Trusted El Cajon Truck Accident Attorneys

We at Gershen Law understand what a catastrophe a truck accident is. If you were hit by a delivery van, an 18-wheeler, or a construction hauler, our lawyers go into action right away. We preserve critical evidence, negotiate with insurance battles, and compel full monetary compensation for your losses.

Big rigs cause more than 5,000 road deaths annually, the National Safety Council reports. These giant trucks have a weight as much as 20 to 30 times the average car. The result of a crash is catastrophic — in body, in mind, in wallet.

Because truck accident cases involve multiple parties and degrees of liability, victims can’t afford to wait. Our El Cajon truck accident lawyers have decades of courtroom success and real-world experience to bring to bear on every case. We hold insurance companies, trucking corporations, and negligent drivers accountable day one.

Ready to stand up for your future? Contact a veteran East County truck accident attorney today and start down the road to justice. We offer free consultations and do not charge unless we win.

Identifying Every Liable Party After a Truck Accident in El Cajon

In truck accident claims, identifying who is responsible is not always straightforward. Unlike standard car crashes, commercial truck collisions often involve multiple negligent parties. At Gershen Law, our El Cajon truck accident attorneys investigate every angle to uncover all sources of liability. This multi-defendant approach significantly increases your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve.

Many of these parties operate behind the scenes — from corporate fleet managers to maintenance subcontractors. Our legal team understands how the trucking industry works, and we act swiftly to expose safety violations, regulatory breaches, and profit-driven negligence.

Below are the most common parties who may share responsibility in a truck accident case.

Truck Drivers and Their Employers

Truck drivers are held to high safety standards — but not all follow the rules. Speeding, texting, drug use, and fatigue are leading causes of truck-related crashes in East County. When a driver violates these safety expectations, both the driver and their employer can be held accountable.

Under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior,” employers are liable for their drivers’ actions on the job. This includes failing to screen, train, or monitor drivers properly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict hours-of-service and licensing rules, and we use their guidelines to prove violations in court.

Trucking Companies That Prioritize Profit Over Safety

Many trucking carriers cut corners to meet tight delivery schedules. Some fail to maintain their fleets or force drivers to skip rest breaks. Others pressure operators to falsify logbooks or exceed legal driving limits. These unsafe practices directly endanger everyone on the road.

Our El Cajon legal team subpoenas internal company documents, safety audits, and compliance logs. We also investigate whether the trucking company violated California’s carrier regulations, outlined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Cargo Loading and Freight Contractors

Improper cargo loading causes a dangerous weight imbalance. Unsecured freight can shift during turns or stops, leading to jackknife accidents, rollovers, or spilled loads across busy streets like Jamacha Road or Greenfield Drive. If a third-party logistics or warehouse company loaded the trailer, they may share fault.

Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts to determine whether cargo securement failed and who was responsible. We also cross-check the FMCSA’s Cargo Securement Rules to highlight non-compliance.

Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers

In some cases, equipment failure — not driver error — is the main cause of a truck crash. Defective brakes, steering columns, or tires can create sudden, uncontrollable situations. If a faulty component played a role, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.

We partner with mechanical engineers and vehicle safety analysts to examine the wreckage and assess whether a manufacturing defect existed. In these situations, Gershen Law holds billion-dollar corporations accountable for putting unsafe products on the road.

Government Entities Responsible for Road Conditions

Poorly maintained roadways, missing signage, and dangerous construction zones are a hidden factor in many truck crashes. In East County, intersections around Madison Avenue or Washington Avenue often present visibility issues or unclear traffic patterns.

If the City of El Cajon, Caltrans, or another government agency failed to correct known hazards, they may share legal responsibility. However, claims against public entities have strict deadlines, so contacting an attorney immediately is critical. Learn more about these cases at the California Office of Risk and Insurance Management (ORIM).

Holding all responsible parties accountable is one of the most important steps in a successful truck accident claim. At Gershen Law, we leave no stone unturned when building your case. The more defendants we identify, the stronger your path to compensation becomes.

Why El Cajon’s Roadways Pose a Unique Risk for Truck Accidents

El Cajon is a critical traffic corridor in East County San Diego. With major truck routes such as Interstate 8, State Route 67, and East Main Street, the city sees a high volume of commercial freight traffic every day. While this supports the local economy, it also creates unique dangers for drivers and pedestrians. Our El Cajon truck accident attorneys understand how these regional conditions impact truck crash litigation — and we use this insight to build stronger claims.

Unlike many suburban communities, El Cajon’s dense population, industrial zones, and narrow arterial roads increase the likelihood of catastrophic trucking collisions. Local knowledge is key, and our legal team uses it to uncover who was at fault and why.

High Truck Volume on I-8 and Surrounding Arteries

El Cajon’s central location along I-8 makes it a popular route for cross-county and interstate haulers. Trucks frequently exit at Main Street, Mollison Avenue, and North Second Street to make local deliveries. These exits funnel large vehicles into residential and retail areas, where collisions are more likely.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, East County cities like El Cajon consistently report high rates of injury-causing truck crashes. We monitor this data to understand how roadway patterns contribute to risk.

Winding Roads and Narrow Lanes Increase Danger

Unlike the wider highways in northern San Diego, El Cajon’s surface streets and foothill corridors — like Dehesa Road and Harbison Canyon Road — can challenge even experienced truckers. These roads include sharp curves, blind spots, and sudden elevation changes.

In heavy vehicles, such hazards can quickly lead to jackknifing, rollovers, or runaway trailer incidents. Our El Cajon truck crash lawyers work with local roadway engineers to show how infrastructure flaws contribute to crashes and hold the appropriate parties accountable.

Congested Retail Zones Near Parkway Plaza and Fletcher Parkway

Retail areas along Fletcher Parkway and near Parkway Plaza attract thousands of cars and delivery trucks daily. When these zones become congested, even minor mistakes can cause major crashes. Sudden stops, left turns, and distracted navigation all create serious risks for nearby vehicles and pedestrians.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that nearly one in five fatal truck crashes happens on minor arterial roads — the same type found in El Cajon’s busy commercial areas.

Residential Areas Exposed to Commercial Truck Routes

In El Cajon, residential neighborhoods often border high-traffic delivery routes. Communities near Lexington Avenue, Avocado Avenue, and Washington Avenue regularly see large commercial trucks passing within feet of homes and schools.

This proximity puts families at risk. Delivery vehicles from Amazon, FedEx, and UPS may speed through school zones or make unsafe maneuvers in tight areas. Our legal team frequently represents victims from these very neighborhoods.

Construction Zones and Infrastructure Projects Add Hazards

Ongoing public works projects throughout El Cajon — including sewer upgrades, road resurfacing, and utility work — create dangerous temporary conditions. Narrowed lanes, shifting traffic patterns, and unclear signage often lead to truck crashes.

We routinely consult El Cajon city records and project reports to determine whether construction zones contributed to an accident. When local agencies fail to maintain safe detours or warning signs, they may be held partially liable under California public entity laws.

At Gershen Law, we know El Cajon. From the rugged hillsides to the urban grid of downtown, we understand how its unique geography, traffic patterns, and development projects create dangerous conditions for large trucks. That local insight gives our clients an edge — both in investigations and in the courtroom.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in El Cajon

Truck accidents in El Cajon come in many forms, each with its own challenges and legal implications. From overloaded semis on I-8 to local garbage trucks navigating residential streets, these collisions often lead to catastrophic injuries. At Gershen Law, our El Cajon truck accident attorneys have the experience and resources to handle every variety of trucking crash — and we know how to hold all responsible parties accountable.

No two accidents are the same. That’s why we tailor our legal strategies based on the specific type of vehicle, the crash dynamics, and the unique conditions of the scene. Below are the most common truck accident cases we take on in East County.

Crashes Involving 18-Wheelers on I-8

Eighteen wheelers, also known as semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, are among the most dangerous vehicles on the road. These massive rigs require long stopping distances, wide turns, and skilled handling. When operated recklessly or maintained poorly, they become deadly.

We often see 18-wheeler accidents on the I-8 corridor, especially near congested exits like Main Street or Mollison Avenue. Common causes include speeding, brake failure, fatigued driving, and overloaded trailers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks account for over 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes each year. Our legal team acts fast to secure black box data and maintenance records to prove negligence.

Big Rig Collisions Caused by Driver Error or Mechanical Failure

Big rigs — a term often used interchangeably with semis — are responsible for some of the most severe injury cases we handle. These vehicles are used for regional and long-haul freight, often traveling through El Cajon from Arizona or Central California.

Driver distraction, intoxication, or inexperience can cause rear-end crashes, rollovers, and jackknife accidents. Mechanical issues like worn tires, brake line leaks, or transmission failures are also common in these heavy-duty trucks.

Our truck accident lawyers in El Cajon partner with forensic engineers to reconstruct what happened and determine who failed to uphold their duty of care — whether it’s the driver, the carrier, or a parts manufacturer.

Garbage Truck Accidents in Residential Areas

Garbage trucks pose a unique threat in El Cajon’s neighborhoods. These vehicles make frequent stops and operate in tight spaces, often during early morning hours when visibility is limited. Children, pedestrians, cyclists, and parked cars are all at higher risk in these zones.

Due to their weight and limited rear visibility, garbage trucks can cause significant damage even at low speeds. Crashes may result from driver negligence, poor training, or malfunctioning backup alarms.

We pursue liability against private waste hauling companies and municipal contractors when their negligence leads to injury. Learn more about waste industry safety guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Delivery Truck Accidents Near Commercial Centers

El Cajon’s retail centers — including Parkway Plaza, Westfield, and Fletcher Hills Town & Country — see nonstop delivery traffic from companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx. These drivers are often rushed, distracted, and unfamiliar with local streets.

Our attorneys are experienced in holding corporate carriers responsible for crashes involving unsafe driving, missed maintenance, or overloaded vehicles. We also handle cases involving gig economy drivers for services like Instacart and DoorDash when they operate larger cargo vans.

Construction and Utility Vehicle Collisions

Dump trucks, cement mixers, utility haulers, and other specialty vehicles regularly operate in construction zones throughout El Cajon. These trucks are often oversized and poorly maintained, and their operators may not receive adequate training for residential or narrow street environments.

When these vehicles are involved in crashes, we evaluate worksite records, driver logs, and safety protocols to determine if negligence occurred. Government contractors, private builders, and subcontractors may all be subject to liability.

Jackknife Truck Accidents on SR-67

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a sharp angle with the cab, often folding like a pocketknife. These crashes are common on SR-67, especially in hilly or slick conditions. They often block multiple lanes and result in multi-vehicle pileups.

Factors such as improper braking, sudden maneuvers, and driver inexperience all contribute to these crashes. The FMCSA outlines how jackknife risks increase with poor weather and overloaded trailers. At Gershen Law, we use ECM data and crash reconstruction to identify liability fast.

Rear-End Truck Collisions on Main Street

Rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks often happen in El Cajon’s busiest corridors like Main Street and North Second Street. A fully loaded truck requires 20% to 40% more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle. When a truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or following too closely, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Victims often suffer serious spinal, neck, and brain injuries due to the force of impact. Our attorneys obtain dashcam footage, witness statements, and vehicle inspection reports to hold trucking companies accountable for poor driver behavior.

T-Bone Crashes Near Parkway Plaza

T-bone accidents, also called broadside collisions, are particularly dangerous when a large truck strikes the side of a smaller vehicle. These crashes frequently occur near Parkway Plaza where high delivery traffic, complex intersections, and obstructed views create a perfect storm of risk.

When a truck runs a red light or fails to yield, the side impact can cause severe internal injuries or fatalities. Surveillance footage, traffic light timing reports, and witness interviews are critical — and our firm moves fast to collect it all. See more about intersection safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Head-On Truck Collisions on Dehesa Road

Head-on collisions with commercial trucks are often fatal. These crashes typically occur on rural roads like Dehesa Road, where curves, narrow lanes, and high speeds make oncoming traffic dangerous. A distracted or drowsy truck driver who crosses the center line can leave victims with life-altering injuries.

Our legal team investigates whether fatigue, impairment, or mechanical failure contributed to the crash. We also explore whether unsafe road conditions played a role, potentially involving public entities in your claim.

Each of these accident types demands a customized legal strategy. At Gershen Law, our El Cajon truck crash attorneys have decades of experience proving fault in complex cases and delivering results for injured clients. No matter how your crash occurred, we are ready to stand by your side and fight for justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About El Cajon Truck Accident Claims

Victims of truck accidents in El Cajon often face overwhelming questions — especially in the days and weeks after a crash. Below are some of the most common (and important) concerns we hear from clients. These answers are designed to clarify your rights, explain your options, and help you take the next step with confidence.

How Is a Truck Accident Case Different From a Car Accident Case?

Truck accident claims are significantly more complex than typical car crash cases. Commercial trucks are regulated by federal and state laws, and the companies behind them often have powerful legal teams and insurers ready to minimize your payout. Additionally, multiple parties can share liability — including the driver, trucking company, parts manufacturer, or even a government entity.

At Gershen Law, we build comprehensive claims that uncover every liable party. We also review federal safety violations using guidelines from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Crash in El Cajon?

First, call 911 and seek emergency medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Truck accidents can cause internal trauma or brain injuries that aren’t obvious at first. Next, document the crash scene if it’s safe to do so — take photos, gather witness contact info, and avoid discussing fault.

Finally, contact our El Cajon truck accident attorneys as soon as possible. Early legal intervention is critical for preserving evidence like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California?

In most cases, California gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. However, if a government agency (like Caltrans or the City of El Cajon) is involved due to unsafe road conditions, your window to act may be as short as six months.

Delays can cost you your right to compensation. Our attorneys act quickly to meet all legal deadlines and secure your claim.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the crash. Your total award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found 30% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would receive $70,000. Our legal team works hard to minimize any blame unfairly assigned to you.

What Compensation Can I Expect From a Truck Accident Claim?

Every case is different, but you may be entitled to recover for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Long-term care needs or disability
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

In cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also apply.

Will My Case Go to Court or Settle Out of Court?

Most truck accident cases settle before going to trial, especially when handled by an experienced legal team. However, we prepare every case as if it’s headed for court. This aggressive approach often leads to better settlement offers — and if trial becomes necessary, we’re fully ready to litigate.

Insurers take our preparation seriously. They know we won’t accept lowball offers, and they understand we’re prepared to prove your case in front of a jury.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an El Cajon Truck Accident Attorney?

At Gershen Law, there are no upfront costs and no legal fees unless we win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our payment comes from a percentage of your settlement or verdict. This structure ensures that every injured victim — regardless of financial situation — can access top-quality legal representation.

Still have questions? Contact our El Cajon truck crash lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to provide honest answers and fight for your recovery from day one.

Injured in an El Cajon Truck Accident? Call Gershen Law Today

You should not have to face trucking companies and insurance carriers alone. After a serious crash, your focus should be on healing — not battling for compensation. At Gershen Law, our El Cajon truck accident attorneys are ready to take that burden off your shoulders.

We provide aggressive, results-driven legal representation for victims across East County. Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler on I-8, rear-ended by a delivery truck near Parkway Plaza, or struck by a garbage truck in your neighborhood, we will fight for every dollar you are owed.

We offer:

• Free, no-obligation consultations
• No legal fees unless we win your case
• Immediate investigation and evidence preservation
• Direct access to experienced trial attorneys

Don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Call Gershen Law now at (619) 492-5526 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.