent clients involved in crashes with:

• Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers,
• Delivery trucks and box trucks,
• Tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials,
• Flatbeds and heavy-duty haulers, and
• Construction vehicles and commercial fleet trucks.

These cases require a unique approach. As experienced San Diego truck accident attorneys, we understand the trucking industry, its regulatory framework, and the aggressive tactics insurance companies use to limit payouts. We’re not intimidated, and we’re not backing down.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Diego

Whether you were hit on I-5, I-8, the 805, or a local San Diego street, most truck crashes trace back to preventable failures. 

In our experience, the most common accident causes include:

• Driver fatigue from long hours behind the wheel;
• Improper maintenance or skipped inspections;
• Distracted driving, including texting or GPS use;
• Speeding to meet delivery deadlines;
• Improperly secured or overloaded cargo;
• Drug or alcohol use behind the wheel;
• Inexperienced or undertrained drivers; and
• Reckless lane changes or tailgating.

In many cases, the trucking company shares responsibility for creating unsafe conditions or cutting corners that put profit over safety.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Unlike a simple car accident, truck crashes often involve multiple liable parties. That’s one reason they’re more complex than passenger vehicle accidents and why working with a knowledgeable San Diego commercial truck accident lawyer is so important.

Depending on the details of your case, liable parties may include:

• The truck driver, for negligent or reckless operation;
• The trucking company, for poor hiring, training, or supervision;
• A maintenance contractor, for skipped inspections or defective repairs;
• The cargo loading company, for unsecured or overweight loads; and
• A vehicle manufacturer, for equipment defects or failures.

Our team conducts a full investigation to identify all responsible parties and works to pursue every available source of compensation. We leave no stone unturned.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Claims in San Diego

How Long Will My Truck Case Take to Resolve?

It depends. Some truck accident cases settle in months, while others may take a year or longer if the case goes to trial. Factors like the severity of your injuries, the complexity of liability, and whether the trucking company disputes fault can all affect the timeline. At Silva Injury Law, we aim to resolve your case efficiently, but never at the expense of the compensation you deserve.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees unless we win your case. If we recover compensation for you, our fee is a percentage of that recovery.

What If the Truck Driver Was an Independent Contractor?

Even if the driver isn’t a direct trucking company employee, the company may still be liable. We’ll examine how the driver was hired, who controlled the route and schedule, and whether federal trucking regulations apply. Responsibility doesn’t always end with the person behind the wheel.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially Liable?  

Yes. Under California’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages if you are not 100% at fault. Your percentage of responsibility will reduce your compensation. For example, if you are 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000.

How Silva Injury Law Builds Your Case

At Silva Injury Law, we understand that every case is unique. Our approach is tailored, strategic, and thorough. As a trusted San Diego truck accident law firm, we take care of every detail so you can focus on healing.

Here’s how we support you:

• Investigating the accident. We secure crash reports, interview witnesses, examine truck logs, and retrieve electronic data.
• Preserving evidence. We send spoliation letters to ensure trucking companies don’t destroy critical information.
• Working with experts. We consult accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and vocational specialists to support your claim.
• Handling negotiations. We deal with insurance companies and defense lawyers, so you don’t have to.
• Taking the case to court. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to take your case before a judge or jury.

You’ll never be left wondering where your case stands. We work to keep you informed every step of the way and fight relentlessly for the outcome you deserve.

What Makes Silva Injury Law Different?

We know you have options when searching for trucking injury lawyers in San Diego. So what sets us apart?

It starts with our founder, Michael Joe Silva. Before opening Silva Injury Law, Michael Joe worked as a prosecutor, gaining invaluable trial experience and developing a deep respect for victims seeking justice. Today, he uses that experience to advocate for those injured by others’ negligence.

Clients choose us because we:

• Provide honest advice without pressure or gimmicks;
• Treat every client with compassion and respect;
• Are responsive, available, and personally involved; and
• Have a proven track record of results in serious injury cases.

You’ll never be handed off to a case manager or pushed into a quick settlement. When you work with Silva Injury Law, you get real advocacy from a team invested in your recovery.

We Handle Truck Accident Cases Across San Diego County

Whether your accident happened in downtown San Diego, on I-15, or in neighboring areas like Chula Vista, Escondido, or National City, our team is here to help. We know the local courts, insurance landscape, and trucking companies’ tactics to avoid accountability.

Our mission is simple: to make the legal system work for you, not against you.

Call a San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer You Can Trust

A collision with a commercial truck can feel like the end of the world, but it’s not. With the right legal support, you can start down a path toward recovery, justice, and financial security.

At Silva Injury Law, we’re here to listen, advise, and act. We’ll investigate your case, deal with the trucking company and their insurer, and fight to make sure your voice is heard.

Call us at (209) 600-4389 or fill out our online form today to speak with an experienced San Diego truck accident lawyer. Your consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.