If an 80,000-pound commercial truck has changed your life on the highways of San Mateo County, you are not alone—and you do not have to fight this battle alone. Every day, massive semi-trucks and 18-wheelers rumble through San Mateo County on I-280, US-101, and the connecting corridors that feed the Port of San Francisco and the logistics hubs of the Bay Area. When one of these giants loses control, the devastation is immediate and often catastrophic. At Attorney911, we have spent over 25 years standing between injured victims and the trucking companies that try to minimize their suffering. We know the specific dangers of San Mateo County’s steep grades, marine-layer fog, and congested commuter corridors, and we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable under federal law.
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, building a reputation for securing multi-million dollar settlements against corporate defendants including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. Our managing partner brings federal court experience to every case, having been admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and he has applied that expertise to complex litigation nationwide, including here in California. But credentials only matter if they translate to results for you. As client Chad Harris told us after we resolved his case, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That is the standard we bring to every San Mateo County trucking accident case we handle.
The San Mateo County 18-Wheeler Accident Reality
San Mateo County sits at the heart of one of the busiest freight corridors in the United States. Trucks hauling electronics, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and international cargo transit our highways daily, creating significant risk for local drivers. The physics are unforgiving: a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law, making it twenty times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. When that mass collides with a car on I-280 near Hillsborough or US-101 through San Mateo at highway speeds, the results are rarely minor.
We have reviewed countless police reports from the California Highway Patrol and local San Mateo County agencies, and the patterns are clear. Jackknife accidents occur when trucks lose traction on the fog-slicked curves of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Rear-end collisions happen daily in the stop-and-go traffic approaching the Dumbarton Bridge. Underride crashes—where smaller vehicles slide beneath trailers—occur with terrifying frequency on US-101 during low-visibility morning commutes. Each of these accident types involves specific Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) violations that we use to prove negligence.
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, gives San Mateo County clients a unique advantage: he spent years working as an insurance defense attorney before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how commercial trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and pressure victims into accepting lowball settlements. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you. When you combine Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of plaintiff-side aggression with Lupe’s understanding of the defense playbook, you get a team that trucking companies truly fear.
Federal Regulations That Protect San Mateo County Drivers
Every 18-wheeler operating in San Mateo County must comply with strict federal regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). These rules exist because trucking companies, left to their own devices, often prioritize profit over safety. When they violate these standards and injure someone in San Mateo County, we use those violations to prove negligence and secure maximum compensation.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391) require that every commercial driver be properly licensed, medically certified, and trained. Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for each operator, including verification of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) status, medical examiner’s certificates, and background checks. When a San Mateo County accident involves an unqualified driver—someone with a suspended CDL, a history of substance abuse, or falsified medical records—we pursue negligent hiring claims against the carrier that put them on the road.
Hours of Service Regulations (49 CFR Part 395) mandate specific rest periods to prevent fatigue-related crashes. Property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty, and they must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. Despite these rules, San Mateo County sees countless accidents caused by drowsy drivers pushing through to meet delivery deadlines in San Francisco or Silicon Valley. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), required under 49 CFR § 395.8, record this data objectively. We obtain ELD data immediately in San Mateo County cases because it often reveals hours-of-service violations that prove driver fatigue.
Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393) governs everything from brake systems to how cargo is secured. Under § 393.100, cargo must be contained and secured to prevent shifting that affects stability. The performance criteria require securement systems to withstand force of 0.8 g deceleration forward and 0.5 g acceleration rearward. When a truck spills its load across I-280 or loses control due to shifting cargo near the San Mateo Bridge, we examine 49 CFR Part 393 compliance to establish liability.
Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396) requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of commercial vehicles. Pre-trip and post-trip inspections are mandatory under § 396.11, and maintenance records must be retained for specific periods. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and lighting violations that cause accidents in San Mateo County often trace back to violations of Part 396.
Driving Rules (49 CFR Part 392) prohibit ill or fatigued operation under § 392.3, restrict mobile phone use under § 392.82, and mandate proper following distances under § 392.11. Texting while driving a commercial vehicle is a serious violation that we frequently see in rear-end collisions on US-101 through Redwood City and San Mateo.
Types of 18-Wheeler Collisions in San Mateo County
Jackknife Accidents occur when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On the curving sections of I-280 near the Peninsula watershed, sudden braking can cause a trailer to swing out, creating a massive hazard for commuters. These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake systems) or § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).
Underride Collisions are among the most fatal accidents we see in San Mateo County. When a passenger vehicle slides beneath the trailer, the roof is sheared off, often causing decapitation or catastrophic brain injury. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, many trailers on San Mateo County roads lack adequate underride protection, and side underride guards remain unregulated despite known dangers.
Rear-End Collisions involving 18-wheelers are devastating due to the massive force differential. A truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. On the congested stretches of US-101 through Menlo Park and Palo Alto, distracted or fatigued truckers often fail to stop in time, violating 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and § 392.3 (fatigued operation).
Rollover Accidents happen when trucks take curves too fast or encounter shifting cargo. The transition from I-280 to CA-92 toward the San Mateo Bridge involves elevation changes and curves that have seen numerous rollovers. These often involve cargo securement violations under Part 393 or speeding violations under Part 392.
Wide Turn Accidents occur when trucks swing left before turning right, trapping unsuspecting passenger vehicles in the “squeeze play.” This is common in urban San Mateo County intersections where tight quarters make maneuvering difficult for 18-wheelers.
Blind Spot Accidents result from the “No-Zones” around commercial vehicles. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous, extending from the cab door backward. Lane change accidents on I-280 and US-101 often involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.80 (adequate mirrors) and § 392.11 (unsafe lane changes).
Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures cause sudden loss of control. San Mateo County’s varied elevation and marine corrosion accelerate wear on truck components. Minimum tread depth requirements (4/32 inch for steer tires under 49 CFR § 393.75) are often ignored, leading to blowouts on high-speed highways.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your San Mateo County Case?
Unlike typical car accidents where only one driver may be at fault, 18-wheeler crashes involve complex webs of liability. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery under California’s pure comparative fault system—a rule that allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your award is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
The Truck Driver is the obvious first defendant, liable for violations of traffic laws, FMCSA regulations, or basic negligence. We subpoena their driving history, cell phone records, and post-accident drug and alcohol tests under 49 CFR Part 382.
The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier is often the primary source of recovery. Through the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their drivers’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims for negligent hiring (failing to check background), negligent training (inadequate safety instruction), and negligent supervision (ignoring ELD violations). California’s pure comparative negligence rules mean even if you were speeding or made a minor error, the trucking company’s larger share of fault still makes them liable for their percentage of damages.
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company may be liable when improperly secured cargo shifts or spills. San Mateo County’s proximity to the Port of Oakland means many trucks carry containerized cargo that requires specific securement under 49 CFR § 393.100-136. When loaders fail to properly block and brace cargo, they share liability for resulting accidents.
The Truck and Parts Manufacturer faces liability under product defect theories. Defective brakes, tire blowouts caused by manufacturing flaws, or inadequate underride guards can support strict liability claims against manufacturers.
Maintenance Companies that perform negligent repairs or return trucks to service with known defects violate 49 CFR Part 396 and can be held directly liable for resulting crashes.
Freight Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent selection of carriers—hiring trucking companies with poor safety records or inadequate insurance.
Government Entities may share liability for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance. However, claims against California public entities require adherence to Government Claims Act procedures, including shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements that make immediate legal consultation essential.
The Evidence That Disappears Fast
If you are reading this after a San Mateo County trucking accident, the clock is already working against you. Critical evidence begins disappearing immediately:
ECM/Black Box Data records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten within 30 days or with subsequent driving events. ELD Data proving hours-of-service violations is only required to be retained for six months under FMCSA regulations, though litigation holds extend this once we intervene. Dashcam Footage often auto-deletes within 7-14 days. Witness Memories fade within weeks. Physical Evidence—the truck itself, tire remnants, debris—gets repaired, scrapped, or cleaned up.
That is why we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained in San Mateo County cases. These formal legal notices put the trucking company on notice that they must preserve all evidence or face severe sanctions, including adverse inference instructions where a jury is told to assume destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the defense. We demand preservation of ECM data, ELD logs, Driver Qualification Files, maintenance records, dispatch communications, and the physical vehicles themselves.
California law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from trucking accidents in San Mateo County. While that seems like ample time, waiting destroys evidence and weakens cases. The trucking company’s rapid-response team visits the scene before the ambulance leaves. They have lawyers working immediately. You need advocates working just as fast.
Catastrophic Injuries and Recovery
The injuries resulting from 18-wheeler accidents in San Mateo County are rarely minor. We regularly represent clients suffering:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) ranging from concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries. These can cause cognitive impairment, personality changes, and inability to work. Our firm has secured settlements in the $1.5 million to $9.8 million range for TBI victims, utilizing life-care planners and neuropsychologists to prove long-term damages.
Spinal Cord Injuries causing paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime care costs for spinal cord injuries can exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million depending on severity and age at injury. We work with vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity and with architects to plan home modifications.
Amputations resulting from crushing forces or surgical necessity after infection. These cases require prosthetic specialists and rehabilitation experts. We have recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.
Severe Burns from post-collision fires or hazmat spills, particularly relevant given the chemical and fuel transport through San Mateo County. These cases involve complex medical treatment and significant pain and suffering damages.
Wrongful Death claims when families lose loved ones. California allows recovery of funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. We have secured wrongful death recoveries ranging from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, though no amount replaces a loved one.
Under California law, you may recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage, future care costs) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). Unlike some states, California imposes no statutory cap on non-economic damages for trucking accidents, meaning truly catastrophic cases can justify substantial seven and eight-figure settlements or verdicts. Punitive damages may also be available when trucking companies act with gross negligence, such as knowingly keeping dangerous drivers on the road or falsifying maintenance records.
Why Trucking Companies Carry Millions in Insurance
Federal law mandates that commercial carriers maintain substantial liability insurance: $750,000 for general freight, $1 million for oil and hazardous materials, and $5 million for certain passenger or hazmat carriers. Many San Mateo County trucking companies carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This is not “jackpot justice”—it reflects the reality that when an 80,000-pound vehicle causes catastrophic injury, medical bills and lost earnings alone can reach millions.
Nuclear verdicts—awards exceeding $10 million—are becoming more common nationally. A Missouri jury awarded $462 million in 2024 for an underride decapitation. A Texas jury awarded $730 million in 2021 for a fatal oversized load crash. While every case differs, these verdicts demonstrate that juries will hold trucking companies fully accountable when evidence shows systemic negligence.
However, insurance companies do not pay these amounts willingly. They employ adjusters trained to minimize claims—the very system Lupe Peña worked within before joining Attorney911. They look for pre-existing conditions, gaps in medical treatment, and low-impact arguments to reduce payouts. That is why documentation is crucial. We ensure our San Mateo County clients receive appropriate medical care and that every bill, every symptom, and every life impact is documented to maximize recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions for San Mateo County Victims
What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in San Mateo County?
Call 911, seek immediate medical evaluation (even if you feel fine—adrenaline masks injuries), photograph everything including the truck’s DOT number, obtain driver and witness information, and contact an attorney before speaking to any insurance company. Under California’s pure comparative fault system, even if you were partially responsible, you may still recover damages reduced by your fault percentage.
How long do I have to file a claim?
California law provides two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in San Mateo County. However, evidence preservation requires action within days. The sooner you call 1-888-ATTY-911, the sooner we can secure black box data and prevent spoliation.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
Federal regulations apply uniformly, and we can pursue out-of-state carriers in federal court or California state court depending on where the accident occurred. Our federal court admission and experience with interstate commerce laws allow us to handle these complexities seamlessly.
Can I afford an attorney?
Absolutely. We work on a contingency fee basis—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if litigation is required. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. As Donald Wilcox, a client whose case another firm rejected, told us: “I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” You risk nothing by calling.
Hablamos Español?
Sí. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish-language representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.
Your San Mateo County Legal Team
When you hire Attorney911 for a San Mateo County trucking accident, you get more than a lawyer—you get a comprehensive legal team. We deploy investigators to the accident scene immediately. We retain accident reconstruction experts familiar with the specific geometry of San Mateo County’s highway interchanges. We analyze FMCSA safety scores to identify patterns of violations. We prepare every case for trial from day one, which pressures insurance companies to offer fair settlements.
Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience includes taking on Fortune 500 companies and winning. Our work in the BP Texas City Refinery litigation—where 15 workers died and 170 were injured—demonstrated our willingness to stand against the largest corporations. Our current $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing-related injuries shows we are not afraid to take on institutional defendants. We bring that same tenacity to every San Mateo County trucking case.
Client Glenda Walker put it simply: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That is our promise to you. We do not settle for nuisance-value offers. We do not let trucking companies hide behind shell corporations or insufficient insurance. We find every liable party, prove every violation, and fight for every dollar you need to rebuild your life after a San Mateo County trucking accident.
The trucking company has already called its lawyers. They are already building their defense. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-288-9911 or 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7 because we know that in San Mateo County, evidence disappears fast and justice delayed is justice denied. Let us fight for you, your family, and your future.
