Call Michelle Gershen La Jolla Premier Truck Accident Attorneys – Protecting San Diego

In the upscale community of La Jolla, truck accidents may seem less common than in dense commercial zones—but make no mistake: when they do happen, the consequences are often devastating. With increased deliveries from companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, plus a growing volume of freight traffic moving through San Diego via the I-5 and State Route 52, La Jolla has seen a rise in serious truck-related collisions. Whether it’s a delivery van weaving through Prospect Street or a semi-truck barreling down La Jolla Parkway, these oversized vehicles can cause catastrophic damage in seconds.

Why You Need Michelle Gershen Law for Your Truck Accident Case

Truck accidents involve far more legal complexity than typical car crashes. Between federal transportation laws, commercial vehicle regulations, and overlapping insurance coverage, victims can quickly become overwhelmed. Our firm understands these nuances and knows how to investigate crashes, preserve critical evidence, and hold every liable party accountable—from the driver to the logistics company and their insurers.

Total Case Management, So You Don’t Have To

From your first consultation to the final resolution, we take on every element of your case—medical records, crash investigations, expert consultations, and negotiations. We leave no stone unturned and no insurance tactic unchallenged.

No Language Barriers

San Diego’s diverse communities deserve accessible legal care. We proudly represent English- and Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring language never stands in the way of justice.

Free Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win

We believe access to justice shouldn’t come with financial risk. That’s why your case consultation is 100% free—and you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Common Types of Truck Collisions in La Jolla and San Diego

Understanding the nature of truck collisions is essential when building a strong injury claim. Every truck accident type carries unique liability issues, damage patterns, and legal considerations. Whether it’s a delivery truck speeding through La Jolla Village or a big rig careening off SR-52, our attorneys at Michelle Gershen Law know exactly how to investigate and litigate these high-stakes cases.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), nearly 500,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks occur annually in the U.S., with thousands resulting in life-altering injuries or fatalities. These cases require aggressive legal advocacy, fast action, and in-depth analysis to protect victims and ensure fair compensation.

T-Bone (Side-Impact Collisions)

T-bone collisions, also called broadside crashes, occur when the front of a truck slams into the side of another vehicle. In La Jolla, these are common at intersections like La Jolla Blvd & Pearl Street or the entrance to the Coast Walk Trail where visibility can be poor and delivery trucks often rush through changing lights. Side-impact crashes involving commercial trucks are especially deadly because passenger vehicles offer limited protection on the doors, increasing the likelihood of injury to occupants.

Why they happen:

• Truck running a red light or stop sign
  
• Failure to yield at multi-way stops
  
• Distracted or fatigued commercial drivers
  

Common injuries in side-impact crashes:

• Crushed limbs from vehicle intrusion
  
• Pelvic fractures and lower body trauma
  
• Internal bleeding, often requiring immediate surgery
  
• Spinal cord compression, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis
  
• Blunt-force head trauma, including concussions and TBIs
  

If you were struck from the side by a truck in La Jolla, our truck accident injury attorneys will reconstruct the crash scene and recover video surveillance and witness accounts to hold the trucking company accountable.

Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision with a commercial truck is one of the most violent types of road accidents—and one of the deadliest. These crashes may occur when a truck driver veers into oncoming traffic, often due to distraction, intoxication, or fatigue. Roads like Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla Parkway, and the tight curves of Hidden Valley Road are high-risk areas for head-on impacts, especially when trucks lose control on narrow lanes.

Why they happen:

• Driver falls asleep at the wheel
  
• Swerving to avoid an object or animal
  
• Improper overtaking on a two-lane road
  
• Drug or alcohol impairment
  
• Brake failure or equipment malfunction

Catastrophic injuries typically include:

• Skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  
• Compound fractures of arms, legs, and hips
  
• Chest trauma, including rib fractures and collapsed lungs
  
• Organ damage and internal hemorrhaging
  
• Fatalities or permanent disability from impact velocity

Head-on collisions with large trucks often require extensive forensic analysis. Our team works with accident reconstruction experts and uses black box data to prove fault and secure justice for the injured.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end truck accidents are particularly common on congested San Diego freeways like I-5 and SR-52, especially during high-traffic hours or sudden slowdowns near La Jolla exits. These crashes occur when a commercial vehicle strikes the back of a car that’s stopped or slowing down. Due to a truck’s size and braking delay, the resulting impact can crush the smaller car, leaving occupants with severe or even disabling injuries.

Why they happen:

• Distracted truck driver (texting, GPS usage)
  
• Following too closely in traffic
  
• Speeding or delayed reaction times
  
• Brake system failure or mechanical issues

Injuries often sustained in rear-end crashes:

• Whiplash, neck strain, and cervical sprains
  
• Herniated discs or pinched nerves
  
• Concussions or mild traumatic brain injury
  
• Persistent lower back pain and sciatica
  
• Airbag and seatbelt injuries (bruised ribs, burns, chest trauma)
  

Rear-end collisions with trucks are often wrongly dismissed as “minor,” but we know from experience that even a slow-speed truck strike can result in long-term pain, lost income, and medical bills. We gather dashcam video, truck logs, and road data to make sure you get fully compensated.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the truck’s cab and trailer fold in on themselves, forming an L or V shape. This sudden loss of control typically blocks multiple lanes and causes a chain reaction of crashes. La Jolla’s steep grades and highway transitions—especially coming down from I-5 onto La Jolla Parkway or through the curves of Genesee Avenue—make it an environment where jackknife accidents are more likely, especially in wet or downhill conditions.

Why they happen:

• Slamming the brakes suddenly while speeding
  
• Improper braking on slick or inclined roads
  
• Driver inexperience in managing large trailers
  
• Cargo shifting and destabilizing the trailer
  
• Poor road maintenance and tight curves

Injuries caused by jackknife truck collisions:

• Spinal compression, slipped discs, or vertebral fractures
  
• Shattered limbs and joint dislocations
  
• Severe burns from fires triggered by ruptured fuel lines
  
• Paralysis or traumatic amputations
  
• Crush injuries from multi-vehicle entrapment

In jackknife cases, proving fault may involve examining driver logs, load balance records, and brake performance systems. Our legal team acts quickly to preserve this evidence before it’s lost or manipulated by the trucking company.

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle in La Jolla

Truck crashes aren’t random events—they’re the result of specific, preventable mistakes by drivers, logistics companies, or maintenance teams. In affluent neighborhoods like La Jolla, the sharp contrast between narrow residential streets and high-volume delivery traffic creates the perfect storm for commercial vehicle accidents. Our firm has seen firsthand how corporations and insurers try to escape liability. That’s why we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, gathering the evidence and expert analysis needed to demand full accountability.

Whether you’re struck by a delivery van on Fay Avenue or sideswiped by a semi-truck on La Jolla Parkway, Michelle Gershen Law stands ready to fight for the injured and expose all forms of negligence. Below are the most common types of truck-related injury claims we handle throughout La Jolla and greater San Diego County.

For more on federal safety standards governing these truck types, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s vehicle regulations page.

18-Wheeler and Freight Carrier Collisions

Collisions involving 18-wheelers are among the most catastrophic truck accidents we litigate. These vehicles, also known as big rigs or semi-trucks, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. In La Jolla, these freight carriers are less common—but not absent. When they do pass through on routes like the I-5 corridor or surface streets during detours or late-night runs, the consequences of even a minor mistake can be fatal.

Why these crashes happen:

• Speeding down steep grades (e.g., entering La Jolla from Soledad Mountain Road)
  
• Brake failures due to inadequate maintenance
  
• Overloaded cargo creating instability during turns
  
• Driver fatigue on long-haul cross-county routes

We investigate:

• Black box (ECM) data to confirm speed and braking patterns
  
• Maintenance records and Department of Transportation inspections
  
• Driver logs to uncover violations of federal rest period requirements
  
• Trucking company policies on delivery deadlines and safety oversight
  

These cases often involve corporate defendants and their insurers, who will fight aggressively to reduce your claim. We push harder—with the facts and legal firepower needed to hold them fully accountable.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Truck-involved pile ups are chaotic, high-damage collisions that often involve several cars—and multiple insurance companies. These accidents typically happen when a truck loses control due to weather, distraction, or improper maneuvering and crashes into slowed traffic. La Jolla’s congested arteries and connections to I-5 and I-805 make it a high-risk area for these kinds of events during rush hour.

Why these crashes happen:

• Truck tailgating on congested urban roadways
  
• Driver distraction in stop-and-go traffic
  
• Brake failure while descending toward beach zones or tourist centers
  
• Inability to stop in time due to heavy load momentum

Our legal approach:

• Work with accident reconstruction experts to assign fault proportionately
  
• Collect traffic cam footage, police records, and vehicle damage assessments
  
• Analyze vehicle telematics from all involved cars
  
• File claims across multiple parties and coordinate between policies

Pileups often leave victims struggling with unclear fault, finger-pointing insurers, and severe physical and financial losses. Our attorneys unravel that chaos—and make sure your rights aren’t lost in the confusion.

Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo

An overloaded or poorly secured trailer dramatically increases the risk of an accident. Cargo can shift while turning, fall from the truck bed, or place uneven pressure on the trailer—causing blowouts, rollovers, or loss of braking power. In La Jolla, where narrow lanes and hills demand precise control, this kind of negligence is especially dangerous.

Negligent practices we uncover include:

• Exceeding California’s legal axle weight limits
  
• Failure to use proper straps or securement tools
  
• Poor training of warehouse loading teams
  
• Rushed packing to meet aggressive shipping deadlines

What we examine:

• Load manifests and weight tickets
  
• Bill of lading documentation and shipper liability
  
• Security camera footage from distribution centers
  
• Truck inspections and past violation history

Cargo cases may involve multiple defendants—including loading docks, logistics managers, and third-party contractors. We follow the paper trail and build a case that forces each party to take responsibility.

Drunk or Drug-Impaired Truck Drivers

Driving under the influence is a danger in any vehicle—but in a commercial truck, it becomes a threat to entire communities. Federal law mandates a blood alcohol content (BAC) of no more than 0.04% for commercial drivers, and yet DUI trucking crashes continue to rise. These cases are especially tragic—and we pursue punitive damages to send a message: negligent drivers and companies must pay the full price for endangering innocent lives.

Substances involved include:

• Alcohol
  
• Marijuana or THC edibles
  
• Prescription painkillers or stimulants
  
• Over-the-counter fatigue remedies abused to stay alert

We collect:

• Police reports and DUI arrest details
  
• Toxicology results and chain-of-custody documentation
  
• Company drug testing history and compliance audits
  
• Prior citations or internal warnings ignored by employers
  

We hold both the driver and their employer responsible—especially when the company ignored red flags or allowed a dangerous driver to operate unchecked.

Negligent Hiring and Training by Trucking Companies

When a trucking company fails to screen its drivers, accidents are almost inevitable. Some companies prioritize fast hiring and cost-cutting over safety. If they overlook a driver’s history of DUIs, reckless driving, or lack of certification, they can—and should—be held liable for their role in the crash.

Signs of negligent hiring or supervision include:

• Incomplete background checks or skipped drug screenings
  
• Ignoring prior traffic violations or license suspensions
  
• Failing to train drivers on La Jolla-specific routes and regulations
  
• Allowing unlicensed or medically unfit drivers to remain on the road

Our legal team obtains:

• Driver qualification files
  
• Training protocols and safety manuals
  
• Internal communications regarding hiring decisions
  
• Department of Transportation violation records
  

These are high-liability cases, and we pursue them aggressively because they involve a pattern of systemic negligence—not just one driver’s bad choice.

Delivery Truck Crashes (Amazon, UPS, FedEx)

As La Jolla residents increasingly rely on at-home shopping, the number of delivery vehicles in residential areas has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, these drivers are often under intense pressure to meet quotas, and that can lead to reckless, rushed, or distracted driving—especially on winding residential streets or during high-traffic times.

Common causes of these crashes include:

• Speeding through neighborhoods to stay on schedule
  
• Double-parking in bike lanes or around blind corners
  
• Backing up without visibility near pedestrians
  
• Distracted driving due to phone or GPS use

We investigate:

• Driver’s route logs and delivery schedules
  
• Employer pressure and unrealistic delivery quotas
  
• GPS and telematics tracking from delivery vehicles
  
• Corporate oversight by Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or subcontractors

Whether it’s a branded truck or a subcontractor in an unmarked van, we hold the corporations behind the drivers accountable—and demand fair compensation for those they harm.

Here is the fully expanded, SEO-focused, and medically grounded version of the:

Common Injuries in La Jolla Truck Accident Cases

This section includes:

• In-depth explanations of each injury type
  
• Strategic keyword integration (e.g., La Jolla truck accident lawyer, catastrophic injuries, compensation)
  
• Medically accurate injury context
  
• Local relevance and tie-in to case value considerations

Common Injuries in La Jolla Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents are not only violent—they’re unforgiving. Due to the sheer weight and size of commercial trucks, the injuries sustained in these collisions are often far more severe than in standard car crashes. Whether the crash happens along La Jolla Parkway, near the I-5 merge, or in a residential neighborhood like Bird Rock, the physical toll on victims is life-changing.

At Michelle Gershen Law, we help clients secure full compensation for current and future medical treatment, lost earning potential, and emotional suffering tied to these devastating injuries. We work directly with orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, physical therapists, and trauma specialists to build a case backed by medical expertise.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain experiences a violent jolt or blow, such as hitting the steering wheel, headrest, or airbag during a crash. TBIs range from concussions to severe hemorrhaging and swelling, and can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes.

Causes in truck crashes:

• Head striking interior surfaces during a rollover
  
• Impact forces from rear-end or head-on collisions
  
• Flying debris or broken glass causing blunt trauma

Long-term consequences:

• Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings
  
• Depression and anxiety
  
• Impaired motor function or speech
  
• Increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders
  

TBIs often require ongoing therapy, neuropsychological evaluations, and in-home care. Our La Jolla truck accident lawyers fight to ensure your settlement reflects the lifetime impact of brain trauma.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The spine is particularly vulnerable in truck crashes, especially in side-impact or rollover events. Spinal cord damage can result in temporary loss of mobility—or permanent paralysis. Victims may suffer from paraplegia, quadriplegia, or nerve damage that affects bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and overall independence.

Key facts:

• Even minor spinal trauma can result in chronic pain
  
• Injuries can occur from seat belt torque, ejection, or cab intrusion
  
• Treatment may involve spinal fusion, physical therapy, or implants
  

Lifelong needs may include:

• Home modification (ramps, wheelchairs, bed lifts)
  
• In-home medical assistance
  
• Mobility devices and adaptive vehicles
  
• Mental health support for sudden loss of independence

These injuries carry significant economic damages. We consult with life care planners and economists to calculate the true cost of living with spinal cord damage.

Multiple Fractures and Broken Bones

High-speed truck accidents often involve such force that bones break in multiple places or shatter entirely. Victims may suffer from complex fractures requiring surgical intervention, hardware implants, and extensive physical therapy.

Commonly fractured areas:

• Arms, wrists, and shoulders (from bracing during impact)
  
• Pelvis and femur (from side-impact or T-bone crashes)
  
• Ribs and sternum (from seatbelt force and airbag deployment)

Treatment and complications:

• Surgery with plates, screws, or rods
  
• Months of immobilization followed by rehab
  
• Permanent reduction in mobility or chronic pain
  
• Post-traumatic arthritis and nerve impingement
  

Broken bones are not “simple injuries” when a truck is involved. We ensure these damages are not downplayed and push for maximum recovery for physical limitations and missed work.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

Blunt-force trauma from truck collisions can cause serious internal injuries that are often not visible immediately. Without quick diagnosis and emergency care, these injuries can be fatal or lead to long-term complications.

Injury types:

• Liver lacerations and spleen ruptures
  
• Kidney damage from compression
  
• Collapsed lungs or punctured diaphragm
  
• Internal bleeding requiring transfusion or surgery

Signs include:

• Abdominal pain, swelling, or bruising
  
• Low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting
  
• Shortness of breath or rapid pulse
  

We work closely with trauma specialists to document and value these injuries. Our goal is to secure the compensation needed for surgery, follow-up care, and time away from work.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Trapped limbs or severe vehicle deformation can result in surgical amputations or traumatic limb loss. These injuries are especially common in underride accidents, jackknife collisions, or rollovers where the cab is compressed.

Common consequences:

• Above- or below-knee amputations
  
• Prosthetic devices and long-term physical therapy
  
• Depression, PTSD, and body-image issues
  
• Career change or total work disability
  

We collaborate with prosthetics experts and rehabilitation centers to build a strong narrative around the personal and professional cost of limb loss, demanding every dollar needed for long-term care and mobility restoration.

Neck and Soft Tissue Injuries

While some neck and muscle injuries might sound minor, they can significantly affect quality of life and take months or years to resolve. Truck accidents, especially rear-end collisions, often cause severe strain on the cervical spine, leading to lasting pain and stiffness.

Types of soft tissue injuries:

• Whiplash and muscle tears
  
• Herniated or bulging discs
  
• Tendon sprains and shoulder impingement
  
• Chronic neck and upper back pain

These injuries are often underappreciated by insurance companies—but they can interfere with your ability to work, drive, or care for family. We document every doctor’s visit, imaging result, and therapy session to establish the severity and cost of ongoing soft tissue injuries.

How Michelle Gershen Law Fights—and Wins—for La Jolla Truck Crash Victims

When you’re injured in a truck accident, the insurance company isn’t your ally—it’s your opponent. Commercial trucking carriers are backed by aggressive legal teams, corporate adjusters, and billion-dollar insurance firms that are trained to minimize payouts. Their goal is simple: pay you as little as possible, and move on.

At Michelle Gershen Law, our goal is the exact opposite: maximize your recovery and hold every responsible party fully accountable. Whether your accident happened on the I-5 near La Jolla Shores, the steep descent on La Jolla Parkway, or a residential delivery route off Nautilus Street, we take every case seriously—no matter the location, circumstances, or severity.

We don’t wait for the insurance company to play fair. We prepare for war—so you’re in the strongest position whether your case is resolved at the negotiation table or in front of a jury.

Strategic and Immediate Case Investigations

Truck companies begin defending themselves within hours of a crash—often sending investigators to the scene before victims are even hospitalized. You deserve the same urgency on your side.

That’s why we:

• Send legal notices to preserve black box (ECM) and GPS data
  
• Interview eyewitnesses and secure surveillance footage
  
• Inspect the truck and trailer for maintenance or defect issues
  
• Analyze road conditions, skid marks, and intersection camera data

This aggressive approach ensures no critical evidence is lost or buried—and puts pressure on the trucking company early in the process.

Battling Insurance Companies with Relentless Legal Pressure

Insurers often try to shift blame, offer lowball settlements, or delay payout for as long as possible. We don’t tolerate these tactics. Our team:

• Responds with detailed legal demands backed by expert reports
  
• Presents medical narratives, life care plans, and economic damages
  
• Challenges misleading defense tactics with deposition and trial prep
  
• Prepares every case as though it’s going to court

We treat your case with the seriousness it deserves—because your medical care, financial recovery, and peace of mind depend on it.

Holding All Negligent Parties Responsible

Truck crashes rarely involve just one mistake or one bad actor. We look deeper. Often, we uncover that the driver wasn’t just careless—their employer cut corners, ignored red flags, or violated federal trucking laws.

We go after:

• Trucking companies for negligent hiring and supervision
  
• Third-party logistics firms for improperly loaded cargo
  
• Vehicle manufacturers for defective brake systems or parts
  
• Contractors or delivery platforms that pressured drivers to speed or skip rest breaks

Our goal is not just to win—it’s to win against every liable party, so you receive the full financial justice you’re entitled to under California law.

A Reputation for Results and Relentless Representation

At Michelle Gershen Law, we’ve earned our reputation through consistency, compassion, and courtroom toughness. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact a truck accident can have on a person’s life—and we refuse to settle for anything less than full accountability.

Why La Jolla victims choose us:

• Decades of combined experience in complex truck crash litigation
  
• Local knowledge of San Diego County’s roads, insurers, and courts
  
• Access to the best accident reconstructionists and medical experts
  
• Transparent communication and no legal fees unless we win your case

We measure success not just in dollars—but in the security, closure, and confidence we deliver to every client.

You Deserve an Advocate Who Treats Your Case Like Their Own

From day one, we handle everything—from evidence collection to aggressive negotiations—so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. We’re not just another law firm; we’re your partner in the fight for justice.📞 Contact Michelle Gershen Law today for a free consultation.
No fees unless we win—just real support, powerful advocacy, and results that reflect the true value of your pain, loss, and future.