Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys

Whether your accident happened in the busy Gaslamp Quarter, along Pacific Highway, or near the Port of San Diego’s industrial zones, Gershen Law Firm is here to stand up for your rights. We understand the local nuances of traffic flow, delivery routes, and pedestrian safety challenges unique to San Diego. Our team has successfully recovered substantial settlements for clients injured by vehicles operated by major companies like Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

It’s important to remember that commercial vehicle accident cases are not like typical car accident claims—they are legally complex, often involving multiple layers of liability, corporate policies, and overlapping insurance coverage. At Gershen Law, we don’t just handle cases—we build aggressive legal strategies backed by detailed investigations and expert analysis. To learn more about how California regulates commercial vehicles and pedestrian safety, visit the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Your recovery starts with the right legal team. Contact Gershen Law today for a free consultation. We fight to hold negligent corporations accountable and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Understanding the Unique Challenges of Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases in San Diego

Being hit by a commercial vehicle introduces a layer of complexity far beyond what you’d encounter in a standard car accident claim. San Diego’s dense urban areas, major industrial zones, and extensive freeway system create a perfect storm for serious commercial vehicle collisions. Whether you were struck by a delivery truck on the I-805, hit by a utility van in Chula Vista, or injured by a rideshare vehicle in the Gaslamp Quarter, these cases require specialized legal expertise to untangle the web of liability and insurance coverage.

One of the key challenges in San Diego commercial vehicle accident cases is the presence of multiple responsible parties. Unlike regular car crashes, where you’re usually dealing with a single negligent driver, commercial vehicle accidents often involve layers of liability that can include the driver, the employer, a third-party contractor, the vehicle manufacturer, and even maintenance companies. This complexity means that building a strong case demands in-depth investigation, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of California’s commercial vehicle regulations.

Another factor that sets these cases apart is the corporate defense strategy. Large companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx have powerful legal teams and insurers dedicated to minimizing their financial exposure. These corporations will often act quickly to limit their liability, sometimes even dispatching their own investigators to the scene within hours of the crash. At Gershen Law, we know these tactics well and are prepared to respond immediately to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and build an airtight case on your behalf. Our experience with San Diego’s legal landscape means we can anticipate corporate defense strategies and counter them effectively, ensuring your claim is positioned for success from day one.

Common Types of Commercial Vehicles Involved in San Diego Accidents

San Diego’s roadways are filled with a wide variety of commercial vehicles—each posing unique dangers to pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. From downtown delivery trucks to massive freight haulers navigating our freeways, these vehicles are essential to the economy but can cause devastating accidents when operated negligently. Understanding the different types of commercial vehicles commonly involved in collisions helps clarify who may be liable and what legal complexities may arise in your case.

Delivery Trucks and Vans

Delivery trucks and vans are everywhere in San Diego, especially in high-traffic areas like the Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, and Mission Valley. These vehicles, operated by companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and local courier services, are under constant pressure to meet tight deadlines. This pressure often leads to unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, illegal parking, and abrupt stops—all of which significantly increase the risk of accidents. Because delivery companies typically employ a mix of full-time drivers and independent contractors, determining liability and insurance coverage can be tricky. At Gershen Law, we meticulously investigate each party’s role to ensure all responsible entities are held accountable.

Semi-Trucks and Freight Haulers

San Diego’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border and major ports means we have a heavy flow of semi-trucks and freight haulers, particularly along the I-5, I-805, and SR-905 corridors. These massive vehicles, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds, can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities when involved in accidents. Jackknife accidents, wide turns, and brake failures are common hazards associated with big rigs. Cases involving semi-trucks also bring additional complexity due to federal trucking regulations and the involvement of out-of-state companies. Our legal team has deep experience navigating these issues, ensuring full compliance with federal and California trucking laws while aggressively pursuing maximum compensation.

Rideshare and Passenger Transport Vehicles

With San Diego’s thriving tourism industry and active nightlife, rideshare vehicles—such as those operated by Uber and Lyft—are a common sight. These vehicles, along with taxis and shuttle buses, present unique challenges when they’re involved in accidents. Unlike traditional commercial vehicles, rideshare drivers use personal vehicles while connected to a company app, which can create confusing insurance questions about when the rideshare company’s policy is in effect. Gershen Law has successfully handled numerous rideshare accident cases, untangling complex insurance scenarios to secure fair compensation for our clients.

Utility and Service Vehicles

Utility trucks, cable service vans, and municipal vehicles are also prevalent across San Diego, particularly in residential neighborhoods and construction zones. Whether it’s a water utility vehicle in La Jolla or a cable service van in North Park, these vehicles often park or operate in risky locations, increasing the chances of pedestrian or cyclist accidents. These cases frequently involve government entities or contractors, which can introduce additional legal hurdles such as notice requirements and sovereign immunity defenses. Our attorneys know how to navigate these challenges and pursue claims against both private and public sector defendants effectively.

Serious Injuries Resulting from Commercial Vehicle Accidents in San Diego

Accidents involving commercial vehicles often lead to far more severe injuries than typical car crashes, due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. In San Diego—where busy highways, industrial zones, and dense urban areas collide—victims frequently face long-term or permanent injuries that dramatically alter their lives. At Gershen Law Firm, we have deep experience representing clients with catastrophic injuries, fighting for compensation that covers not just immediate medical bills but lifelong care and rehabilitation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

One of the most devastating outcomes of a commercial vehicle accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even with safety measures like airbags and helmets, the force of impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe injuries like brain hemorrhages. Victims of TBI may face lifelong challenges, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and difficulties with speech or movement. In San Diego, where high-speed collisions on freeways like I-15 and I-805 are common, TBIs are a significant concern. Gershen Law works closely with neurologists and medical experts to document the full impact of brain injuries and secure comprehensive compensation.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are another catastrophic consequence of commercial vehicle accidents. Whether it’s a direct blow to the spine in a rear-end collision or a crushing injury from a rollover, SCIs can result in partial or complete paralysis. Victims may lose mobility in their limbs (paraplegia or quadriplegia) and require extensive rehabilitation, home modifications, and lifelong personal care. Our firm has represented numerous San Diego clients with SCIs, building ironclad cases that include future medical projections and life care plans to ensure every aspect of their needs is covered.

Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries

While broken bones may sound less serious than brain or spinal injuries, they can be life-changing—especially when involving multiple fractures, shattered joints, or complex orthopedic trauma. Victims hit by delivery trucks or semi-trailers often suffer fractures in the ribs, pelvis, legs, and arms, which may require multiple surgeries, metal hardware, and prolonged physical therapy. In areas like downtown San Diego and the Port of San Diego, where commercial vehicles frequently navigate tight spaces, these types of injuries are common. Gershen Law works tirelessly to ensure that even so-called “routine” orthopedic injuries are fully compensated, covering both short- and long-term consequences.

Internal Organ Damage and Crush Injuries

The force of a commercial vehicle crash can also cause severe internal injuries, including damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen, as well as crush injuries that may require amputation or result in permanent disability. These injuries often require emergency surgery, intensive care, and extensive follow-up treatment, leaving victims with towering medical bills and long-term health complications. At Gershen Law, we partner with leading San Diego trauma specialists to ensure that every internal injury is thoroughly documented and properly valued in your claim.

Compensation Available After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in San Diego

Victims of commercial vehicle accidents often face overwhelming financial and personal losses. From medical expenses to long-term care, these costs can quickly spiral out of control—making fair compensation absolutely critical. At Gershen Law Firm, we understand the full scope of damages that victims endure and fight relentlessly to secure maximum compensation for every client. Below are the key categories of damages you may be entitled to recover after being hit by a commercial vehicle in San Diego.

Medical Expenses and Ongoing Treatment Costs

Medical costs are often the largest and most immediate concern after a commercial vehicle accident. Victims may require emergency room care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and specialized treatments that can continue for months or even years. In severe cases, long-term care or in-home medical assistance may be necessary. San Diego residents injured in commercial vehicle crashes—especially on major routes like I-5 or in high-traffic districts like Mission Valley—often face skyrocketing healthcare expenses. Gershen Law works closely with medical providers and financial experts to document every treatment cost, ensuring your claim covers not only current medical bills but also future medical needs.

Lost Wages and Future Earning Potential

A serious injury can take you out of work temporarily—or even end your career altogether. Whether you’re sidelined for weeks due to a broken limb or permanently disabled after a spinal cord injury, the loss of income can be devastating. In San Diego’s high cost-of-living environment, even short-term wage loss can strain finances. Our legal team calculates lost wages using pay stubs, tax records, and employer documentation. For clients facing long-term disability, we also bring in vocational experts to estimate lost earning capacity, factoring in career trajectory, benefits, and retirement contributions that would have been earned had the accident not occurred.

Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress

Not all losses are financial. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by a commercial vehicle accident are often just as damaging—and California law allows victims to seek compensation for these non-economic damages. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, or depression after your accident, Gershen Law ensures these damages are fully represented in your claim. We gather personal statements, mental health evaluations, and testimony from family and friends to paint a complete picture of your suffering, giving insurers and juries a compelling reason to award fair compensation.

Property Damage and Out-of-Pocket Expenses

When a commercial vehicle crashes into your car, bike, or personal belongings, the cost to repair or replace damaged property can be significant. From totaled vehicles to destroyed electronics or clothing, property damage is a critical component of your compensation. Our team documents every loss, using repair estimates, replacement costs, and depreciation values to ensure your claim is thorough and precise. We also account for out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments, rental cars, and home modifications needed due to your injury.

What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in San Diego

The aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. But the steps you take immediately following a collision can make a significant difference in both your physical recovery and the success of your legal claim. At Gershen Law Firm, we guide clients through every step of the process, ensuring your rights are protected from day one. Here’s what you should do if you’re hit by a commercial vehicle in San Diego.

Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority after any accident. If you’re seriously injured, call 911 or ask someone else to seek medical help immediately. Even if you feel okay, it’s critical to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries—such as concussions or internal bleeding—may not present symptoms right away. In San Diego, where top-tier hospitals like UC San Diego Health and Scripps Mercy are readily available, don’t delay medical treatment. Early diagnosis not only protects your health but also establishes vital documentation for your personal injury claim.

Report the Accident and Gather Key Evidence

Always report the accident to law enforcement and ensure a police report is filed. The police report will serve as an official record of the incident, which is crucial when dealing with insurance companies. While still at the scene, gather as much evidence as you safely can. Take photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information and statements. In San Diego’s busy streets, commercial vehicle accident scenes can change quickly—so acting fast is essential.

Avoid Discussing Fault and Contact an Attorney Immediately

After the accident, avoid making any statements about who was at fault—even casual comments can be used against you later. Do not discuss the incident in detail with the commercial driver or their employer’s insurance representatives without legal counsel. Commercial vehicle cases are complex, often involving multiple liable parties and corporate insurers who are quick to minimize payouts. Contact Gershen Law as soon as possible. We will take swift action to preserve critical evidence, manage all communications with insurers, and build a strong case to protect your rights.

Hit by a Commercial Vehicle? Contact Gershen Law Today for Expert Legal Help

A commercial vehicle accident can turn your life upside down in an instant—leaving you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and countless questions about your legal rights. At Gershen Law Firm, we have the experience, resources, and determination to take on powerful trucking companies, delivery services, and their insurers. We fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the full compensation you deserve.

Why choose Gershen Law:

• Free, no-obligation case evaluations
  
  
• No legal fees unless we win your case
  
  
• Decades of experience handling complex commercial vehicle accident claims
  
  
• Aggressive negotiation and trial-tested litigation strategies

Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Reach out to our expert team today.

Call us now at (619) 349-6669

Schedule your free consultation online at www.gershenlaw.com/contact-us.