Large commercial trucks regularly travel along Long Beach’s extensive freeways. Given their vast size and often hazardous cargo, 18-wheelers pose an inherent risk to motorists along the I-405, I-710, and I-605. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident in a Long Beach truck accident, your life has been upended, especially if it resulted in a fatal accident. If negligence was a factor in the crash, you’ll likely be able to pursue significant monetary damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The best way to protect your rights to compensation is by working with a skilled Long Beach truck accident lawyer at Salamati Law, who will represent your interests. If you have questions, call us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Hire Salamati Law for Your Long Beach Truck Accident Case?
Truck accidents are notoriously complicated to litigate and may involve multiple defendants. When your health, financial security, and livelihood are on the line, you need a truck accident attorney with the resources and knowledge to win your case.
Our legal team has years of expertise in representing victims of catastrophic injuries and is familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize financial liability. Having a lawyer by your side will show defendants you are serious about getting the monetary compensation you are due.
At Salamati Law, our dedicated attorneys:
- Provide sound legal guidance and candid answers to your questions.
- Conduct thorough investigations to identify liable parties and all sources of compensation.
- Collaborate with industry specialists to assess your damages and provide expert testimony.
- Gather solid evidence that bolsters your claim.
- Handle all legal paperwork and negotiations on your behalf.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Take the case before a jury if necessary.
- Accept truck accident claims on a contingency basis.
When you work with our team, trust that you will receive the personal attention you deserve for your case. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Long Beach
After a truck accident in Long Beach, CA, it’s crucial to take the following steps:
- Ensure Safety and Call 911: Seek medical help for anyone injured and report the accident to the authorities.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and exchange details with the truck driver.
- Exchange Information: Get the truck driver’s name, insurance information, and the company they work for.
- Speak to Witnesses: Witness accounts are valuable, so do not hesitate to ask for their contact information and a brief account of what they saw.
- Get Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation can reveal underlying issues and document your condition for future claims.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company, but be cautious when discussing details with the trucking company’s insurer.
- Consult an Attorney: An experienced Long Beach truck accident attorneyat Salamati Law can help protect your rights, manage negotiations, and guide you through complex trucking regulations.
Taking these steps after a truck accident in Long Beach helps protect your health, preserve vital evidence, and support any potential claims. Consulting an attorney ensures you’re well-represented against trucking companies and insurers, increasing your chances of securing fair compensation for your damages and losses.
What are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Many truck accidents arise from negligent drivers and their employers. Given the massive size of commercial trucks, even minor lapses in judgment can lead to catastrophic injuries and considerable property damage.
The leading causes of truck accidents that often result in personal injury filings include:
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers, like all drivers, are susceptible to distractions from smartphones, GPS, or eating while driving. Even brief distractions can result in catastrophic accidents, given the size and weight of trucks.
- Driver Fatigue and Distraction: Long hours on the road can lead to fatigue, reducing reaction times and decision-making abilities. Federal regulations limit hours to combat this, but drivers may still push limits, leading to dangerous lapses in attention.
- Impaired Driving: Impairment from alcohol, drugs, or even certain medications impairs judgment and coordination. Given the impact of impairment, strict federal and state laws are in place, but violations still occur, risking severe accidents.
- Poor Truck Maintenance: Failing to maintain critical systems like brakes, tires, and lights can lead to mechanical failures on the road. Regular inspections and repairs are essential to keeping trucks safe and operational.
- Poor Cargo Loading: Incorrectly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced and difficult to control. Overloading or uneven weight distribution increases the risk of rollover and jackknife accidents.
- Lack of Proper Training: Operating a truck safely requires specific skills and training. Inadequate training can lead to improper handling, especially in adverse conditions or challenging roadways, increasing accident risk.
Each of these actions reflects a breach of duty to prioritize the safety of other motorists, underscoring the importance of regulation, proper training, and adherence to safety standards.
Who Might Be Liable After a Long Beach Truck Accident?
Liability in a truck accident is rarely straightforward. Unlike typical car accidents where one or both drivers are often held responsible, truck accidents can involve many parties, each of whom may bear some level of responsibility for the crash, including:
- The truck and parts manufacturer: If a mechanical defect (like brake failure or tire blowouts) contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held responsible.
- Service vendors contracted by the carrier: These vendors are responsible for ensuring the truck is road-ready, including maintenance and inspections. If poor or incomplete maintenance is a factor in the accident, these vendors could be liable.
- The cargo owner or loaders: The party responsible for loading, typically the cargo owner or their contractor, may be held accountable if poor loading practices or overloading contributed to the crash.
- Government agencies or contractors responsible for highway design and maintenance: If road design flaws, poor signage, or lack of road maintenance (such as large potholes) contributed to the accident, the agencies or contractors responsible for highway safety could be liable for creating hazardous conditions.
Each party’s role must be carefully investigated to determine full liability.
Evidence is Critical in Trucking Accident Cases
Our legal team at Salamati Law will focus on critical sources of evidence, including:
- The truck’s onboard electronic logging device, or ELD, that records the driving speed, steering wheel position, GPS, and the use of brakes at the time of the accident.
- Previous FMSCA violations of the trucking company.
- The truck driver’s license, training, and driving record.
- Inspection and maintenance history of the truck.
- Hours of service records for the driver.
- The truck driver’s cell phone records.
- Surveillance footage from traffic or dashboard cams.
- Witness statements.
Whether your accident involved spilled cargo or a speeding truck rear-ended you, having the right evidence is crucial in proving liability and maximizing your compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Long Beach?
California’s statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim is generally two years from the accident date. Waiting to file can make gathering evidence and locating witnesses more challenging. Consult with a lawyer at Salamati Law to ensure the timely filing of your claim.
How Salamati Law Can Help
At Salamati Law, we know that insurance companies often prioritize their profits over your recovery. They will attempt to rush you into accepting a quick settlement that frequently does not cover your actual damages. If you accept a low offer, they save money while leaving you with unexpected medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Our dedicated team will carefully examine the evidence and conduct our own comprehensive investigation to ensure we fully understand your case. We will take charge of all negotiations with the insurance companies and stand firm to secure a settlement that accurately reflects the full impact of your injuries and losses.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Truck Accident Attorney in Long Beach, CA
Many truck accident victims don’t realize the long-term consequences of their injuries. What appears like a fair settlement offer from insurers can quickly run out, leaving you and your loved ones in dire straits. A Long Beach personal injury lawyer pursues the compensation you rightfully deserve. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free case review.
