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Best Truck Accident Lawyers San Francisco, CA Of 2024

Legal Expert Writer and HR Consultant
Deputy Legal Editor

Reviewed

Updated: Feb 20, 2024, 3:14am

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident in San Francisco can be challenging.

To help you secure a suitable outcome, you need the right legal team by your side. We’ve compiled a list of the top truck accident lawyers in San Francisco for 2024. Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injury and more property damage than most vehicle accidents. When you consider that most big rigs are carrying as much weight as dozens of cars, it’s no wonder that the damage when they have a wreck is so much greater.

This is why, if you’re in a truck accident, you need to find an attorney with experience taking on trucking companies and getting as much compensation as possible.

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Our legal editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate legal products and attorneys in markets around the country, so all are measured equally. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our legal ranking methodology for the ratings below.

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Best Truck Accident Attorneys in San Francisco, CA


Chris Dolan

Bar association status

Active

Year admitted to California bar

1993

Law school attended

Georgetown University Law Center

Active

1993

Georgetown University Law Center

Why They Made Our List

Chris Dolan is a renowned plaintiff’s lawyer in California, known for leading significant lawsuits against large corporations. His firm, the Dolan Law Firm, has recovered hundreds of millions for clients, often winning multi-million judgments. He recovered outcomes of $6.5 million, $6 million and $4.35 in various accident cases for clients. He has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in California and served as president of prominent legal associations. Dolan is a frequent speaker at legal conferences and a legal expert on media platforms.

Notable Facts and Recognitions
  • Former President of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member of the American Association for Justice Board of Governors
  • Recipient of California Lawyer magazine California Lawyer of the Year Award
Practice Areas
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Personal injury

Roger A. Dreyer

Bar association status

Active

Year admitted to California bar

1980

Law school attended

University of California Hastings College of Law

Active

1980

University of California Hastings College of Law

Why They Made Our List

Roger A. Dreyer is a prominent trial attorney based in California, specializing in personal injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice cases. His firm obtained a recent verdict of almost $7 million for a woman injured in a motor vehicle accident. Dryer has tried more than 170 cases in his career, obtaining seven- and eight-figure verdicts. He frequently shares his expertise as a speaker at legal seminars and contributes to the legal community through various professional associations.

Notable Facts and Recognitions
  • Trial Lawyer of the Year for the State of California, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Lawyer of the Year in civil trial advocacy, Lawyer Monthly
  • Former Chairman of the Board of the Child Abuse Prevention Center in Sacramento and Board of Directors member for Capital Public Radio
Practice Areas
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Personal injury

John M. Feder

Bar association status

Active

Year admitted to California bar

1978

Law school attended

University of California Hastings College of Law

Active

1978

University of California Hastings College of Law

Why They Made Our List

John M. Feder is a highly experienced personal injury and over his 40-year career, he has achieved impressive results for his clients, including a recent recovery of nearly $4 million for a person injured in a truck accident. Feder is known for his tenacity, compassion and the strong bonds he forms with his clients and their families. This is evidenced by the fact that he traveled to Canada several times to meet with the family of a person killed in a car accident to get to know the family of a woman killed in a motor vehicle accident to learn who she was so he could better represent them. The case settled the night before trial due to his efforts in a settlement believed to be the highest motorcycle wrongful death settlement ever. He and his partner obtains a $18.026 million verdict in a dangerous roadway case.

Notable Facts and Recognitions
  • Presidential Award of Merit from the Consumer Attorneys of California
  • Former President of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
  • Former faculty member at UC Hasting College of Advocacy
  • Settlement conference panelist for Marin and San Francisco Superior Courts
Practice Areas
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Personal injury

B. Mark Fong

Bar association status

Active

Year admitted to California bar

1981

Law school attended

University of California Hastings College of Law

Active

1981

University of California Hastings College of Law

Why They Made Our List

B. Mark Fong is a seasoned trial attorney in California, known for his expertise in handling high-stakes personal injury cases. With over 41 years of experience, he has secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in a variety of areas including automobile, trucking, construction accidents and medical malpractice.

Notable Facts and Recognitions
  • Fellow of the American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Named Trial Lawyer of the Year by San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
  • Board of Directors member and Chair of Governance Committee, Chinatown Community Development Center
Practice Areas
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Personal injury

Steven A. Kronenberg

Bar association status

Active

Year admitted to California bar

2001

Law school attended

Temple University School of Law

Active

2001

Temple University School of Law

Why They Made Our List

Steven A. Kronenberg is a highly regarded lawyer in California with over 20 years of experience, specializing in catastrophic injuries such as trucking accidents. His expertise extends to various areas of personal injury and product liability cases, from inception through trial and appeal. His firm has recovered multiple millions for clients, including a recent verdict of over $10 million for a person injured in a flatbed truck accident.

Notable Facts and Recognitions
  • Member of the Consumer Attorneys of California Board of Governors
  • Member of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
  • Board of Governors member for Consumer Attorneys of California, Northern District
Practice Areas
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Construction accidents

J. Kevin Morrison

Bar association status

Active

Year admitted to California bar

1992

Law school attended

Albany Law School

Active

1992

Albany Law School

Why They Made Our List

J. Kevin Morrison is a renowned partner and trial attorney at Altair Law in San Francisco, with nearly three decades of experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases. His expertise spans car and truck accidents, pedestrian injuries, construction incidents, workplace violence and defective products. Recognized as one of California’s top trial lawyers, Kevin has a reputation for thoroughness, toughness and a strong commitment to his clients. He’s known for his successful trial techniques and has a track record of favorable settlements and appellate decisions, including a recent $6 million settlement secured by his firm for a police officer injured by a commercial truck.

Notable Facts and Recognitions
  • President-Elect and Executive Committee member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, San Francisco Chapter
  • Former Board of Governors Member, Consumer Attorneys of California
  • National Law Journal Plaintiff’s Trial Lawyers Trailblazer
Practice Areas
  • Truck accidents
  • Wrongful death

Sara M. Peters

Bar association status

Active

Year admitted to California bar

2008

Law school attended

Stanford University Law School

Active

2008

Stanford University Law School

Why They Made Our List

Sara M. Peters is a renowned personal injury attorney and shareholder at her firm, specializing in representing clients involved in truck accidents in California. With extensive experience advocating for victims of truck accidents, defective products and other types of negligence, she has recovered over $100 million for her clients through jury trials, bench trials, arbitrations and mediated settlements. Besides her successful legal career, Sara is a lecturer at Stanford Law School, co-directing the Trial Advocacy course. She’s also a contributing editor of the Rutter Group Claims and Defenses book, a leading practice guide for lawyers in California.

Notable Facts and Recognitions
  • Member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Education Committee, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
  • Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America
  • Sustaining Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
  • Former board member of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
Practice Areas
  • Personal injury
  • Defective products

Erik L. Peterson

Bar association status

Active

Year admitted to California bar

1991

Law school attended

University of San Francisco School of Law

Active

1991

University of San Francisco School of Law

Why They Made Our List

Erik L. Peterson, a partner at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, is a top-rated civil trial attorney with nearly 30 years of practice in personal injury, including truck accidents. He has achieved record-breaking results, including a $21 million jury verdict for a brain injury from a truck accident which was the largest award of its type in state history. His intelligent, experienced litigation skills have helped recover over $1 billion in compensation for clients, marking him as a top choice for those seeking legal representation in truck accident cases.

Notable Facts and Recognitions
  • Admitted to practice in California and Hawaii
  • Judge, Pro-Tem, Superior Court of San Francisco
  • Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
  • Member of the Consumer Attorneys of California Board of Directors
  • Named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers
Practice Areas
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Personal injury

Scott Righthand

Bar association status

Active

Year admitted to California bar

1979

Law school attended

University of California Hastings College of Law

Active

1979

University of California Hastings College of Law

Why They Made Our List

Scott Righthand specializes in serious and catastrophic injury cases including truck accidents, products liability, personal injury and medical malpractice. With a career that began in 1982, he has extensive experience litigating and trying cases across various jurisdictions in California. His firm has recovered millions of dollars for their clients, including a recent settlement of over $5.2 million for a person injured in a motor vehicle accident.

Notable Facts and Recognitions
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
  • Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers for 33 years
Practice Areas
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Catastrophic personal injury

Eustace de Saint Phalle

Bar association status

Active

Year admitted to California bar

1995

Law school attended

University of San Francisco School of Law

Active

1995

University of San Francisco School of Law

Why They Made Our List

Eustace de St. Phalle is a leading personal injury trial lawyer with over 15 years of experience. He has litigated multiple cases with awards exceeding $1 million, reaching up to $25 million. He specializes in civil litigation involving complex medical issues and disabilities and covering areas like truck accidents, product liability and bicycle accidents. Born and raised in a family of respected lawyers, Eustace continues the legacy as an esteemed personal injury attorney in California.

Notable Facts and Recognitions
  • Provides free legal clinics and pro bono services to veterans and unions
  • Member of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
Practice Areas
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Personal injury

Compare Top Truck Accident Attorneys

Lawyer Name CA Bar Association Status Year Admitted to CA Bar Law School Attended LEARN MORE
Chris Dolan Active 1993 Georgetown University Law Center View More
Roger A. Dreye Active 1980 University of California Hastings College of Law View More
John M. Feder Active 1978 University of California Hastings College of Law View More
B. Mark Fong Active 1981 University of California Hastings College of Law View More
Steven A. Kronenberg Active 2001 Temple University School of Law View More
J. Kevin Morrison Active 1992 Albany Law School View More
Sara M. Peters Active 2008 Stanford University Law School View More
Erik L. Peterson Active 1991 University of San Francisco School of Law View More
Scott Righthand Active 1979 University of California Hastings College of Law View More
Eustace de Saint Phalle Active 1995 University of San Francisco School of Law View More

Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California

Filing a lawsuit after a truck accident in California involves several crucial steps. Victims who have been injured due to the negligence of a truck driver or company have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. However, understanding the complexities involved in these cases, including identifying the at-fault party and adhering to the specified statute of limitations, is essential.

For in-depth details about everything you need to know, check out our truck accident lawsuit guide.

California Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations refers to the deadline by which you must file a lawsuit after suffering a personal injury. In California, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. This is not much time, and if you fail to file your lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s crucial that you file your accident claim as soon as possible.

Identifying Fault for a Truck Accident

Identifying the responsible party in a truck accident can be complex due to the multiple entities involved. These can include the truck driver, the trucking company or even the manufacturer of a defective part. Determining fault typically depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and the nature of the injury, and may give you a better chance of collecting economic damages. Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate through these complexities and initiate the claims process effectively.

How Can an Attorney Help You?

A truck accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance. Your attorney evaluates your case, which involves a thorough review of your situation to determine the potential for a legal claim. This includes looking at the details of the insurance policy, and accurately accounting for all of the victim’s damages.

The lawyer then investigates the accident, meticulously analyzing all evidence to pinpoint the true cause of the crash. This process often involves identifying all liable parties, which could include the truck driver, the trucking company or even the manufacturer of a faulty vehicle part.

Once the investigation is complete, the attorney handles complex negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. This includes communicating with adjusters, opposing attorneys and others, ensuring your interests are protected throughout the process.

A truck accident attorney provides appropriate legal strategy based on the specifics of your case. They ensure that comparative fault laws are applied correctly and can present compelling arguments to secure maximum compensation for their clients.

Finally‌, a truck accident lawyer represents you in court, using their expertise and experience to advocate for your rights and interests. Whether through settlement negotiations or at trial, they strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

In essence, hiring a truck accident lawyer gives you the best chance to recover the compensation you deserve while allowing you to focus on your recovery.


How to Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in San Francisco, California

Finding the right lawyer to handle your truck accident case can significantly impact the outcome. Here are some tips for what to look for:

  • Experience: Look for a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law, specifically truck accidents. They should have extensive experience handling cases similar to yours.
  • Track Record: A successful track record is a good indicator of a competent lawyer. Check their past cases and the outcomes, especially those related to truck accidents.
  • Reputation: Consider the lawyer’s reputation within their field. Accolades and recognitions from legal organizations can attest to their expertise and professionalism.
  • Client Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of the lawyer’s reliability, communication style, and overall client service.
  • Resources: Handling truck accident cases often requires substantial resources for investigations, expert witnesses, etc. Ensure your lawyer has the necessary resources to handle your case effectively.
  • Contingency Fee Basis: Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. Make sure you understand their fee structure before proceeding.

Methodology

To come up with the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in San Francisco in 2024, Forbes Advisor considered many factors. Forbes Advisor’s mathematical module considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.

Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:

  • Legal experience
  • Special licenses & certifications
  • Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
  • Legal thought leadership
  • Education & employment background
  • Scholarly lectures & writings
  • Awards & honors

Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. This information should not be considered comprehensive, however. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.

Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.

One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do truck accident lawyers in San Francisco offer free consultations?

Yes, most truck accident lawyers in San Francisco offer free initial consultations. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your case, understand your legal options and evaluate if the lawyer is a good fit for you.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney in San Francisco?

Most truck accident lawyers, like all personal injury lawyers, in San Francisco work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront and they only get paid if they win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount.

What factors should I consider when choosing a truck accident lawyer?

When choosing a truck accident lawyer, consider their experience and track record in handling similar cases, their reputation in the legal community, their understanding of the trucking industry regulations, and their availability to handle your case.


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