Between who is at fault, who is responsible for compensation, and squaring away medical costs, there are many complexities to consider in a truck accident case. 

To complicate matters, even when a truck driver is at fault, insurance companies will not be forthcoming in paying damages owed to the victims. 

When contemplating the necessity of a Long Beach truck accident lawyer, the answer will almost always be: it is a necessity. Here is why. 

Reasons to Hire a Long Beach Truck Accident Lawyer

Hiring personal injury attorneys for a motor vehicle accident is not always needed. However, the greatest benefit attorneys provide is experience. This is necessary after an accident with large trucks, like tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other oversized vehicles.

Truck accident attorneys have experience dealing with insurance policies for large commercial trucks and will tailor their approach to each client’s specific needs while also avoiding the following challenges.

Truck Accidents Create Legal Complications

Long Beach truck accidents raise unique legal challenges due to the distinct state regulations and insurance requirements governing oversized commercial vehicles.

For instance, all commercial truck drivers operate under a strict set of guidelines established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern various aspects of their operations, including safety standards, driving hours, and vehicle maintenance.

Additionally, a truck accident involving a government vehicle or entity will pose different challenges, such as a shortened statute of limitations (six months instead of two years) to file a personal injury claim.

Unfortunately, if the filing window is missed, victims lose the right to compensation for their sustained serious injuries.

Consulting a truck accident attorney is crucial, as they possess specialized expertise in this very complex area.

Their deep understanding of trucking regulations, liability principles, and insurance intricacies empowers them to effectively navigate the legal process and pursue the best possible outcome.

Missed Investigation Opportunities

Resolving truck accidents hinges on a meticulous investigation to pinpoint liability. The goal is to construct a compelling case to get truck accident victims fairly compensated.

The insurance company of the trucking company will conduct an investigation to find fault in other parties, including the victim, to prevent truck drivers and the trucking companies from being found liable.

A specialized personal injury law firm will utilize their resources and experiences to thoroughly investigate the trucking accident, as well. 

This includes gathering crucial evidence like police reports, witness testimony, photographs of the crash site, and expert analyses explaining what caused the crash. These efforts strengthen the truck accident claim and hold all liable parties accountable.

Not Proving Liability on Truck Driver or Other Parties Involved

Although the truck driver was present during the motor vehicle crash, liability for damages could fall on multiple parties. Due to the CA labor laws and regulations of trucking companies, more than one party may be found at fault for a Long Beach truck accident, such as the following:

• Truck driver
• Owner of the truck
• Truck manufacturer
• Trucking company/Employer
• Cargo suppliers
• Employees who loaded the cargo
• Truck maintenance company
• Third-party, like another driver

Accidents involving commercial trucks must be thoroughly investigated to explore all areas of potential fault and to confirm whether or not regulations were followed. A Long Beach truck accident lawyer can offer professional guidance in this area.

Dealing with Insurance Companies of the Trucking Company

In the aftermath of a commercial truck accident, insurance companies often prioritize their own bottom line over rightfully compensating truck accident victims for their severe injuries.

Their attempts to deny a claim or fight a truck accident lawsuit are stressful and frustrating, especially during a state of unwellness.

Another complicated matter is the involvement of multiple insurance companies. Because more than one party could be at fault, the case may involve the insurance policies of the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loading company, and more. 

A skilled Long Beach truck accident lawyer safeguards clients’ rights and interests throughout the entire personal injury claims process. 

Experience in similar cases equips them with knowledge of who to hold accountable, as well as how to efficiently negotiate with each insurance company.

Failing to Recover Maximum Compensation 

Experienced truck accident lawyers will know how to assess all forms of loss for car accidents, like economic damages and non-economic damages, that could otherwise go overlooked. 

The consequences of truck accidents often extend far beyond immediate injuries and medical bills. The sheer size and weight of trucks can inflict devastating physical trauma, leading to extensive and expensive long-term medical care, prolonged work absences, and significant emotional hardship. 

Tragically, in some cases, these truck accidents result in fatalities, leaving surviving family members with legal and financial challenges. Based on the outcome, truck accident accidents may compensate for the following: 

• Medical Expenses: Ambulance bills, hospital stays, doctor fees, medications, physical therapy, mental health counseling, and any other costs associated with treating serious injuries
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the accident, including both past and future lost wages if the ability to work is impacted
• In-Home Care and  Modifications: Required ongoing support, in-home care assistance, and home modifications to accommodate new physical needs
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or the replacement value of a motor vehicle and other damaged property
• Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress, loss of quality of life, anxiety, loss of companionship, and other emotional losses
• Wrongful Death Claim: Compensation for the loss of a family member who provided financial support and emotional support

When Should I Talk to a Long Beach Truck Accident Lawyer?

As soon as possible, regardless of legal representation being uncertain. Consulting (not hiring) with a Long Beach truck accident lawyer still has many benefits. 

Following serious truck accidents, promptly seeking legal counsel from experienced personal injury lawyers is crucial for maximizing potential compensation. Here’s why:

• Preserving Evidence: Critical evidence may deteriorate or become unavailable over time, potentially weakening truck accident claims.
• Securing Witness Statements: Over time, key details about the Long Beach truck accident may be forgotten, making it difficult to obtain accurate witness accounts.
• Understanding Timelines: Specific filing periods apply to the legal system, and it limits how long an individual has to file a personal injury claim in California.
• Building a Strong Case: Early evaluation by a lawyer allows for a comprehensive investigation and strategy development that will be difficult for an insurance company to argue against.

By acting promptly, a legal team will have more time to gather evidence, secure witness testimonies, and ensure compliance with deadlines, ultimately strengthening the chance of full financial recovery.

If You Are Also At Fault for the Truck Accident…

Definitely speak to a Long Beach truck accident attorney. You may still be eligible for financial recovery. 

California adheres to a pure comparative fault system in personal injury cases, including commercial truck accidents. 

This means partial compensation may still be recovered, even if the plaintiff shares some responsibility for the accident. The final compensated amount will just be reduced by the determined percentage of fault. 

For example, if a plaintiff is found 50% at fault for an initial award of $100,000, then $50,000 would be awarded. 

To avoid comprising truck accident cases, it is vital to speak with a Long Beach truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

For Additional Help, Contact Belmont Accident Lawyers

Seeking legal counsel after a truck accident is crucial. Belmont Accident Lawyers is a full-service personal injury law firm. We can advise you on your rights and options, so that you get the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case today.