Trusted San Diego 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

According to the National Safety Council, almost 5,000 deaths are caused across the country annually by commercial trucking accidents, with California consistently ranking high. The unique dangers posed by these 18-wheelers—such as long stopping distances, wide turns, and driver fatigue—require a legal team that is knowledgeable about each of these types of cases. That is exactly what we have.

Our experienced lawyers exclusively handle catastrophic truck accidents involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and articulated lorries. We do not categorize these cases under typical auto accidents. Instead, we utilize specialized techniques that uncover driver log violations, vehicle maintenance negligence, and unsafe trucking practices.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash with a commercial 18-wheeler, you need aggressive representation right away. Our San Diego 18-wheeler accident lawyers act fast, preserve crucial evidence, and battle for full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Learn more about why truck collision claims differ from ordinary car accidents and why prompt legal action matters.

Understanding the Devastating Impact of 18-Wheeler Accidents in San Diego

The force of a fully loaded 18-wheeler traveling at highway speeds is nothing short of destructive. When these massive commercial trucks collide with smaller passenger vehicles, the consequences are often devastating. Victims are left with catastrophic injuries, families are torn apart, and lives are permanently altered. At Gershen Law, our San Diego 18-wheeler accident attorneys focus solely on cases involving large commercial vehicles because we know how complex and high-stakes these claims truly are.

Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes involve multiple parties, strict federal regulations, and deep-pocketed trucking corporations that deploy defense strategies within hours. These are not cases for general practitioners. They demand a legal team with deep investigative resources, a clear understanding of California and federal transportation law, and relentless courtroom skill.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, San Diego County consistently ranks among the top counties for traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries involving commercial trucks. Unfortunately, many of these tragedies could have been prevented if companies and drivers had simply followed the rules.

Why San Diego’s Road System Increases the Risk of Deadly 18-Wheeler Crashes

San Diego is a complex transportation hub. With the Port of San Diego receiving hundreds of freight shipments weekly, commercial truck volume is extremely high throughout the region. The city’s network of freeways and expressways—including I-5, I-8, I-15, and SR-163—was not built for the modern demands of today’s freight economy. As a result, San Diego drivers face a higher risk of collisions with 18-wheelers than most other areas in California.

Heavy congestion in areas like Mission Valley, Barrio Logan, and the South Bay increases the chances of a crash. These zones see a high volume of semi-truck traffic, particularly during rush hour and port delivery hours. One minor miscalculation by a fatigued or distracted truck driver can result in a chain-reaction pileup involving multiple vehicles and serious injuries.

The Hidden Dangers of San Diego’s Most Heavily Traveled Truck Routes

San Diego’s role as a cross-border freight hub brings tens of thousands of commercial trucks through the city every week. Major freight corridors like I-5 and I-15 connect San Diego with Los Angeles, Tijuana, and beyond. But these corridors are also notorious for severe truck-related collisions.

For example, the stretch of I-15 running from National City through Mira Mesa is particularly treacherous. Sharp exits, narrow merging lanes, and high-speed traffic create the perfect conditions for an 18-wheeler crash. According to crash mapping data from California’s SWITRS program, this area sees dozens of major trucking accidents each year, many resulting in critical injuries or fatalities.

Even more dangerous are the on-ramps and interchanges where these heavy trucks attempt to merge or exit under tight spacing and time constraints. When companies pressure drivers to meet delivery schedules regardless of road conditions, the risk to public safety spikes dramatically.

What Makes 18-Wheeler Collisions in San Diego So Complex?

Collisions involving 18-wheelers are rarely straightforward. These are not minor fender benders—they are high-stakes, high-liability events involving layers of legal and technical complications. At Gershen Law, our San Diego 18-wheeler accident attorneys specialize in dissecting the unique challenges that set these crashes apart.

From the moment a semi-truck hits another vehicle, the legal landscape becomes more complex than a standard car crash. Multiple defendants, overlapping insurance policies, federal safety rules, and industry-specific evidence all come into play. Without an experienced trucking injury attorney, critical details get overlooked—and your compensation suffers.

Multiple Parties Can Be Held Liable in an 18-Wheeler Accident

Unlike typical vehicle accidents where one driver is usually responsible, 18-wheeler crashes often involve several parties. Each one may carry separate insurance, follow different safety protocols, and deny accountability. Determining liability requires a deep investigation into the entire operation behind the truck.

Who May Be Liable in a San Diego 18-Wheeler Crash?

Determining fault in an 18-wheeler crash is not always as simple as blaming the driver. In most cases, multiple parties play a role in how and why a collision occurred. Our San Diego 18-wheeler accident attorneys conduct deep investigations to identify every liable party. This ensures that no one escapes accountability and that our clients have access to the full pool of financial recovery available.

Below are the most common parties who may share responsibility in a commercial truck collision.

The Truck Driver

In many cases, the truck operator is the immediate cause of the crash. Drivers who are fatigued, distracted, or impaired behind the wheel pose a serious risk to everyone on the road. Long hours on the highway often lead to delayed reactions, poor judgment, and even dozing off while driving.

We examine the driver’s hours-of-service records, cellphone usage, and toxicology reports to prove negligence. Whether it was a failure to yield, speeding, or texting behind the wheel, the driver’s choices matter—and so does holding them accountable.

The Trucking Company

Trucking carriers frequently push drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, often pressuring them to skip required rest breaks or drive beyond legal limits. In some cases, companies knowingly hire underqualified or unsafe drivers to meet demand.

Our team looks closely at company hiring practices, driver training protocols, and internal compliance logs. If the employer failed to monitor its fleet properly or enforced unsafe policies, we pursue direct liability against the company.

Maintenance Contractors

Commercial trucks must be regularly inspected and serviced to meet both state and federal safety standards. When outside maintenance vendors neglect vital repairs or skip inspections, disaster follows.

We subpoena work orders, service logs, and inspection checklists to determine whether mechanical failure contributed to the crash. Faulty brakes, bald tires, and steering malfunctions are all signs of negligent maintenance that can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Cargo Loaders

Improperly secured or unbalanced cargo can destabilize even the most carefully operated truck. Sudden weight shifts during turns, lane changes, or braking often cause jackknife or rollover crashes.

Our firm reviews loading manifests, weigh station data, and surveillance footage when available. We hold third-party shipping and loading companies responsible if they failed to distribute or secure freight safely and in accordance with regulations.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers

Sometimes the crash results from equipment failure due to defective parts. Manufacturers of brakes, tires, coupling systems, and other components can be held strictly liable for damages if a product defect contributed to the incident.

Through expert analysis and product recalls, we identify if a defect played a role. When necessary, we file product liability claims against the manufacturer to ensure every contributing factor is addressed.

Municipal Entities

Poorly designed or maintained roads also play a role in many truck crashes. Missing signage, dangerous curves, potholes, or inadequate lighting can cause even the most skilled driver to lose control.

Our attorneys file government claims against cities, counties, or state agencies when their failure to maintain safe roadway conditions results in injury. We act quickly to meet California’s strict deadlines for public entity claims.

Federal and State Regulations Add Complexity

18-wheelers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets rules for driver conduct, equipment inspections, and hours of service. These rules are designed to prevent fatigue, mechanical failure, and unqualified drivers from getting behind the wheel.

However, when companies cut corners to increase profits, they put the public in danger. Our San Diego trucking accident attorneys use FMCSA violations as powerful evidence of negligence. We dig deep into:

• Hours-of-service logbooks to uncover fatigue
• Maintenance records for skipped inspections
• Driver qualification files for improper training or licensing
• Onboard electronic logging devices (ELDs) for real-time crash data

Each violation strengthens your case and increases your potential recovery.

Commercial Insurance Policies Are Complicated

Trucking companies rarely carry a single insurance policy. In fact, many 18-wheelers are covered by several layers of liability insurance, umbrella policies, and third-party contractor coverage. Each policy has its own limitations, exclusions, and claims processes.

Insurance companies are quick to deny coverage, delay claims, or point fingers at one another. At Gershen Law, we untangle these complexities. We identify every available policy, calculate true coverage limits, and force insurers to meet their full financial obligations.

Critical Evidence Can Disappear Without Immediate Action

18-wheelers  are equipped with “black boxes” that store vital crash data: speed, braking, acceleration, steering, and more. But this data can be overwritten in just days. Trucking companies know this—and they move fast to protect themselves.

That’s why we take immediate legal steps to preserve:

• Black box (ECM) and ELD data
• GPS location history
• Dashcam footage
• Driver mobile phone records
• Vehicle inspection logs
• Dispatch communications

Our team sends legally binding spoliation letters and subpoenas to prevent destruction or tampering. Acting early gives us a major advantage during negotiations or trial.

Cross-Jurisdictional Legal Issues Are Common

San Diego’s strategic location near the U.S.-Mexico border and major ports means many 18-wheelers come from out of state or even out of the country. That adds another layer of legal complexity.

Different insurance laws, regulations, and court jurisdictions can apply, especially if the truck is owned by a company based in another state. We work to ensure your case is handled in California courts—where your injuries occurred and where justice should be served.

When you’re up against trucking companies with deep resources, you cannot afford delays or guesswork. Our San Diego 18-wheeler accident lawyers use aggressive legal tactics, technical knowledge, and years of courtroom experience to fight back and win.

Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types We Handle in Southern California

Every 18-wheeler crash has its own cause, mechanics, and legal implications. Some involve sudden mechanical failures. Others happen when exhausted drivers make fatal errors on crowded highways. At Gershen Law, our San Diego 18-wheeler accident attorneys have seen the full range of commercial truck collisions across the region—and we know how to build winning cases for each one.

Below are the most frequent types of 18-wheeler accidents we handle. Each poses unique dangers and requires a tailored legal strategy to hold the right parties accountable.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings out at an angle, forming an “L” or “V” shape with the cab. This often leads to multi-lane blockages and catastrophic pileups.

Why Jackknifes Are So Dangerous in San Diego

Hilly terrain and freeway interchanges like the I-805/163 junction create prime conditions for jackknife crashes. These incidents are often triggered by abrupt braking, slippery roads, or unbalanced cargo. We work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze braking patterns, road conditions, and load balance to prove liability.

Rollover Collisions

A rollover involves the entire 18-wheeler tipping over onto its side—often crushing anything in its path.

What Causes a Rollover Crash?

Sharp freeway ramps, such as those near SR-94 and 30th Street, increase rollover risk. Overloaded trailers, speeding, and uneven weight distribution are usually at the core. We investigate driver maneuvers, cargo manifests, and mechanical systems to determine the root cause.

Rear-End Truck Crashes

Because of their massive size, 18-wheelers require significantly more stopping distance than passenger cars. When truck drivers tailgate or misjudge traffic flow, they slam into smaller vehicles with devastating force.

How Rear-End Impacts Happen on San Diego Highways

Rush hour congestion along I-15, I-5, and SR-163 contributes to a high rate of rear-end big rig accidents. Fatigue, distraction, or brake failure often play a role. Our legal team retrieves black box data and dashcam footage to determine speed, reaction time, and following distance.

Underride Collisions

An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides beneath the rear or side of a truck’s trailer. These collisions are among the deadliest types of truck crashes.

Why Underride Crashes Are Often Fatal

Lack of underride guards, poor lighting, and hard braking in traffic can cause a vehicle to become wedged under the trailer. Victims often suffer traumatic brain injuries or fatalities. We consult safety engineers and review vehicle deformation patterns to show how these preventable accidents occur.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks need ample space to make right-hand turns. When drivers swing wide and fail to check blind spots, they can trap or sideswipe unsuspecting vehicles.

Common Sites of Wide Turn Crashes in San Diego

Downtown streets, including Broadway and Pacific Highway, are hotspots for turn-related incidents due to tight intersections. We investigate whether turn signals were used properly and whether the driver followed legal turning procedures.

Tire Blowouts and Equipment Failures

Tire blowouts send rubber shrapnel flying and can cause trucks to veer into oncoming lanes or lose control entirely.

When Poor Maintenance Leads to Disaster

Many blowouts stem from worn treads, underinflated tires, or skipped maintenance. We analyze inspection logs, tire wear reports, and mechanical diagnostics to determine if the carrier ignored safety protocols. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for more on tire safety failures.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

Every 18-wheeler has massive blind spots—also known as “no-zones”—where nearby cars can vanish from the driver’s view.

How Blind Spots Lead to Serious Crashes

Lane changes without proper mirror checks or sensor systems often result in side-impact collisions. San Diego’s multi-lane interstates, especially I-805, make these crashes far too common. We gather mirror configuration data and driver training logs to identify preventable negligence.

Lost Load and Cargo Spills

Improperly secured cargo can spill across the road or fall directly onto other vehicles, creating immediate danger.

Cargo Spill Hazards on Southern California Freeways

From box trailers to flatbeds, unsecured freight can tip a trailer, block traffic, or cause secondary crashes. We examine tie-down procedures, trailer inspections, and freight company protocols to determine who failed in their duty to secure the load.

Every type of 18-wheeler crash comes with distinct legal challenges. That’s why our San Diego 18-wheeler accident lawyers treat each case with a customized approach, backed by evidence, expert witnesses, and relentless pursuit of justice.

Speak with a Proven San Diego 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Today

After a violent 18-wheeler crash, you deserve more than basic legal advice—you need experienced trial attorneys who know how to win. At Gershen Law, we don’t just handle truck accident cases—we lead them. Our San Diego 18-wheeler accident attorneys move fast, investigate thoroughly, and fight fiercely to secure the full compensation you’re owed.

While trucking companies and their insurers work to limit your recovery, we do the opposite. We preserve critical evidence, document the true scope of your injuries, and hold every responsible party accountable. From black box data to federal trucking violations, we use every legal tool to build your strongest case.

Time is critical. Evidence fades. Witnesses disappear. Insurance adjusters are already building their defense. Let us build yours.

There’s no fee unless we win. Your consultation is 100% free—and your future may depend on it.

Start Your Recovery Today

Let Gershen Law take the weight off your shoulders. Call us at (619) 492-5526 or schedule your free consultation online. We’re available 24/7 and ready to fight for every dollar—and every ounce of justice—you deserve.