San Diego’s Leading Big Rig Accident Attorneys  – Gershen Law

Big rigs are responsible for almost one in ten fatal car crashes nationwide, according to the National Safety Council. In Southern California, the statistics grow higher as shipping traffic grows. Regardless of whether your accident was with a loaded 18-wheeler, a coast-to-coast tractor trailer, or a highway-hauling semi-truck, we construct forceful legal claims that require maximum compensation from all responsible parties.

Our attorneys act fast to recover black box data, investigate the crash scene, and take insurance companies on directly. We know how trucking firms operate—and better still, how they try to avoid paying what victims are entitled to. When you retain us, you’re not just hiring an attorney. You’re hiring a fierce advocate committed to fighting for your future.

Learn how Gershen Law builds unshakeable personal injury claims for truck accident survivors throughout San Diego County. And if you’re being bombarded with out-of-control medical bills, lost income, or lifelong injuries because of a tractor-trailer collision, don’t wait. Call now for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice you deserve.

High-Risk San Diego Routes for Big Rig Crashes

Not all truck accidents are created equal. When it comes to big rig collisions, San Diego presents a unique set of challenges. From coastal freight corridors to steep urban interchanges, local geography and infrastructure often worsen crash outcomes. Our San Diego big rig accident lawyers understand these risks and use them to your advantage during litigation.

The city’s port activity, distribution hubs, and cross-county logistics make it a magnet for oversized commercial traffic. Knowing where and how these crashes happen is key to building a winning case.

Interstate 5: One of California’s Deadliest Freight Corridors

Interstate 5 slices directly through the heart of San Diego. It’s also a main artery for long-haul big rig traffic moving cargo between Mexico, Downtown San Diego, and points north.

Accidents here often involve:

• Speeding semis unable to stop in time
• Lane drift near Old Town and Downtown
• Unsafe merges from delivery trucks exiting industrial zones

According to Caltrans District 11, heavy freight volumes and narrow merge lanes increase crash frequency along the I-5. We’ve seen firsthand how sudden stop-and-go conditions lead to jackknife crashes, rear-end pileups, and fatal underrides.

I-805 and SR-163: Tight Curves and High Speeds Create Trouble

Big rigs often lose control on San Diego’s secondary freeways. The I-805, connecting East County to Chula Vista, is a common route for regional haulers and contract drivers.

Meanwhile, State Route 163 includes tight curves and elevation changes that challenge loaded 18-wheelers. The downtown merge points near Balboa Park and Hillcrest are especially hazardous.

We often secure crash reports and road grade data from the City of San Diego Transportation Department to prove how road design played a role in big rig accidents.

Port of San Diego: High-Volume Shipping Means Higher Risk

San Diego’s working waterfront is a logistics powerhouse. With hundreds of trucks loading and unloading each day, it’s no surprise that crashes involving freight haulers are common near the Port of San Diego.

Crashes here often stem from:

• Improperly secured loads
• Driver fatigue due to long port waits
• Rear-end collisions from poor visibility

Gershen Law regularly investigates collisions along Harbor Drive, César E. Chávez Parkway, and terminal entrances. We use this local knowledge to hold both truckers and freight operators responsible.

Busy Intersections and Urban Freight Routes

Not every big rig crash happens on a highway. In fact, some of the most dangerous accidents occur at urban intersections. Delivery-focused big rigs and cross-town trailers often misjudge turns or run lights in densely populated zones.

High-risk intersections include:

• Friars Road and Mission Center Road
• El Cajon Boulevard and College Avenue
• Palm Avenue and 13th Street in National City

When a big rig enters city traffic zones without proper clearance, the consequences can be deadly. At Gershen Law, we investigate local surveillance cameras and traffic signal data to build strong claims for victims.

What Causes Big Rig Accidents in San Diego?

Big rig crashes are rarely accidents in the true sense of the word. Most stem from driver negligence, equipment failure, or corporate irresponsibility. In San Diego, the mix of dense urban traffic, steep roadways, and heavy shipping activity creates a perfect storm for disaster.

Our San Diego big rig accident attorneys dig deep into every case. We go beyond the surface to expose the hidden failures that led to your injuries. Understanding the cause is critical to identifying who should be held accountable—and ensuring they are.

Fatigued Driving: When Hauling Schedules Take Priority Over Safety

Truck drivers often work long hours to meet tight deadlines. Federal regulations under the FMCSA Hours of Service rules are supposed to prevent driver fatigue—but violations are common.

Signs of fatigue-related crashes include:

• Late braking or no braking at all
• Lane drifting before impact
• Drivers admitting to missing rest stops

At Gershen Law, we review driver logbooks, black box data, and GPS records to prove when a driver was too tired to be on the road.

Distracted Operation of Heavy Vehicles

A momentary distraction in a vehicle weighing 80,000 pounds can lead to permanent tragedy. Texting, adjusting a GPS, or checking delivery schedules diverts attention from the road just long enough to cause disaster.

We use:

• Cell phone records
• Dashcam footage
• Witness testimony

…to prove the driver was not paying attention in the critical seconds before the crash.

Improperly Loaded or Overweight Trailers

A poorly balanced or overloaded trailer can cause a semi-truck to:

• Jackknife on a curve
• Overturn during braking
• Slide into adjacent lanes

Freight companies are often liable when their cargo creates instability. Our legal team partners with accident reconstruction experts to analyze weight distribution, loading protocols, and maintenance logs.

We have held third-party shipping companies accountable—even when they weren’t at the crash site.

Brake Failure and Lack of Routine Maintenance

Commercial rigs must be inspected regularly. Still, companies cut corners. Brake lines wear out. Axles crack. Tires go bald. These preventable issues cause thousands of serious accidents every year.

We subpoena:

• Maintenance records
• Mechanic logs
• DOT inspection reports

…to expose companies that sacrifice safety to protect their bottom line.

Speeding and Reckless Driving Through San Diego’s Congested Zones

Many big rig drivers speed to meet tight delivery windows. But these trucks don’t stop like cars. High speeds multiply crash severity and reduce a trucker’s ability to avoid sudden hazards.

We build cases involving:

• Reckless lane changes
• Tailgating smaller vehicles
• Speeding near construction or school zones

By securing ECM speed logs and accident scene data, we build airtight claims that show clear negligence.

Why Acting Fast After a Truck Crash Is Crucial

Time is not on your side after a big rig crash. Every hour that passes can weaken your case. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And trucking companies, backed by corporate insurers, begin building their defense almost immediately.

That’s why our San Diego big rig accident attorneys take urgent, calculated action from day one. Fast legal intervention can make the difference between a dismissed claim and a six- or seven-figure recovery.

Black Box Data Doesn’t Last Long

Most commercial big rigs are equipped with Electronic Control Modules (ECMs), also called “black boxes.” These devices capture critical crash details, including:

• Vehicle speed at the time of impact
• Brake pressure and failure patterns
• Driver acceleration and deceleration

But here’s the catch: some black box systems overwrite data within 30 days—or even sooner.

Our legal team immediately sends preservation letters and subpoenas to ensure this vital evidence is secured before it’s gone. We also work with independent specialists who download and interpret black box data to reinforce your claim.

To learn more about black box technology and your rights, visit FMCSA’s Data Q Portal.

Crash Scenes Change Fast—And So Do Stories

Skid marks fade. Debris gets cleared. Witnesses move on. Within days, the crash site no longer reflects what really happened.

At Gershen Law, we act fast to:

• Photograph the scene from multiple angles
• Pull surveillance footage from nearby businesses
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh

These early steps are critical for accident reconstruction and can prevent the defense from rewriting the narrative.

Insurance Adjusters Will Try to Get to You First

Trucking companies often notify their insurance carriers within hours of a crash. In turn, adjusters may try to contact victims quickly to:

• Get recorded statements
• Push for early settlements
• Minimize liability exposure

Never speak to an adjuster alone. What you say could be used against you—even if it seems harmless. Let our attorneys handle all communication, documentation, and negotiation.

We know their tactics. More importantly, we know how to shut them down.

Medical Documentation Begins on Day One

Even if you don’t feel injured right away, big rig crashes often result in:

• Delayed-onset neck and spine injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries with late symptoms

We help you connect with top-rated trauma centers in San Diego, such as Scripps Mercy Hospital and UC San Diego Health. These facilities provide the high-quality records needed to support your claim and prove long-term damages.

Delays in medical treatment give insurers leverage to devalue your case. Don’t let that happen.

Gershen Law Moves Immediately—So You Don’t Have To

While you focus on healing, we focus on protecting your future. From the moment you call, our legal team begins a strategic response:

• Sending legal notices to preserve evidence
• Documenting your injuries and care needs
• Preparing your claim for aggressive negotiation—or trial

You only get one shot at justice. Make sure it counts.

Who’s Responsible in a San Diego Big Rig Crash? It’s Not Always Just the Driver

In the aftermath of a big rig collision, most people point fingers at the driver behind the wheel. But the truth is far more complex. Our San Diego big rig accident attorneys routinely uncover multiple layers of liability that others overlook. To recover maximum compensation, you must identify every negligent party—not just the obvious one.

Gershen Law investigates every angle, holding trucking companies, contractors, freight operators, and maintenance crews accountable for their role in your injuries.

Negligent Trucking Companies: Profit Over Safety

Many crashes stem from company pressure. Drivers are often forced to meet impossible delivery schedules, skip required rest breaks, or operate poorly maintained vehicles.

Common violations include:

• Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers
• Skipping routine safety inspections
• Ignoring mechanical issues to meet deadlines

We expose these patterns by pulling hiring records, FMCSA audits, and internal training documents. Companies that cut corners to boost profits should be held liable when people get hurt.

For more on motor carrier regulations, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Third-Party Freight Contractors and Loading Crews

In many San Diego-area big rig crashes, the at-fault driver was working for a contracted logistics firm, not the vehicle’s owner. We often find that:

• Freight was improperly loaded
• Cargo weight exceeded federal limits
• Items were unsecured and shifted during transit

When overloaded or unbalanced trailers cause jackknife accidents, Gershen Law targets shippers and cargo handlers, not just the driver. Our experience in complex liability claims gives clients the advantage.

Maintenance Companies That Overlooked Critical Repairs

Big rigs rack up thousands of miles each month. Their components—brakes, axles, tires, and trailer hitches—require consistent maintenance. Unfortunately, some shops fail to meet even the most basic standards.

We investigate:

• Outdated inspection logs
• Incomplete repair invoices
• Testimony from third-party mechanics

If a mechanical failure contributed to your crash, we will hold both the trucking company and the maintenance provider accountable.

Learn more about these cases on our truck accident practice page.

Municipal and Government Liability for Unsafe Roads

Not all big rig crashes happen because of driver error or vehicle malfunction. Sometimes, poorly maintained roadways or dangerous intersections are to blame. We’ve successfully handled claims against local and state agencies responsible for:

• Missing signage near curves
• Potholes or uneven surfaces
• Inadequate guardrails on steep declines

Crashes on roads like SR-94, Otay Mesa Road, or Imperial Avenue often involve outdated infrastructure. Gershen Law knows how to file timely claims against public entities under California’s Government Claims Act.

Multiple Defendants. One Law Firm That Knows How to Win.

Big rig accident cases often involve multiple insurance carriers, conflicting stories, and finger-pointing among corporate defendants. Our San Diego big rig injury attorneys are equipped to cut through the confusion and build a clear, compelling case for maximum damages.

We coordinate expert testimony, forensic investigations, and legal strategy—all while keeping your stress to a minimum.

How Our San Diego Big Rig Accident Attorneys Build and Win Cases

Big rig accident litigation is a battle—and not one that victims should fight alone. At Gershen Law, our San Diego big rig accident attorneys don’t just file claims. We build airtight cases that force trucking companies and insurers to take responsibility. Our process is strategic, aggressive, and tailored to win.

From day one, we operate like a trial is inevitable. That approach gives us leverage. And it ensures we are always ten steps ahead of the defense.

Immediate Scene Investigation and Evidence Preservation

Winning starts with what happens in the first 48 hours. We send investigators to crash sites immediately to document:

• Road conditions, vehicle positioning, and debris patterns
• Traffic camera footage and business surveillance
• Skid marks, signage visibility, and intersection geometry

If your crash occurred on Interstate 5, near the Port of San Diego, or in congested zones like Mission Valley, we pull local traffic data and city engineering reports to strengthen our case. Early action helps us preserve the kind of evidence insurers hope disappears.

Securing Black Box and Telematics Data

Big rigs store an enormous amount of crash-related data in their Electronic Control Modules (ECMs). These digital records can reveal:

• The exact speed of the truck
• Whether brakes were applied
• Sudden steering movements or lane departures

Our attorneys issue litigation hold letters to prevent companies from deleting or overwriting this data. Then, we work with data forensic experts to retrieve and analyze every relevant second.

To learn more about ECM data and how it’s used in litigation, visit the National Transportation Safety Board.

Reviewing Maintenance Records, Driver Logs, and Company Protocols

Trucking companies are required to track driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with federal safety laws. But in the wake of a crash, those records may “disappear.”

We proactively subpoena:

• Logbooks and dispatch orders
• Service records and pre-trip inspection forms
• Employment files showing driver training (or lack thereof)

Our San Diego truck injury team understands exactly what to look for—and how to use these documents to prove systemic negligence.

Partnering With Medical and Economic Experts

In big rig crashes, the physical and financial toll is often lifelong. To fully calculate damages, we work with:

• Orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and trauma specialists
• Vocational rehabilitation professionals
• Life care planners and forensic economists

Their testimony helps us prove not just what you’ve suffered—but what you’ll continue to suffer. Future surgeries. Permanent disability. Lost earning capacity. Every dollar matters.

Aggressive Settlement Negotiations Backed by Trial Preparation

Insurance companies don’t pay fairly because they feel generous. They pay when they fear what happens if they don’t. That’s why we build trial-ready cases from the start—complete with expert reports, visual exhibits, and compelling narratives.

If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are ready to try the case before a San Diego County jury. Our courtroom reputation gives us an edge at every phase of litigation.

Real Results and Recovery

When you choose Gershen Law, you’re not just getting representation, you’re getting a team with a proven formula for results. Our San Diego big rig accident attorneys are known for delivering six- and seven-figure settlements in complex trucking cases.

We combine legal precision with local insight and relentless advocacy. That’s how we win. And that’s how we help you move forward.

Injured in a Big Rig Crash? Speak With Our San Diego Big Rig Accident Attorneys Today

A collision with a commercial big rig can change your life in seconds. Medical bills, lost wages, and trauma don’t wait—and neither should you. At Gershen Law, our San Diego big rig accident attorneys act fast to protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

We know how trucking companies operate. We know their tactics. More importantly, we know how to beat them.

Whether you were rear-ended on the I-5, struck near the Port of San Diego, or sideswiped by an overloaded rig on SR-94, we can help. Our attorneys offer:

• Free, no-obligation consultations
• Contingency representation—you pay nothing unless we win
• Direct access to attorneys with real courtroom experience
• Fast response times and aggressive legal support

Visit our truck accident overview page for more details on how we represent crash victims across San Diego County.

We proudly serve clients throughout San Diego, including Chula Vista, La Mesa, National City, and Mission Valley. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you—or meet virtually. Our central location near Balboa Park and minutes from San Diego Superior Court keeps your case moving forward without delay.

Don’t settle for less than full justice. Contact Gershen Law today.

Call (619) 492-5526 or schedule your free consultation now. Let us help you take back control of your life—starting today.