When a commercial truck collides with a car, the impact is devastating. A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and that size difference often causes life-changing injuries or death. Truck accidents are far more complex than regular car crashes, involving multiple responsible parties, federal rules, and large insurance policies.
Trucking companies and their insurers act fast, sending teams to the scene to protect their interests. Victims often face serious medical bills, lost earnings, and long recoveries while evidence disappears quickly. Taking prompt legal action is critical to securing the proof needed for your case. At Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, our San Mateo truck accident attorneys have the skill and resources to fight for your full compensation.
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San Mateo Truck Accident Guide
- Key Takeaways
- Why Hire Our San Mateo Truck Accident Attorneys
- Understanding Truck Accident Compensation
- Where Truck Accidents Occur Most in San Mateo County
- Types of Truck Accident Injuries We Handle
- Fighting Trucking Companies and Their Insurers
- What to Do After a Truck Accident
- Why San Mateo Truck Accident Victims Choose Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos
- Your Recovery Deserves Legal Knowledge
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Commercial truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties beyond just the driver
- Federal trucking regulations set additional standards, and drivers or companies may violate them
- Trucking companies and their insurers have vast resources to defend claims aggressively
- Trucks generate electronic data that provides valuable evidence and requires quick preservation
- These cases typically result in more severe injuries due to the size disparity between vehicles
- Our San Mateo truck accident lawyers focus exclusively on serious injury cases
- Complex insurance coverage issues often arise in commercial trucking accidents
Why Hire Our San Mateo Truck Accident Attorneys
Choosing the right lawyer after a truck accident can make all the difference. These cases are complex and high-stakes and require an attorney with the knowledge, resources, and determination to fight trucking companies and their insurers.
Knowledge in Truck Accidents
Truck accident cases demand more than general legal skills. They require attorneys who fully understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Hours of Service rules, and trucking industry standards. At Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, our San Mateo lawyers have devoted years of practice and resources to mastering this area of law.
Comprehensive Case Strategies
We collaborate with accident reconstructionists, engineers, and industry specialists to uncover hidden liability factors such as poor maintenance, inadequate training, or federal safety violations. This thorough approach allows us to identify all responsible parties and build strong claims for our clients.
California law gives injury victims two years from the crash date to file a claim. Acting quickly preserves your rights and ensures key evidence and witness testimony are secured.
Resources and Reputation That Deliver
Trucking companies and insurers fight aggressively. Our firm’s financial strength, trial experience, and multilingual team (Spanish, Greek, and Chinese) give us a unique advantage. For personal guidance, visit our San Mateo office at 411 Borel Ave #405, San Mateo, CA 94402, or call (650) 345-8484 to speak directly with our team.
Understanding Truck Accident Compensation
Due to the severity of injuries and the commercial nature of the vehicles involved, the financial impact of truck accidents typically exceeds that of typical car accidents by enormous margins. Our San Mateo truck accident attorneys understand how to pursue maximum compensation from multiple sources, including trucking companies, insurance carriers, and other potentially responsible parties. Commercial trucking operations typically carry insurance policies worth millions of dollars, reflecting the enormous damages these accidents can cause.
Medical expenses in truck accident cases often reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars when victims suffer catastrophic injuries. Emergency helicopter transport, trauma center treatment, multiple surgeries, and extended rehabilitation create immediate costs that dwarf typical accident expenses. However, ongoing medical needs may prove even more costly over time, particularly when victims suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple traumatic injuries requiring lifelong care.
Lost earning capacity becomes a critical component of truck accident compensation because these crashes often cause injuries that prevent victims from ever returning to their previous employment. We work with vocational rehabilitation professionals and economists to calculate immediate lost income and the lifetime impact on earning potential. When truck accidents cause permanent disabilities, victims may lose decades of income and career advancement opportunities.
Pain and suffering damages in truck accident cases reflect the extraordinary trauma associated with these devastating crashes. The psychological impact of being struck by a massive commercial vehicle, combined with the physical pain of serious injuries, creates suffering that extends far beyond what most people experience. California courts recognize truck accident victims deserve substantial compensation for these non-economic damages.
Punitive damages may be available in truck accident cases when the defendant's conduct was particularly egregious. Suppose investigations reveal that trucking companies ignored safety regulations, drivers were operating under the influence, or other willful misconduct occurred. In that case, courts may award punitive damages to punish wrongdoing and deter similar conduct. These awards can significantly increase total compensation beyond compensatory damages.
Where Truck Accidents Occur Most in San Mateo County
Highway 101 through San Mateo County experiences frequent truck accidents due to heavy commercial traffic, congestion, and challenging driving conditions. The stretch between the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge and Highway 92 is particularly prone to crashes, as trucks navigate congested lanes and construction zones, increasing the risk of serious accidents. Interstate 280 presents challenges, with its winding routes through the Peninsula hills and varying traffic speeds.
Though less frequent, accidents here tend to be severe due to trucks’ difficulty handling curves and the complex interchanges with major roads. The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge corridor is another high-risk zone, where concentrated truck traffic, fog, wind, and traffic backups create rear-end collision hazards.
Surface streets in San Mateo County also see accidents, as commercial vehicles struggle on roads not built for their size. Delivery trucks, construction vehicles, and other commercial traffic create hazards at intersections and tight turns. Our local knowledge helps identify factors contributing to these accidents, allowing us to build stronger cases for truck accident victims.
Types of Truck Accident Injuries We Handle
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common in truck accidents because the violent forces of a large truck striking a passenger vehicle can jolt the brain within the skull. This rapid movement can cause severe concussions or permanent brain damage, resulting in memory problems, cognitive impairment, personality changes, and lifelong medical needs.
Similarly, spinal cord injuries and paralysis are devastating, often requiring emergency surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care with substantial lifetime costs. In many cases, victims suffer multiple traumatic injuries, as the impact affects the whole body, including broken bones, internal injuries, burns, and soft tissue damage, often requiring multiple specialists and extended hospital stays.
Crush injuries also occur when victims are trapped or compressed, sometimes leading to amputation, chronic pain, or nerve damage. Additionally, burn injuries can result from fires, electrical hazards, or cargo-related ignition, often requiring surgeries, rehabilitation, and leaving permanent scars. These severe, life-altering injuries highlight the urgent need for skilled legal representation to secure compensation and support for victims and their families.
Fighting Trucking Companies and Their Insurers
Trucking companies and their insurers use sophisticated strategies to minimize liability because they understand the financial exposure of accident claims. They often send investigation teams to the scene within hours, sometimes before victims reach the hospital, gathering evidence to support their version of events. Electronic data from trucks, including speed, braking, engine performance, and driver behavior, is critical. We act quickly to preserve this information before it gets overwritten.
Driver qualification and training are often important in litigation. We investigate licenses, training, and medical certifications, as violations can strengthen liability claims. Company safety records and compliance history are also crucial, showing whether a trucking company prioritizes safety or cuts corners.
Insurance coverage disputes are common, as multiple policies and limits complicate recovery. Our experience ensures maximum compensation from all available sources while identifying coverage that other attorneys may miss. Acting fast protects your rights and strengthens your case.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident in San Mateo, certain actions will help your case significantly. For example:
- Seeking immediate emergency medical attention is critical after truck accidents, as injuries like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may not be obvious at first. Even if you feel okay, get evaluated by medical personnel to ensure your safety.
- Avoid making statements about fault or accepting blame at the scene. Truck accident investigations are complex, and insurance adjusters may try to use your words against you.
- Document the accident scene if safe, including vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and witness information. Your safety comes first, so do not risk further injury by taking photos or notes.
- Contact our San Mateo truck accident lawyers immediately, ideally before speaking to insurance or trucking company representatives. Early legal action preserves evidence and protects your rights.
- Keep all records—medical reports, police reports, insurance correspondence, and receipts. Maintain a detailed journal of injuries, pain, and daily impacts. This information helps us build a strong case and secure fair compensation.
Why San Mateo Truck Accident Victims Choose Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos
Our Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos San Mateo truck accident lawyers focus on serious commercial vehicle cases, taking on well-funded trucking companies and their insurers. We focus on cases that require detailed investigation, professional testimony, and aggressive advocacy to secure fair compensation.
Our proven track record gives us credibility with opposing counsel and insurance companies, often leading to stronger settlements. We have obtained significant verdicts and settlements, helping clients cover medical care, rehabilitation, and financial needs after devastating accidents.
Our deep knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, industry standards, and commercial trucking operations sets us apart. This knowledge allows us to identify liability factors and regulatory violations that other attorneys might overlook, giving our clients a legal advantage.
We prioritize personalized attention, understanding that catastrophic truck accidents affect entire families. Our team keeps clients informed throughout the process, answering questions and guiding them every step of the way.
Located in San Mateo, we have strategic insight into Bay Area traffic patterns, major trucking routes, and accident-prone locations, strengthening our case preparation. If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury in a truck accident, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help obtain the compensation you deserve.
Your Recovery Deserves Legal Knowledge
Truck accidents often cause serious injuries and complex legal issues. At Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, our San Mateo personal injury lawyers understand these challenges and fight for fair compensation. While money can’t undo your trauma, it can cover medical care, lost income, and other damages.
We handle every step of your case, keeping you informed and working to hold trucking companies accountable. Don’t wait—time limits apply for filing claims. Contact us at (650) 345-8484 or online for a free consultation. Let our experienced team protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are truck accident cases different from regular car accident cases?
Truck accident cases involve federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and corporate defendants that don't apply in typical car accidents. The investigation process is more complex, potential damages are often much higher, and multiple parties may share liability. These cases require legal knowledge and resources that general practice attorneys may not possess.
What types of evidence are most important in truck accident cases?
Electronic data from the truck's systems, Hours of Service logs, maintenance records, driver qualification files, and company safety records often provide key evidence. This information must be preserved quickly through legal action because it may be automatically deleted or destroyed. We also examine federal inspection records and compliance histories.
Can I sue the trucking company even if they claim the driver was an independent contractor?
Trucking companies often hold liability even when they classify drivers as independent contractors. We investigate the actual relationship between drivers and companies, including who controlled operations, provided equipment, and set delivery requirements. Many arrangements that companies claim are independent contractor relationships constitute employer-employee relationships under legal analysis.
How long do truck accident cases typically take to resolve?
Due to complexity, federal regulation issues, and higher damage amounts, truck accident cases generally take longer than regular car accidents. Most cases resolve within one to three years, though particularly complex cases involving multiple parties or disputed liability may take longer. Our San Mateo personal injury lawyer team works efficiently while ensuring thorough preparation that maximizes your compensation.
Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP
Address: 411 Borel Ave. #405,San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: (650) 419-0473
Fax: (650) 345-9875