San Francisco Big Rig Accidents Are Rising – Know Your Legal Rights
San Francisco has seen a troubling rise in deadly big rig accidents. While large trucks play a vital role in keeping our economy moving by transporting goods across state lines, they also pose serious dangers on California roads. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in crashes involving these massive vehicles. Survivors often face catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, long-term disability, and diminished quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a big rig accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. A dedicated San Francisco big rig accident lawyer at Hillstone Law can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
Truck Accidents and Negligence Go Hand in Hand
Many big rig crashes are caused by negligence speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or failure to follow safety regulations. These behaviors aren’t just dangerous they’re legally actionable. If a truck driver or company was at fault for your accident, we’ll hold them accountable.
What the Data Says About Big Rig Crashes
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- In 2015, 4,050 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes an 8% increase from the previous year.
- These crashes led to 4,067 fatalities, including 667 truck occupants.
- 87,000 large trucks were involved in injury crashes, and 346,000 in property damage-only crashes.
- Fatal truck crashes have increased more than 20% since 2009.
In California alone, there were 271 fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2015, resulting in 296 deaths a number that continues to climb.
Most fatal big rig crashes happen on rural roads (60%), during the daytime (75%), and on weekdays (83%).
Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that human error accounts for 90% of large truck accidents. These include:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting)
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue (30% of cases)
- Driving under the influence
- Lack of proper training
- Ignoring traffic laws
Non-driver-related causes include:
- Poor weather
- Roadway hazards
- Mechanical failures
- Defective parts
Severe Injuries from Truck Crashes
Due to their immense size and weight, big rig accidents often result in life-altering injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones and amputations
- Burns and scarring
- Internal injuries
- Wrongful death
These injuries lead to enormous financial, emotional, and psychological burdens on victims and their families.
The Financial Toll of Trucking Accidents
Fatal large truck accidents cost the U.S. over $20 billion annually. A staggering $13.1 billion of that relates to loss of quality of life. The rest includes lost wages, future earnings, and medical expenses.
At Hillstone Law, we understand the toll these accidents take. We’re here to fight back against the trucking companies and insurers that try to minimize your claim.
Contact a San Francisco Big Rig Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a big rig accident in the Bay Area, don’t wait. Our San Francisco truck accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers or going to trial.
📞 Call Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
