Long Beach Truck Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Award-Winning Long Beach Truck Accident Lawyers With An A+ Rating
Truck accidents are among the most serious traffic crashes, especially in largely populated cities within Los Angeles County, like the port city of Long Beach – where the hustle and bustle of commercial deliveries commonly overtakes lines on interstates like the 710 freeway. Injured victims need to hire experienced lawyers who can get them the compensation they deserve. Contact our Long Beach truck accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for quality legal representation.
Long Beach is a coastal city in Southern California. Its recent population growth, reaching nearly 500,000 in the 2020 census, has increased demand for commercial goods. This rise in commercial activity, combined with Long Beach’s location downwind of several South Bay oil refineries, contributes to more truck accidents in the area.
The force generated by a truck accident increases the severity of injuries that victims are likely to sustain. More serious injuries require more money to compensate the victim, so truck collisions involve significant legal interests.
Arash Law has a team of experienced truck accident lawyers headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who serve the greater Long Beach, California area. We know how to handle your claim to get you all the money you are legally entitled to. We will fight for you so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
We take cases involving minors very seriously, and they are near and dear to our hearts. As a society we must place the highest value on our children and their safety!– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why Hire Our Long Beach Truck Accident Lawyers For Your Case?
Our truck accident lawyers in Long Beach will guide you from the moment you reach out until you receive compensation. If your case goes to trial, our litigation attorneys will ensure every piece of evidence is laid out effectively.
Here are more reasons to hire us:
- Our lawyers have been helping injured victims for decades. We have a deep understanding of personal injury laws and trucking regulations. We’ll apply this knowledge to your case when determining fault and liability.
- Truck accidents can turn your world upside down in a second. Our lawyers understand the pain and suffering you’re going through, as well as the challenges you will face as you pursue legal action. We will help you overcome them and support you throughout the process. Your claim will get the same level of attention we give to our other cases, regardless of its severity. If you have questions or concerns, our team is available anytime; just call us.
- It’s essential to be accurate when handling a case, and it’s not just about the facts of the accident. We also need to estimate the value of your claim to ensure all your damages and losses are accounted for. Our truck accident lawyers have effective methods for quantifying a claim. Once we know how much your case is worth, we will know whether the offers are sufficient. We will also negotiate for maximum compensation.
Many victims try to handle their cases by themselves. However, legal victories depend on more than just telling your story. You might miss crucial deadlines for filing court documents and following important legal procedures without the right knowledge.
Representing yourself in a truck accident lawsuit could lead to your case being dismissed before a judge even hears it. Our Long Beach truck accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process, prove the other party’s negligence, and explore all potential avenues for compensation in your lawsuit.
The Best Truck Accident Lawyers Are Right Here At Our Award-Winning Law Firm
Are you dealing with pain, mounting bills, and feeling unsure of what steps to take after a truck accident? Don’t settle for a low offer from the at-fault trucking company or their insurer. Call Arash Law to assist you in filing your personal injury claim.
Our truck accident lawyers in Long Beach know how to address the tricks that insurance companies use to deny liability. We are skilled at proving fault in accidents and countering lowball offers with solid evidence of your losses, including medical records, expert testimony, and statements about the impact of your injuries on your life. We can also file a lawsuit to demonstrate to the insurance company that you are serious about getting the compensation you’re entitled to.
We understand that a truck accident can be a traumatic experience, and we are here to alleviate your stress by handling all legal aspects of your claim. With a proven track record of successful verdicts and settlements, our award-winning firm is dedicated to achieving justice for truck accident victims. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
Typical Causes Of Truck Accidents
Our Long Beach lawyers have identified the following as the most common causes of truck accidents:
Fatigue
Trucking companies often operate on strict schedules to meet customer demands. This pressure can incentivize drivers to skip breaks or drive longer than allowed. Drowsy driving significantly impairs reaction time and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents.
Distracted driving
Texting, talking on the phone, or even eating while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. The consequences of these distractions can be severe. A truck driver who glances at their phone for a few seconds could travel the length of a football field blindfolded at highway speeds.
Speeding
The immense weight of a truck significantly increases stopping distances. Speeding truck drivers have less time to react to hazards.
Driving Under The Influence
Alcohol and drugs severely impair the skills necessary for safe driving. They affect reaction time, coordination, judgment, and visual perception. An intoxicated truck driver may struggle to maintain control of the vehicle, stay within the lanes, or react appropriately to emergencies.
Other Motorists
Sharing the road with tractor-trailers requires extra caution. Their size and weight make them less maneuverable, requiring more space and time to brake or swerve safely. Other drivers may be negligent while maneuvering around them, leading to dangerous collisions.
Truck Defects
Driver negligence is not the only cause of truck accidents. Manufacturing defects can also be a factor. Auto manufacturers are held to a standard of “strict liability.” This means their product must be safe for its intended use, and they can be held liable for injuries caused by the product.
The plaintiff does not even have to prove negligence — only that the product was being used as intended when it caused the injury. If a truck accident was not the driver’s fault but due to a manufacturing defect, the truck manufacturer can be held liable for all injuries resulting from the accident.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Uneven weight distribution or unsecured cargo can cause a truck to become unstable and overturn, especially during turns or sudden maneuvers.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, our Long Beach lawyers are here to help. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. We can obtain key pieces of evidence, such as witness statements, black box data, and more. Our team can also work with reconstruction experts, who can provide more insight into the events leading up to the incident.
Hurt in a Truck Accident?
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Here are the most common types of truck accidents that could lead to serious injuries and fatalities:
Fatigued Driving Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established hours of service (HOS) rules to prevent driver fatigue. Truckers, especially long-haul drivers, spend more time on the road, which is why their hours should be regulated. Based on HOS rules, truckers can only spend 11 hours driving on a 14-hour shift. The remaining hours are reserved for break times and other on-duty tasks.
Unfortunately, many trucking companies incentivize truckers to work longer hours. Drivers would then get less sleep and rest to finish a haul ahead of schedule and earn more. However, fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Exhausted and drowsy drivers are more prone to making driving mistakes. Falling asleep at the wheel increases the risk of drifting off the lane or failing to stop at a red light.
Some truckers distract themselves to avoid falling asleep. For example, they call their friends or blast music to stay awake. However, these distractions are also risk factors for accidents. Other truckers resort to using stimulants like amphetamines, which could impair vision, interfere with concentration, and increase risky behavior.
Our truck accident lawyers in Long Beach can use logbooks and data from black boxes, electronic logging devices, and phones to establish liability. We can also check other evidence, such as in-cab camera footage, to see if the driver shows any signs of fatigue.
Jackknife Accidents
Tractor-trailers, also called big rigs, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks, are at risk of jackknife accidents. This type of accident happens when the trailer, which carries the cargo, swings in an angular direction. The trailer usually takes up other lanes and collides with everything in its path, causing extensive damage and injuries due to its size and weight.
Several factors could lead to jackknife accidents. For one, slippery road conditions due to adverse weather could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. Turning at high speeds, slamming the brakes, and driver inexperience also increase the chances of jackknifing.
Runaway Trailer Accidents
Runaway trailer accidents are also common in semi-trucks. They happen when the trailer separates from the tractor and veers off into oncoming traffic. The truck driver’s loss of control over the trailer can cause multiple vehicle accidents and extensive damage. Faulty hitches and brake failures are possible causes of these accidents.
Our Long Beach lawyers can hold manufacturers liable for your injuries if the truck accident is due to a faulty truck component or design. The case can get extremely complicated since we will likely deal with big corporations. However, we are not afraid of facing them if it means you get the compensation you deserve.
Wide-Turn Accidents
Due to their size, trucks need more room to turn. However, an inexperienced driver might take up more room than necessary and collide with other vehicles. Additionally, trucks have massive blind spots or “no zones.” If a truck turns right, the large blind spot on the passenger side may prevent truckers from seeing other cars, motorists, and pedestrians.
Truckers can avoid this type of accident by communicating with other motorists on the road. They must always use their blinkers and signals when turning, allowing other drivers to navigate around them.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks have longer stopping distances than passenger cars. Truckers must always put enough distance between their trucks and the vehicle in front. Truckers who follow other cars too closely risk rear-ending them, especially at stop signs and red lights.
Rear-end car accidents usually result in minor injuries and damage. However, the impact is different between a truck and a passenger vehicle. Due to size and weight differences, rear-end collisions can cause catastrophic injuries. If the trucker is speeding and unable to stop in time, the force of the impact is even more intense and may even lead to fatalities. If your loved one dies in a rear-end collision, our truck accident lawyers in Long Beach can also help you file a wrongful death claim.
Accidents Caused By An Overloaded Trailer
The FMCSA also regulates truck weights, which should not exceed 80,000 pounds. These restrictions are set in place to reduce wear and tear on trucks and prevent accidents from happening. However, some trucking companies overload trucks to increase profit, but doing so can make driving even more challenging.
The additional weight will make it more difficult for a driver to stop the truck or turn. More cargo also means a higher center of gravity, increasing the chances of rollover accidents. In addition, the massive vehicle will have longer stopping distances. The added weight can increase the force in a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object.
Besides overloading, improper cargo loading is another prevalent issue in the trucking industry. Cargo shifting may contribute to truck accidents. So, shipping companies must ensure the freight is secured and won’t move during transit.
Underride Accidents
Truck drivers must always be considerate of everyone on the road, especially because they have big blind spots. They can use their signal lights to communicate with other drivers, including vehicles behind them. If they slam the brakes and suddenly stop without signaling to other motorists, the passenger vehicle behind them could collide with the truck and get stuck under it. This is known as an underride accident, which is often fatal to the occupants of the small vehicle. Underride accidents can happen when truck drivers cut too close to a passenger vehicle.
After the death of actress Jayne Mansfield in 1967, trucks were required to have Mansfield bars. These are the steel bars you can find on the back side of trucks and are meant to prevent underride accidents from happening.
Accidents Caused By Vehicle Malfunctions
Large trucks typically travel hundreds of miles per day. Annually, they travel thousands of miles, hauling thousands of pounds of cargo. Therefore, the upkeep and inspection of a company’s fleet are essential. Failure to perform regular maintenance can increase the likelihood of vehicle malfunctions. Regular inspections could prevent tire blowouts, faulty brakes, engine issues, etc.
Our Long Beach attorneys will inspect the vehicle during the investigation to determine whether negligent maintenance caused the truck accident. In addition to trucking companies and drivers, third-party contractors may also be responsible.
What Are The Common Injuries In A Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the significant force involved. Here are some common injuries seen in these incidents:
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Muscle Sprains And Strains — These injuries can cause prolonged discomfort, limiting mobility and daily activities.
- Whiplash — This injury frequently occurs when a vehicle is struck from behind, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and potential long-term complications.
Broken Bones
Initially, it may seem straightforward to treat with a cast, but complications can arise if bone fragments damage internal structures. Such damage to blood vessels or nerves can lead to severe bleeding, chronic pain, or loss of sensation.
Permanent Disabilities
- Amputation — Severe injuries may require the removal of a limb, significantly altering the victim’s quality of life.
- Organ Damage — Serious internal injuries can result in the removal of an organ, affecting overall well-being.
- Brain Damage — This can lead to permanent cognitive or physical impairments, affecting one’s ability to work or perform daily tasks.
Long-Term Implications
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Victims may face years of lost wages and ongoing pain and suffering. Due to the lifelong impact on the victim and their family, compensation claims can result in multi-million dollar settlements.
Insurance companies often undervalue claims related to seemingly minor injuries. However, victims are entitled to compensation for all their pain and suffering, even if the initial medical bills do not reflect the full extent of their discomfort.
Our Long Beach personal injury lawyer can work with medical experts to assess the full scope of injuries, ensuring that victims receive appropriate compensation for both immediate and long-term effects. Facilities like Long Beach Memorial Medical Center play a crucial role in truck accident victims’ ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Who Is Liable For A Truck Accident?
Driver error is the most common cause of traffic accidents. A truck driver might be tired, distracted, speeding, or driving unsafely, all of which violate the duty of care owed to others on the road. If a trucker is negligent and causes an accident, they are legally obligated to compensate all accident victims injured by that negligence.
In addition to the truck driver, our Long Beach lawyers can also hold the following parties liable for a truck accident:
Truck Owner
The entity that owns the truck can also be held liable for your injuries, regardless of whether they were driving the truck at the time of the accident. Truck owners are required to carry insurance, and they may be held responsible if their negligence in maintaining the truck or hiring competent drivers contributed to the accident.
Subcontractor Responsible For Maintenance
Truck accidents can be caused by faulty components that weren’t replaced due to a lack of maintenance. In some cases, inadequate repair work can also contribute to these incidents. If negligent maintenance leads to injuries and deaths, the party responsible for the truck’s maintenance could also be held liable.
Cargo Loaders
Improper loading is becoming a huge issue in the trucking industry, leading to thousands of injuries each year. You can file a claim against the supplier, cargo loader, or cargo owner if unsecured freight or overloading caused your accident.
Other Parties
Other entities might also be accountable for your losses if investigations show their actions or inaction led to your injuries. For example, the local Long Beach government could be liable if poor roadway conditions contributed to the accident. If this is the case, you have to move fast since the statute of limitations for cases against the government is short. Other drivers who contributed to the accident through their actions or negligence could also be pursued for compensation.
Identifying the liable party in a truck accident case can be complex. In cases where multiple parties may share responsibility, our Long Beach truck accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to determine all negligent parties and pursue appropriate legal action on your behalf. Call us today at (888) 488-1391, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Losses Can I Be Compensated For In Case Of A Truck Accident?
A person or company that is found to be responsible for causing an accident has a legal obligation to compensate injured victims. This includes both tangible and intangible losses, as well as losses that the victim might suffer in the future.
Here are a few of the most common areas of compensation in a truck accident injury case:
Medical Bills
Injury victims are entitled to compensation for all of their medical bills related to the accident. Typically, this involves a straightforward calculation based on itemized statements from medical professionals detailing the treatment provided and associated costs. However, insurance companies may dispute certain aspects, such as the cost of treatment.
They might argue that you received excessive treatment, that your providers overcharged, or even that you worsened your injuries by delaying treatment or not following recommendations. In such cases, our Long Beach lawyers specializing in truck accidents may need expert testimony to prove that the treatment is necessary and that its costs are reasonable.
If you have health insurance (including Medicare or Medicaid), the carrier is required to cover your medical expenses, even those stemming from the accident. However, your health insurer may seek reimbursement for any payments made that are subsequently recovered from the defendant in your personal injury case. Your personal injury lawyer will manage these liens and other financial matters with your health insurer(s) before finalizing the distribution of your settlement or jury award.
Lost Wages
Almost all injury victims will end up missing some amount of work as a result of the accident. If your injuries are minor, you might only miss a few hours on the day of the accident. These lost wages are easy to document by getting a statement from your employer that shows how many hours you missed and your hourly rate. These small reimbursements are usually not disputed by the insurance company.
However, serious truck accident injuries can keep you out of work for months. These lost wages add up quickly, and the larger the claim, the more likely the insurance company will dispute it. Your attorney might need to present medical evidence to demonstrate why you were unable to return to work. Our Long Beach truck accident lawyers might need to get evidence from your employer about why you were only able to return to work on a part-time basis or with limited responsibilities to accommodate your injuries.
Pain And Suffering
Injury victims are entitled to compensation for their intangible losses as well. After an accident, you will suffer physical pain from your injuries. You might endure emotional suffering due to the trauma of the accident and your reasonable fear of getting back on the road. Many injury victims gave up a beloved hobby or missed important life events like graduations and weddings.
These losses significantly diminish your quality of life. If you are unable to return to work, you might lose the sense of pride that comes with a job well done and knowing that you are an important part of your company’s work. Injury victims are entitled to compensation for these intangible losses. Unfortunately, they are difficult to prove with an exact dollar amount, so insurance companies like to attack the value of your pain and suffering.
Many injury victims without attorneys are told that their case would not do well at trial or that the settlement offer is “standard” for their type of accident. You should never take this type of legal advice from someone who is actively working for the other side. Only your Long Beach truck accident injury lawyers can give you a fair assessment of what your claim is worth. The reality is that there is no “standard” payment for your particular case. You are entitled to full and fair compensation for all of the unique losses that you have personally suffered.
Determining Fault In Truck Accidents
Truck crashes can cause serious injuries and raise complex legal questions about who is responsible for the damages. In Long Beach, the fault in these accidents is based on negligence. To win a case, you’ll need to prove four essential elements.
- Duty Of Care — The truck driver (or other responsible party) had a legal obligation to act safely and avoid causing harm to others on the road.
- Breach Of Duty — The driver failed to uphold this duty. Examples include speeding, improperly securing cargo, or violating rest regulations.
- Causation — The driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries.
- Damages — You suffered actual losses as a result of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering.
Understanding these elements is crucial for navigating truck accident claims. Due to the complexities of these cases involving multiple parties and regulations, seeking legal guidance from a good truck accident lawyer in Long Beach is crucial. This will help you establish fault and pursue fair compensation for your damages.
Types Of Evidence Used By Personal Injury Lawyers
Personal injury lawyers use many types of evidence to prove who was at fault for causing a truck accident. Photos and videos of the accident scene can help establish what occurred—and in what order. In some cases, the police will take measurements and collect other data at the scene. If they do not, the insurance companies can send their own investigators to the scene, body shops, or wrecking yards where the vehicles are being stored.
A physical examination of the vehicle can also be used to establish what happened and who was at fault for causing the accident.
Importance Of Electronic Logging Devices
In recent years, the Department of Transportation has required all commercial trucks to be equipped with electronic logging devices. These devices record data about the speed and distance a truck is traveling, how long the engine has been active, and the number of hours the vehicle has been in service. This data is transmitted automatically to remote servers so that drivers cannot alter or tamper with the information.
These devices replace the old “paper logs” that drivers were required to maintain to track their miles and hours of service. Paper logs largely relied on the Honor System, so some unscrupulous drivers would alter their logs to get in more hours without taking a break. Not only did this violate federal rules that require commercial truck drivers to take breaks at specified intervals, but it was also dangerous.
Electronic logs are very powerful data to present in court. They are almost impossible for drivers to tamper with. They show whether drivers were complying with the required rest periods. They can even show how fast the vehicle was traveling. All of this evidence allows Long Beach attorneys to make a powerful case that the truck driver’s negligence caused the accident in question.
Of course, electronic logs cannot tell the entire story of an accident. Even with this type of data, the insurance company’s lawyers might still dispute that their client is at fault (liable) for the accident. In this case, your attorney might need to hire an expert witness to interpret the data. Accident reconstructionists are technical experts who interpret objective data (such as photos, measurements, traffic light signal time charts, and electronic logs) to determine how an accident occurred.
Each side is entitled to hire its own expert witness. In many cases, the opinions differ, and the case becomes a “battle of experts.” In such an event, the jury is presented with each expert’s testimony and left to determine who was ultimately at fault for causing the accident.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Truck Accident In Long Beach?
We understand how frightening a truck accident can be, but try to stay calm. Keeping a level head is crucial to protecting your well-being and legal rights. Follow these steps:
- Check For Injuries. Your safety is the top priority. Immediately check your arms, legs, head, and torso for any visible injuries. If you see bruising around your stomach area, it might indicate an internal injury. Stay put in a safe location while waiting for emergency responders.
- Call 911. If you are unable to call, ask witnesses for assistance. Wait for help to arrive, especially if you are severely injured. Do not attempt to move, as adrenaline and shock can mask pain, and you may have injuries like broken bones that are not immediately apparent.
- Move to Safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid blocking traffic. If you cannot move the vehicle, ensure you and others move to the side of the road to prevent further injuries.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention. When paramedics arrive, follow their instructions. You may need to be rushed to the hospital. At this stage, allow the police to handle the investigation.
- Gather Evidence. If it is safe to do so, collect information from all parties involved. Exchange contact and insurance details. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention. Even if paramedics provide first aid, seeing a doctor for a comprehensive evaluation is crucial. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and could worsen without proper medical care.
- Contact Our Long Beach Truck Accident Lawyers As Soon As Possible. We can help you understand your rights and begin the claim process. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Our client suffered serious injuries after he was run over by a speeding vehicle. Aside from achieving a monumental financial recovery, our firm was able to secure the best medical care and treatment to ensure that he recovered from his injuries with the best medical team in the nation. We are happy to deliver closure and peace to a nice family.– BRIAN BEECHER
What Can I Do To Help Settle My Truck Accident Case?
Holding off on accepting offers may seem counterintuitive. However, allowing our Long Beach truck accident lawyers to negotiate with negligent parties will give you a better chance of securing maximum compensation.
There are several steps you can take to prevent disputes and speed up the process:
- Be Diligent With Your Medical Appointments — Victims who don’t follow the doctor’s treatment plans or fail to show up at every check-up or consultation are less likely to receive a fair settlement. Attending all follow-up appointments and consultations shows the insurance company you’re taking your recovery seriously. It helps strengthen your case and minimizes the chance of the at-fault party disputing the cause of your injuries.
- Avoid Posting On Social Media — Although social media offers a distraction from your pain and discomfort, posting can jeopardize your case. Insurance adjusters might monitor your accounts and try to find anything to dispute your claim. For example, you posted a photo you took at the beach months before the accident. The insurers may use that post to say you weren’t injured and were having fun at the beach when you’re supposedly recovering. So, be extra careful because even your comments or posts may be scrutinized. If you can, disable your accounts until your case is resolved.
- Organize And Preserve Evidence — You might have the urge to just shove a medical bill in your bag, all crumpled up. However, organizing them neatly in one space is advisable to preserve them. Any documentation related to your accident is important evidence. You don’t want to lose anything that could prove your losses and risk not getting paid.
Statute Of Limitations
If you are injured in a truck accident in Long Beach or anywhere in California, you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. The state follows a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. The family members and legal heirs of a deceased victim can also file a wrongful death claim within two years of death.
Meanwhile, if your case is against a government entity, you only have six months to pursue legal action. Failure to file a claim within these deadlines forfeits your right to compensation. The court will likely dismiss your case, regardless of its validity. Additionally, the defendants are under no legal obligation to compensate you.
We recommend hiring our lawyers in Long Beach for truck accidents to avoid missing critical deadlines. We will ensure all paperwork is submitted on time. Our team will do the legwork on your behalf, which means you can file a case even if you are still recovering.
Truck Accident Statistics
Here are some alarming statistics regarding truck-related accidents on our roads from the FMCSA:
- In 2021, approximately 494,000 truck-related crashes were reported to the police. Of these, 5,149 (1%) were fatal, while around 110,000 (22%) resulted in injuries.
- About 54% of fatal truck accidents happen in rural areas. Of these accidents, 26% occurred on Interstate highways, and 12% happened on rural Interstate highways.
- Approximately 21% of all fatal crashes involve trucks versus bicyclists, pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, etc. The majority of fatal large truck crashes (62%) involved two vehicles.
- Around 37% of these fatal incidents also happen at night, between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Additionally, 24% of all injury crashes happen during this time.
- The vast majority of truck-related accidents (83% fatal, 87% nonfatal) happen on weekdays.
- Collision with another vehicle and rollovers are some of the most common truck accident events in the same year.
- At least one large truck was involved in 33% of fatal work zone crashes and 15% of work zone injury crashes.
Our Long Beach lawyers will provide exceptional legal assistance if you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident. We are available 24/7, so you can contact us anytime. Our team will ensure your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages and losses are paid.
FAQs About Long Beach Truck Accidents
Do I Really Need To Hire A Long Beach Injury Lawyer If I'm Involved In A Truck Accident?
You have serious legal interests at stake after a truck accident. The more serious your injuries, the more compensation you are entitled to, and the greater your financial interest in the outcome of the case. Some injury victims choose to settle their cases on their own without the help of a personal injury lawyer. You have the right to do this, but there are many reasons why it is not a good idea.
Cases handled by lawyers consistently result in higher settlements compared to those where the victims represent themselves. This is due to several factors, but the key point is that having our truck accident attorneys in Long Beach on your side will likely increase your settlement amount.
So, why can a lawyer get more money than someone who handles the claim on their own? First, you have to remember that the insurance company is not on your side. In fact, it is actively working for the other side, representing the driver who struck you or the company they work for.
Insurance companies are large, powerful organizations with systems in place to pay as little as possible on as few claims as possible. They train their claims adjusters to deny as many claims as they can and make low settlement offers. Insurance companies also hire experienced defense lawyers to defend these decisions and try to let the company get away with these unfair claims practices. It is difficult — if not impossible — for an injury victim who does not have the legal experience to fight back against the full force of the insurance company, its trained adjusters, and its armies of lawyers.
What Factors Impact Your Long Beach Truck Accident Settlement?
The settlement amount will vary from case to case since no two truck accidents are alike. When estimating your claim’s value, our Long Beach truck accident lawyers will look at certain factors, such as:
Type Of Injury And Severity
The more severe your injuries are, the higher your claim’s value. For example, if the accident causes a permanent disability, you could receive more compensation than someone who only sustained whiplash and external wounds.
Nevertheless, there are also instances when two victims with the same injuries receive different settlements. This happens because people experience injuries and trauma differently. Subjective losses also greatly affect your claim’s value.
Damages
Your overall damages and losses will significantly impact your case. Our Long Beach lawyers can assess the value of your sustained economic and non-economic damages.
Liability
California follows the pure comparative negligence rule, which can also affect the value of your case. If you have been found partly to blame for the accident, your compensation will be reduced according to your level of fault.
For example, a jury finds you 25% at fault. That means you can only receive 75% of the compensation. Plaintiffs who are 99% liable may still pursue compensation for the 1% they are not at fault for.
Learn how California’s comparative negligence rule affects your case from the reliable truck accident lawyers Long Beach respects today.
Liability Coverage
Trucking companies and logistics service providers (LSPs) have significantly higher insurance policies, meaning truck accident victims can receive more from them. Retaining the best Long Beach truck accident lawyers increases your chance of getting maximum compensation, which could be hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
I Am An Undocumented Immigrant. Can I Take Legal Action For My Truck Accident In Long Beach?
Yes, you can still pursue financial compensation in a truck accident, even if you are an undocumented immigrant. The defense team should not even mention your immigration status in the case. So, if they threaten you with deportation or dispute your claim because of your status, hire our Long Beach truck accident lawyers immediately. We will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you are owed.
Will My Truck Accident Case Be Settled Out Of Court Or Go To Trial?
Most truck accident claims are settled out of court, especially when the negligent party knows you have a legal representative. However, there is still a chance a claim might have to go to trial, especially if it involves severe injuries, multiple parties, and insurers that won’t offer fair settlements. Whether your case proceeds to court or not, hiring skilled and experienced attorneys is a good decision.
Our Long Beach attorneys, who handle truck accident claims, will build a compelling case from the moment you sign with us. Although we prepare every case for trial, most cases we handle are settled out of court. Rest assured, we will do our utmost to expedite the process and get you the compensation you deserve as soon as possible.
Am I Responsible For Paying My Own Medical Bills Following A Truck Accident?
Under California law, the negligent party who causes an accident that injures someone is responsible for paying their bills. However, it’s rare for the at-fault party to accept blame and offer a fair amount. So, the victim often ends up paying for their medical bills initially.
Victims can use private health insurance to pay medical bills, government health insurance (Medicare or Medi-Cal) to get the treatment they need, or, as a last resort, find a healthcare provider willing to offer their services on a “lien.” This policy means victims can receive the medical attention they need right away. Once the victim gets their compensation, a part will go to the healthcare provider as payment.
If you want to learn more about medical liens and how they’ll affect your compensation, call us at (888) 488-1391. Our Long Beach truck accident lawyers are available 24/7 to answer your questions.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
The settlement you will receive will depend on a few things, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Property damage repair or replacement
- If you can resume your previous employment
- Your pain and suffering
Each case is unique, so it’s difficult to say how much you will receive. However, our lawyers in Long Beach will evaluate and calculate your truck accident claim using various pieces of evidence, such as bills, receipts, contracts, journal entries, and professional opinions.
Get A Free Consultation From The Truck Accident Lawyers Long Beach Calls For Justice
A truck accident is an overwhelming experience for any injury victim. You don’t have to go through the claims process alone. Our experienced truck accident lawyers know how to handle truck accident injury cases and protect your legal right to be compensated for your injuries and losses.
If you’re thinking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer in Long Beach?” the answer is a firm yes. Our legal team is ready to help accident victims across the Golden State. We will come to you — anywhere, anytime.
We have recovered over $500 Million for clients across the state. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule your free consultation. Don’t wait: the sooner you have an experienced Long Beach truck accident lawyer on your side, the better protected your legal rights will be.
Our Long Beach lawyers also handle truck accidents, hit-and-run cases, DUI cases, and other types of accidents. We serve clients in different areas of Long Beach, including Central Long Beach, Downtown Waterfront, East Waterfront, Eastside, North Long Beach, and Westside.
Our attorneys also help those who are in nearby cities, such as Bellflower, Los Alamitos, Lakewood, Paramount, Hawaiian Gardens, Signal Hill, Carson, Seal Beach, Artesia, Compton, Torrance, Cypress, West Carson, Rossmoor, and Lomita. We also cater to injured victims in San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and the rest of California.
