Truck Accidents

San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyer

Aggressively Seeking Justice for Truck Accident Victims in San Francisco

Truck accidents can leave you with serious injuries, rising medical bills, and lasting trauma. At Peterson Injury Law, we understand the impact on Californians and their families. If a negligent truck driver struck you in San Francisco or the surrounding area, our truck accident lawyer will document your losses and pursue fair compensation while you focus on healing.

With more than 30 years of practice and a history of record-setting recoveries for clients across California, Attorney Erik Peterson stands up to powerful companies and insurers. Our firm is recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers®, The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100®, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, reflecting our strong record of results. Our notable results include a $21 million truck accident and brain injury recovery, and we have recovered more than $200 million for personal injury and medical malpractice clients.

If you were harmed by a negligent truck driver in San Francisco, put decades of experience in your corner with Peterson Injury Law. Contact us online or call (415) 630-2913 to discuss your case.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Common factors examined after an 18-wheeler or big rig crash include:

Driver fatigue. Federal hours-of-service rules allow a property-carrying driver to drive for up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, within a 14-hour on-duty window. Electronic logs, dispatch records, and delivery schedules can reveal whether fatigue or scheduling pressure contributed to the crash.
Maintenance failures. Inspection reports, repair invoices, and maintenance records can reveal problems involving brakes, tires, lights, steering systems, or other critical components.
Overloaded or improperly loaded trailers. Cargo weight and distribution affect braking, turning, and vehicle stability. Bills of lading, weight records, and loading documents can identify who controlled the cargo.
Unsecured cargo. Federal rules for interstate commercial vehicles require cargo to be secured against shifting or falling during braking, rearward movement, and turns.
Unsafe weather-related driving. Fog, rain, wind, and limited visibility require drivers to adjust their speed and following distance to current conditions.

For a San Francisco commercial truck claim, we compare these records with police reports, available video, truck telematics, road conditions, and witness accounts. The evidence can clarify whether the driver, motor carrier, loading company, maintenance contractor, or another party contributed to your collision.

Federal Insurance Requirements for Interstate Motor Carriers

Federal insurance minimums depend on the carrier, vehicle, cargo, and type of operation. For-hire interstate motor carriers transporting non-hazardous general freight in vehicles weighing more than 10,001 pounds must carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance. Interstate carriers transporting oil or certain hazardous substances must carry at least $1 million.

Those figures don’t establish fault or guarantee how much compensation is available. A complete coverage review can involve the motor carrier’s policy, policies held by other responsible companies, excess coverage, and the specific terms and limits that apply to your collision. We evaluate available coverage alongside liability evidence and the full extent of your injuries and losses.

What Types of Compensation Are Recoverable in a Truck Accident Claim in San Francisco?

The compensation available in your truck accident claim depends on your injuries, financial losses, and the circumstances of the crash. Economic damages address direct losses, while non-economic damages address the physical and personal consequences of the injury, including pain, emotional distress, permanent scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Your San Francisco truck accident claim may include:

Economic damages for items such as medical bills, hospital stays, medications, lost wages, and lost earning capacity.
Non-economic damages covering pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property damage to vehicles or other property damaged in the accident.
Out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation costs to and from medical appointments or the cost of hiring help at home.
Future care needs and rehabilitation reflecting the cost of ongoing therapy, assistive devices, or home modifications.
Punitive damages in rare cases when the at-fault party’s actions are especially reckless.

We evaluate the concrete financial effects of your collision, including emergency treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, reduced earning capacity, transportation expenses, vehicle repairs, and household support needs. If your injuries require ongoing therapy, medical devices, or modifications to your home, those anticipated costs should be documented as part of the claim.

We also evaluate how the injury changes your daily life in the Bay Area. Long commutes on BART or Muni may become difficult or impossible after a serious spinal or orthopedic injury. You may also struggle with childcare, school drop-offs, and medical appointments if you can’t drive. We listen carefully to how your injuries affect your independence and family responsibilities, so these day-to-day hardships are reflected when our truck accident attorney in San Francisco pursues compensation on your behalf.

In rare instances involving particularly reckless conduct, a court may award punitive damages to punish and discourage similar misconduct. Whatever the extent of your injuries, sound advice can help you understand the damages available. We assess your current and future losses and work to document the full value of your claim.

$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
$17 Million Birth Injury Settlement

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I can’t say enough about Erik Peterson
“
I can’t say enough about Erik Peterson of Peterson Injury Law. He represented my brother and me in a wrongful death case involving my Mom, and we couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate and professional attorney. Losing my Mom was incredibly difficult, and going through a lengthy legal process made it even harder. Erik kept us informed every step of the way, explained everything in detail, and always gave us choices. We had endless questions, and he never once made us feel like we were bothering him. He understood that this wasn’t just a case to us – it was our Mom, and he genuinely seemed to care about what our family was going through.
One thing that made the whole process easier was that we never had to travel to an office. Everything was handled through Zoom, which was incredibly convenient, and we always felt connected and informed. His paralegal, Kate, was also wonderful – helpful, responsive, and always so pleasant to work with.

Other attorneys had turned us down, so we feel incredibly fortunate that Erik took our case. He worked on a contingency basis, and even reduced his fee, which meant a great deal to us. We ultimately settled out of court for more than I expected.

While no amount of money can bring my Mom back, I will always be grateful for the way Erik handled our case and treated our family. My brother and I are truly thankful for everything he did for us. I would wholeheartedly recommend Erik Peterson to anyone looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, professional, compassionate, and genuinely cares about his clients.
”

- M.C.
Erik and his team were incredibly helpful.
“Erik and his team were incredibly helpful. They consistently helped me through the unfamiliar and uncertain legal processes, which were all new to me. I trusted Erik always had my best interests in mind and was fighting on my behalf. I deeply appreciate all they did for me and my family.”

- Peter M.
I truly appreciate everything they did for us.
“Erik and his paralegal, Kate, were incredible throughout our case. Erik is an amazing attorney, he was open with us from the very beginning, attentive, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. His honesty and professionalism gave us so”

- Joyce D.
We cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.
“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”

- Jennifer B.
I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik
“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”

- Quia K.
He was always truthful and honest but also caring.
“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”

- Adrian B.
Erik, I'm incredibly grateful that [husband stroke victim] continues to improve - long after it was thought to be possible.
“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”

- Former Client
Thank you Erik for winning our case!
“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”

- Margaret C.
Erik Peterson handled my case with care and compassion.
“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”

- Kristy N.

Hazardous Areas for Truck Accidents in California

Large trucks require more room to stop and maneuver, making certain road and traffic conditions especially important.

San Francisco roadways and freight corridors that present challenges for large commercial vehicles include:

I-80 and the Bay Bridge. Dense traffic, lane changes, bridge approaches, and limited recovery space can complicate braking and maneuvering for heavy trucks.
US-101. High traffic volume, merging vehicles, changing roadway conditions, and regional commercial traffic make this an important corridor in truck crash investigations.
Market Street and nearby delivery routes. Frequent delivery activity, pedestrians, cyclists, transit vehicles, and constrained turning space require careful vehicle operation.
SoMa and Dogpatch logistics corridors. Heavy-truck movement, loading activity, intersections, and limited visibility can affect routing and collision risk.
Steep urban streets. Grades, tight turns, sight lines, and stopping distance can become significant when a large truck travels through dense city traffic.

In the Bay Area and San Francisco, roads such as US-101, the Bay Bridge, and I-80 present their own hazards for large commercial vehicles. Tight curves, steep grades, foggy weather, and heavy commuter traffic can increase the risk of collisions involving big rigs or semi-trucks. Our investigation considers road geometry, traffic conditions, sight lines, vehicle routing, and delivery schedules when establishing how the collision happened and what evidence should be preserved.

Common Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents

Because of their massive size and weight, commercial vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries. Common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries. The force of a truck collision can cause a TBI with potentially lifelong effects.
Spinal cord injuries. High-impact collisions can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis, chronic back pain, and other long-term disabilities.
Broken bones and fractures. The force involved can cause multiple fractures that require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Internal injuries. Pressure from the collision can damage internal organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys.
Whiplash and neck injuries. Sudden jolting motions can strain or tear muscles and ligaments in the neck, causing whiplash and other soft tissue injuries.
Cuts and lacerations. Flying debris or broken glass can cause deep cuts that require sutures or surgery.
Burn injuries. Fires from fuel spills or explosions can cause severe burns that require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for a truck accident personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the injury under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. A claim for damage to a vehicle or other personal property generally has a separate three-year deadline under Code of Civil Procedure section 338.

Claims involving a government entity follow a much shorter process. California Government Code section 911.2 generally requires a written administrative claim within six months of the injury before a lawsuit can proceed. The statute of limitations can also be paused in certain circumstances, including when you were a minor or legally incapacitated at the time of the collision under Code of Civil Procedure section 352. Your deadline can differ based on the parties and facts involved. We evaluate the applicable timeline early so your required notices, claims, and court filings aren’t missed.

Who Is Liable for Damages in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Responsibility for your truck accident may extend beyond the driver. Potentially liable parties include:

Truck drivers. The operator may be liable if negligence contributed to the accident, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to check blind spots before turning.
Motor carriers. A carrier may be responsible if it failed to properly train its drivers, neglected vehicle maintenance, or encouraged unsafe scheduling practices.
Truck manufacturers. If a mechanical defect contributed to the accident, such as defective brakes or tires, the manufacturer may be liable for the resulting injuries.
Cargo loading companies. If overloading, uneven weight distribution, or other improper loading practices caused the accident, the cargo loading company may be held accountable.
Third-party contractors. Independent contractors that provide maintenance, repairs, or other services may be liable if their negligence caused an equipment failure and accident.
Other drivers. If another motorist contributed to the crash by failing to yield the right-of-way, running a red light, or driving at excessive speeds, that driver may share liability.

We investigate each party’s role through collision records, dispatch materials, inspection and maintenance files, cargo documentation, telematics data, and other available evidence. Identifying every responsible party is essential when several companies and insurance policies are involved.

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Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Hiring a truck accident lawyer can significantly affect the outcome of your claim. A collision involving a commercial truck can involve several companies, multiple insurance carriers, extensive vehicle records, and state and federal regulations beyond those typically involved in car accidents.

Key reasons to work with an experienced attorney include:

Navigating complex laws. Trucking cases often involve multiple state and federal regulations. We identify the rules that apply and use the available records to support your case.
Establishing liability. More than one party may be liable for your accident. We investigate the crash to identify the driver, carrier, contractor, manufacturer, or other party whose conduct contributed to it.
Negotiating with insurers. Insurance companies often have large legal teams working to limit payouts. We handle communications and negotiations while preparing the evidence needed to support your claim.
Proving damages. We gather evidence and value losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, future care, and other costs.
Preparing for litigation. We guide you through discovery, depositions, mediation, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation when litigation becomes necessary.

At Peterson Injury Law, we provide clear guidance and dedicated support after a truck accident. We explain timelines, risks, and expectations in plain language, return calls and messages promptly, and keep you informed at each stage. Our coordinated approach gives you space to focus on recovery and stability while we prepare your claim for negotiation or litigation.

Know Your Rights: Navigating Truck Accident Liability

After a truck accident, questions about your rights and liability can feel overwhelming. Responsibility may extend to the truck driver, motor carrier, truck part manufacturer, or another party. We examine every potential source of liability when pursuing compensation for you.

Key factors in evaluating liability include:

Driver’s negligence: Whether the driver was distracted, fatigued, impaired, or operating unsafely at the time of the accident.
Motor carrier practices: Whether the carrier followed applicable safety and maintenance requirements for drivers and vehicles.
Vehicle compliance: Whether the truck met safety standards and whether inspection and maintenance records reveal unresolved problems.
Third-party liability: Whether companies involved in loading, maintenance, repair, or manufacturing contributed through negligent acts.

Our investigation often includes requesting the truck’s electronic control module data, reviewing logbooks and dispatch records, and examining maintenance, inspection, and cargo files. We compare those materials with available video, witness accounts, truck telematics, and physical evidence from the collision. This evidence-based approach helps explain to an insurer, judge, or jury what happened and who contributed.

Contact us online or call (415) 630-2913 to schedule a free consultation with our San Francisco truck accident attorney.

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