Large commercial trucks travel through San Mateo County every day, carrying goods along Highway 101, Interstate 280, and State Route 92. When these massive vehicles collide with passenger cars, the consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a truck accident, call (650) 367-6811 for your free consultation with a reputable San Mateo truck accident attorney at Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP. Our legal team understands the challenges these cases present and can pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Are the Common Types of Truck Accidents in San Mateo?

Different types of truck accidents vary significantly in their causes and consequences – each presenting serious dangers to motorists sharing San Mateo’s roadways. From the congested intersections near Hillsdale Shopping Center to the steep grades approaching Crystal Springs Reservoir, commercial vehicles face numerous hazards that can lead to catastrophic collisions.

Some of the most common types of large truck crashes include:

  • Jackknife accidents occur when a trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab.
  • Big rig accidents involve collisions with oversized commercial trucks whose massive weight and size cause devastating impacts, even at lower speeds.
  • Rollover accidents happen when trucks tip onto their sides or roofs due to excessive speed or sharp turns.
  • Rear-end collisions result when trucks cannot stop in time and strike vehicles ahead.
  • Underride accidents involve passenger vehicles sliding beneath a truck’s trailer.
  • Wide-turn accidents occur when trucks swing left before making a right turn, potentially catching nearby vehicles.
  • Blind spot (no-zone) crashes happen in areas where truck drivers cannot see surrounding traffic.
  • Tire blowout accidents result from sudden tire failure, causing loss of control.
  • Head-on collisions happen when trucks cross into oncoming traffic lanes.
  • Cargo accidents involve improperly secured loads shifting and causing the truck driver to lose control.
  • T-bone collisions occur at intersections when trucks hit vehicles perpendicularly.
  • Sideswipe accidents typically occur during lane changes or merging maneuvers.
  • Lost load accidents result from cargo spilling onto roadways, creating hazards.
  • Bump collisions occur when trucks rear-end other vehicles, pushing them forward.

Understanding these different accident types helps lawyers establish liability and build stronger legal cases. Working with an experienced San Mateo truck accident attorney ensures that all contributing factors are thoroughly investigated and documented for your claim.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

Truck accident cases require legal knowledge that extends beyond typical car accident claims. The complexity stems from multiple regulatory frameworks, varied insurance structures, and the severe nature of injuries typically sustained in these crashes:

  • Federal and state regulations – Trucking companies must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and California Vehicle Code requirements. Violations of regulations such as California vehicle weight restrictions and California law regarding following distances can establish negligence.
  • Multiple liable parties – Several parties may be liable for damages, including the driver, the trucking company, the maintenance provider, and the cargo loader. Each entity typically has separate insurance coverage and legal representation.
  • Commercial insurance policies – Trucking companies carry policies with much higher limits than standard auto insurance. Insurance carriers employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts on these substantial claims.
  • Complex evidence – Electronic logging devices (ELDs), black box data, maintenance records, and driver qualification files require experts’ analysis and interpretation to ensure an accurate understanding. Preserving and interpreting technical information demands immediate action and niche knowledge.
  • Severe injuries – Victims of truck collisions frequently sustain traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures that demand extensive medical treatment. These crashes often lead to long-term care needs and permanent disabilities, profoundly altering the course of a victim’s life.

The intersection of federal regulations, state laws, and industry standards creates a complicated legal landscape. At Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, our San Mateo personal injury attorneys possess the necessary resources and experience to handle these challenging cases effectively.

What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Recover?

Truck accident victims may pursue various forms of damages to address both immediate and long-term consequences of their injuries. California law recognizes the profound impact these collisions have on victims’ lives and provides avenues for comprehensive recovery. Depending on the nature of your injuries and prognosis, truck accident compensation may include the following damages:

  • All related current and future healthcare costs
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Household services
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Home modification expenses
  • Permanent disability accommodations
  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs

The value of your San Mateo truck accident claim is influenced by several factors, including the severity of your injuries, their effect on your daily life, and their impact on your ability to continue working. An experienced personal injury attorney can properly evaluate your damages and pursue the full compensation you deserve, rather than allowing insurance companies to pressure you into accepting an inadequate settlement.

Without strong legal representation, you risk accepting far less than your case is worth – potentially leaving you to shoulder ongoing medical costs and related expenses. At Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, we work closely with economists, vocational specialists, medical experts, and life care planners to ensure your claim is thoroughly valued and that every future need is considered in your recovery.

Contact a San Mateo Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP brings more than 40 years of experience handling complex truck collision claims throughout San Mateo County. Our client testimonials consistently demonstrate that we provide compassionate yet aggressive legal advocacy, and our case results document our history of securing maximum recovery for injuries and damages, including $6 million for a wrongful death action after a trucking accident (although each case is unique and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes).

We understand the common tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny valid claims and have the resources to successfully counter their strategies. From conducting a detailed crash investigation to negotiating directly with insurance carriers, we handle every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.

Don’t wait to retain legal counsel – California imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits, making prompt action vital to preserving your rights. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses become increasingly challenging to locate, and trucking companies may destroy records after the mandatory retention periods have expired.

Call Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP at (650) 367-6811 or fill out our contact form today for your free consultation with a San Mateo truck accident lawyer. During your consultation, we will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and outline our strategy to pursue maximum recovery on your behalf.