San Diego Rainfall Leads to Crash Involving Two Amazon Semi Trucks

On February 13, 2025, a collision involving two Amazon semi trucks on Interstate 5 in San Diego brought traffic to a standstill and raised urgent questions about the safety of commercial vehicles on Southern California’s busiest highways. According to a report from CBS 8 San Diego, both tractor-trailers lost control during a period of heavy rainfall, leading to a dramatic crash that shut down multiple lanes and disrupted commuter traffic for hours. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported, but the incident underscores the significant risks posed by large trucks navigating crowded freeways in adverse weather.

This recent San Diego semi truck crash highlights the vulnerability of drivers when massive commercial vehicles lose control. Tractor-trailers weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when accidents occur, the consequences can be catastrophic. Even without fatalities, victims often suffer serious injuries, long-term medical complications, and overwhelming financial hardship. These cases demand legal guidance from a San Diego truck accident attorney who understands both state negligence laws and the federal safety regulations that govern commercial carriers.

If you or a loved one was involved in the February 13 San Diego semi truck crash or a similar collision, you have important legal rights. The attorneys at Gershen Law are prepared to investigate your case, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Call us today at (619) 492–5526 to schedule your free consultation.

How a San Diego Semi Attorney Can Help After a Truck Accident

When a semi truck crash occurs on a San Diego freeway, the aftermath is overwhelming for victims and their families. Tractor-trailers are far larger than passenger vehicles, and collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, lengthy hospital stays, and long-term financial burdens. In these moments, hiring a San Diego semi truck accident lawyer can make a critical difference. The knowledgeable attorneys at Gershen Law understand how to navigate California negligence laws, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, and complex insurance disputes. More importantly, legal representation ensures victims have an advocate protecting their rights at every step.

Why Legal Representation Matters After a San Diego Semi Truck Crash

Truck accident claims are not the same as ordinary car accident cases. Commercial trucking companies are backed by powerful insurers and legal teams whose goal is to minimize payouts. Victims who attempt to handle their claims without help often find themselves pressured into unfair settlements. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, insurance carriers frequently use tactics designed to reduce compensation, including early lowball offers or delays that leave victims desperate for financial relief. A San Diego truck crash attorney knows how to push back against these strategies, ensuring injured drivers and passengers receive the full value of their claims.

Understanding the Role of Federal Trucking Regulations

Unlike passenger vehicles, semi trucks are subject to strict safety standards set by the FMCSA. These rules cover driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading procedures. A lawyer experienced in truck accident litigation will review whether a violation of these federal laws contributed to the crash. The FMCSA’s official site details how regulations are designed to prevent collisions caused by fatigue, equipment failure, or improperly secured loads. When violations are uncovered, they can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in court.

Hours of Service Rules Protect the Public

Truck drivers are legally limited in the number of hours they can operate a vehicle before resting. When drivers exceed these limits, fatigue can impair reaction times as severely as alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that drowsy driving has the same risks as driving under the influence, and it is a known contributor to highway crashes. A San Diego semi truck accident lawyer can subpoena driver logs and electronic logging device data to determine whether hours of service rules were violated.

Vehicle Maintenance Standards Save Lives

Commercial carriers must follow inspection schedules and keep detailed maintenance records. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that brake failures and tire blowouts are among the leading causes of truck crashes nationwide. When attorneys investigate semi truck collisions in San Diego, they often uncover neglected maintenance, falsified inspection logs, or defective parts that should have been replaced. Holding carriers accountable for these violations requires legal experience and access to mechanical experts.

Identifying All Liable Parties in a San Diego Semi Truck Accident

One of the most challenging aspects of truck accident litigation is determining liability. Unlike car crashes, where fault usually rests with a single driver, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. A San Diego semi truck crash attorney investigates the actions of the driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and even third-party maintenance providers.

Employer Liability Under California Law

California law holds employers accountable for the actions of their employees under the principle of respondeat superior. This means that if a truck driver caused a crash while working, the trucking company can be held financially responsible. According to California Civil Code §1714, any person or entity that fails to use reasonable care and causes harm is legally liable for damages. A skilled San Diego truck accident attorney ensures corporate employers cannot escape responsibility for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.

When Cargo Loading Companies Share Fault

Improperly loaded trailers are a frequent cause of rollovers and jackknife accidents. If an independent contractor or third-party logistics company was responsible for loading the truck involved in the February 13 San Diego crash, they may also be liable. Federal rules on cargo securement are outlined in FMCSA §393.100. When these standards are ignored, victims may pursue claims against both the driver and the cargo company.

How a San Diego Truck Accident Lawyer Builds a Case

Attorneys handling semi truck accident cases must move quickly to preserve evidence. Skid marks fade, vehicle data recorders are overwritten, and witnesses’ memories decline with time. A prompt investigation strengthens a victim’s case and increases the likelihood of full compensation.

Gathering Critical Evidence Immediately

An experienced San Diego semi truck accident lawyer will issue preservation letters to ensure trucking companies retain black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records. This information often proves whether the truck was speeding, whether the brakes failed, or if the driver had exceeded legal hours on duty. Independent accident reconstruction experts can also recreate the crash to explain fault to a jury.

Eyewitness Testimony Strengthens Liability Claims

Witnesses who saw the February 13 crash on I-5 can provide invaluable accounts of how the trucks lost control in heavy rainfall. Attorneys record their statements early, before details are forgotten or influenced by outside conversations. Courts place significant weight on consistent eyewitness testimony when determining negligence.

Medical Records Document the Extent of Injury

A successful personal injury claim depends on proving both liability and damages. Medical documentation is crucial to showing the severity of injuries. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services emphasizes that early treatment and consistent follow-up care protect both health outcomes and claim credibility. Attorneys coordinate with doctors, specialists, and rehabilitation providers to establish the full scope of a victim’s needs.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Once evidence is secured, the negotiation process begins. Insurance companies often dispute liability or undervalue damages, especially when catastrophic injuries are involved. An attorney prevents victims from being taken advantage of during these discussions.

Maximizing Compensation Through Strategic Negotiation

Legal teams calculate damages not only for immediate medical costs but also for lost income, diminished earning capacity, long-term rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. The American Bar Association explains that personal injury law is designed to restore victims as much as possible to their pre-accident condition. Without skilled negotiation, victims may walk away with settlements that fail to cover their future needs.

Why Victims of San Diego Semi Truck Crashes Should Act Quickly

Time is not on a victim’s side after a serious truck collision. Evidence can be lost, statutes of limitations can expire, and insurance companies may close claims prematurely.

California’s Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents

Under the California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, victims generally have two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Families pursuing wrongful death claims face the same deadline. Missing this filing window typically bars recovery entirely.

Special Deadlines for Claims Against Public Entities

If roadway design or poor maintenance contributed to the crash, victims may have claims against Caltrans or another public entity. These cases require filing a notice of claim within six months under the California Government Claims Act. Because deadlines are shorter, immediate legal guidance is critical.

Get Paid After a Truck Crash in San Diego

After a semi truck accident in San Diego, many victims quickly realize that the road to recovery involves more than just medical treatment. Hospital bills arrive in the mail, paychecks stop coming in, and daily expenses continue to pile up. Victims deserve fair compensation, but the process of getting paid after a truck crash in California can be complex. Insurance companies rarely offer what is fair, and commercial trucking carriers often have powerful attorneys protecting their own bottom line. With the help of a San Diego truck accident lawyer, victims can pursue financial compensation that covers not only immediate expenses but also long-term losses.

Understanding Compensation After a Semi Truck Accident

The compensation available after a San Diego semi truck crash depends on the severity of the injuries, the length of recovery, and whether negligence can be proven. California law allows victims to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses, ensuring that injured drivers and passengers are not left to shoulder the financial burden alone. According to the California Courts Self-Help Center, civil claims for personal injury are designed to restore victims to the financial position they were in before the accident.

Economic Damages That Can Be Recovered

Economic damages are the measurable financial costs of an accident. A San Diego truck accident attorney will gather records, invoices, and expert evaluations to demonstrate the full scope of these losses.

Medical Bills and Ongoing Health Care Costs

The National Institutes of Health explains that truck accident victims often face lifelong care needs, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive equipment. After a crash involving two Amazon semi trucks in San Diego, victims may need months or years of treatment. Compensation can include emergency care, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and anticipated future medical expenses.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

When injuries prevent a victim from working, lost income can quickly become one of the largest financial burdens. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that serious injuries frequently lead to partial or total disability that limits future career opportunities. Compensation can cover both the income lost during recovery and the diminished ability to earn in the future.

Property Damage and Replacement Costs

Semi truck crashes often result in totaled vehicles and the destruction of personal property inside. California law allows victims to recover for the fair market value of their car and any other property damaged in the collision. A lawyer will also consider towing, storage, and rental car expenses when calculating total losses.

Non-Economic Damages for Truck Crash Victims

In addition to financial losses, victims of San Diego truck accidents may also pursue compensation for intangible harms that deeply affect the quality of life.

Pain and Suffering in Semi Truck Collision Claims

Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma are compensable under California civil law. The American Psychological Association confirms that accident survivors often experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder long after the physical wounds have healed. A semi truck crash lawyer in San Diego can help present these challenges to a jury or insurance company in a way that reflects their true impact.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life and Permanent Disability

When a victim can no longer engage in hobbies, travel, or family activities because of their injuries, courts may award damages for loss of enjoyment of life. Permanent disability, such as paralysis or amputation, can also support a claim for significant compensation. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, spinal cord injuries caused by high-impact collisions often require lifelong care and adjustments, making full compensation critical.

How a San Diego Semi Truck Crash Lawyer Proves the Value of Your Claim

Insurance companies are quick to dispute injury claims, especially when large sums of money are involved. Proving the value of damages requires careful legal strategy and supporting evidence.

Collecting Evidence to Support Compensation

A San Diego truck accident attorney will collect police reports, medical records, employment documentation, and expert testimony to establish the extent of losses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasizes that evidence is key in showing how truck collisions differ from ordinary car accidents in terms of damage and severity.

Using Expert Witnesses to Calculate Long-Term Costs

Economists and vocational experts can testify about how an injury affects future income. Medical specialists can explain the cost of long-term care, prosthetics, or therapy. This professional input ensures that victims are not underpaid for damages they have yet to experience.

Demonstrating Pain and Suffering Through Testimony

Attorneys may use journal entries, family testimony, or psychological evaluations to show how a truck accident has impacted daily life. These details strengthen non-economic damage claims and provide a more complete picture of the harm caused.

The Role of Comparative Fault in San Diego Truck Accident Cases

California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if a victim shares some responsibility for a crash, they may still recover compensation. The California Legislative Information portal explains that damages are reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault.

Examples of Comparative Fault in Semi Truck Crashes

If a victim was speeding at the time of the collision, but the truck driver was also fatigued or improperly trained, both parties may be assigned a share of liability. Even if the victim is found partially responsible, they can still recover a proportional amount of damages.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial Under Comparative Negligence

Insurance companies often exaggerate a victim’s share of fault to minimize payouts. A San Diego truck crash lawyer pushes back by presenting accident reconstruction evidence, black box data, and witness statements to show the trucking company’s role in the collision.

Why Victims Should Act Quickly to Get Paid After a Truck Accident

Time limits play a major role in whether victims successfully recover compensation.

California’s Two-Year Statute of Limitations

Under the California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, victims generally have two years from the date of a semi truck accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery.

Shorter Deadlines for Claims Against Public Entities

If roadway design, poor signage, or dangerous conditions contributed to a truck crash, victims may need to file a government claim within six months. These strict deadlines are outlined in the California Government Claims Act, making early legal action essential.

How to File a Claim After a San Diego Tractor Trailer Crash

Filing a claim after a tractor trailer crash in San Diego can feel overwhelming, especially when serious injuries and medical bills are involved. Victims are often left facing aggressive insurance adjusters, unclear liability, and strict deadlines under California law. Knowing the correct steps to file a claim ensures that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving full financial compensation. With guidance from a San Diego truck accident lawyer, you can navigate the claim process and avoid mistakes that insurance companies use to deny or reduce payouts.

First Steps to Take After a Semi Truck Collision in San Diego

The process of filing a claim begins immediately after the crash. What you do in the hours and days following a tractor trailer accident will greatly impact the success of your case.

Calling Law Enforcement and Creating a Police Report

The California Highway Patrol and the San Diego Police Department are responsible for investigating truck crashes on local roads and freeways. A police report documents the facts of the accident, including the time, location, and statements from drivers and witnesses. Without this official record, insurers may dispute how the crash occurred. Your attorney will later obtain a copy of this report to strengthen your claim.

Seeking Medical Care and Documenting Injuries

Even if injuries appear minor, you should always seek medical attention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that trauma from vehicle crashes may not be obvious right away, and untreated injuries can become life-threatening. Emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging, and follow-up appointments create a medical record that links your injuries directly to the crash, which is essential when filing an insurance claim.

Why Immediate Medical Care Protects Your Claim

Insurance companies often argue that delays in treatment mean the injury was unrelated to the accident. By seeing a doctor promptly and following recommended care, you protect both your health and your legal rights.

Filing an Insurance Claim After a San Diego Tractor Trailer Crash

Once you have taken the immediate steps to protect your health and gather evidence, the next stage is filing a claim with the insurance providers. This process is rarely straightforward when it involves semi trucks, as multiple parties and policies are usually involved.

Understanding Which Insurance Policies Apply

Commercial trucking cases may involve policies covering the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, and even third-party contractors. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires trucking companies to carry high-limit liability insurance, but insurers frequently fight to minimize what they pay out. A San Diego truck accident lawyer can identify every available policy and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.

Multiple Defendants Can Complicate the Claim

For example, if a cargo loader failed to secure freight properly and contributed to the crash, your attorney may file claims against both the trucking company and the loading contractor. Each insurer may try to shift blame to avoid responsibility, which makes legal guidance essential.

Filing a Claim With Your Own Insurance

If the at-fault truck driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to turn to your own uninsured motorist coverage. The California Department of Insurance explains that policyholders have the right to use these benefits when another driver lacks sufficient coverage. However, insurers often deny or delay payments, even to their own customers.

How a Lawyer Handles Insurance Disputes

An attorney negotiates directly with insurers, reviews policy language, and challenges wrongful denials. This allows victims to focus on recovery while their lawyer ensures that all possible avenues of compensation are explored.

Building a Strong Claim After a Tractor Trailer Crash

Filing paperwork is only one part of the process. A strong claim requires evidence that proves negligence, documents damages, and demonstrates the full impact of the crash on your life.

Collecting Evidence Beyond the Police Report

A San Diego semi truck accident attorney gathers driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and surveillance footage. The National Transportation Safety Board emphasizes that this type of technical evidence is often crucial in truck crash investigations. Without it, insurers may succeed in disputing liability.

The Importance of Expert Witnesses

Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists, doctors, and financial experts can show how the crash happened, how it caused injuries, and how much those injuries will cost over a lifetime. Courts often rely heavily on expert analysis when determining fault and damages.

Deadlines for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in California

Time limits are critical in San Diego truck crash cases. Victims must file within strict legal deadlines or risk losing their right to compensation.

California’s Two-Year Statute of Limitations

According to the California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits generally must be filed within two years of the crash date. Waiting too long to act can bar recovery completely.

Special Rules for Claims Against Government Agencies

If a poorly maintained road or a dangerous freeway design contributed to the accident, you may have a claim against Caltrans or the City of San Diego. The California Government Claims Act requires that such claims be filed within six months. This short deadline is why immediate consultation with a San Diego truck accident lawyer is so important.

Why Legal Guidance Is Essential When Filing a Claim

Filing a claim after a San Diego tractor-trailer crash is not just about submitting paperwork. It is about protecting your future, ensuring your medical needs are covered, and holding powerful trucking companies accountable. Without experienced legal help, victims risk being pressured into accepting far less than they deserve.

How Gershen Law Helps San Diego Truck Crash Victims

At Gershen Law, our attorneys launch investigations from day one, gather critical evidence, and take on insurance companies that try to deny justice. We know how to navigate both California state law and federal trucking regulations to build strong claims. Our mission is to ensure victims are not left with medical debt or lost wages while negligent parties walk away unaccountable.

Why Acting Quickly Protects Your Rights

Every day that passes after a truck crash increases the risk of losing evidence or missing a deadline. Taking action with the support of a San Diego truck accident attorney ensures your case is preserved and your voice is heard.

Contact a San Diego Semi Truck Crash Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love was hurt in the February 13 San Diego semi truck crash or in any other collision involving a tractor trailer, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. The physical pain, medical bills, and financial stress can feel overwhelming, but you have legal options. At Gershen Law, we fight to make sure victims of trucking accidents in San Diego receive the compensation they need to recover and move forward.

Our legal team has extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases. We know how to investigate federal trucking violations, challenge insurance companies, and hold negligent drivers and companies accountable. Every case we handle is built with care, precision, and an unwavering commitment to justice for our clients.

Do not wait to get the legal support you need. Evidence from semi truck crashes disappears quickly, and strict California filing deadlines apply to injury and wrongful death claims. Acting now ensures your rights are preserved and your voice is heard.

Call Gershen Law today at (619) 492–5526 or reach us through our secure contact page. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Let Gershen Law be your advocate after a San Diego semi truck crash. We are ready to fight for your rights, your recovery, and your future.