Long Beach Truck Accident Lawyer

Getting into an accident with a truck can have a devastating effect on your life. Unlike a regular car accident, a truck accident could potentially result in major, life-threatening injuries as well as severe damage to your vehicle. The Port of Long Beach is the 2nd busiest port in the United States (next to the Port of Los Angeles), therefore the traffic created by semi-trucks and 18-wheelers in local traffic can be overwhelming at times.

*Alert: In April of 2023, Robin Perry settled a wrongful death lawsuit for $1.275 Million involving a man killed by a truck on the freeway in Blythe, CA. Read more here.

If you’ve been in a truck accident, you’ll have to deal not only with the driver, but also with the company they work for and their insurance carrier. You’re trying to recover from your injuries at this time, and need someone on your side who can negotiate a fair settlement for you. If you’re looking for a Long Beach truck accident lawyer, Robin D. Perry is here for you.

Truck Accident Law Firm Serving Southern California

For over two decades, we’ve been representing clients in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Southern California to fight to get the compensation our clients deserve. You can give us a call at 562-216-2944 to schedule your consultation today or simply to learn about what we can offer. In the meantime, learn more about our services below. 

California Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accident injuries can range from minor injuries, like whiplash and back pain, to severe, life-altering injuries, such as spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. If you get into an accident with a truck, you could also suffer from burns, broken bones, and internal injuries to your kidneys, liver, or other organs.

Your expenses for your truck accident injuries could include examinations, a series of surgeries, hospital stays, X-rays, visits with specialists, medical equipment, and prescription medicine. If your vehicle and your belongings inside of it were also damaged, you’d have to cover those expenses as well.

If the accident was not your fault, then it’s not fair that you should have to pay for all these expenses. With an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side, you could get the settlement that is rightfully yours.

Why Retain a Law Firm After an 18-Wheeler Collision?

Hiring a truck accident lawyer is of paramount importance following a collision with an 18-wheeler. Given the intricate web of federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry, coupled with the potential for severe injuries and the involvement of multiple liable parties, these accidents are inherently complex. A specialized attorney not only navigates these complexities but also effectively negotiates with formidable insurance companies, ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve. Without such expertise, individuals may find themselves overwhelmed and under-compensated, underscoring the critical nature of securing skilled legal representation in truck accident cases.

Hiring a truck accident lawyer after a serious collision involving an 18-wheeler is important for several reasons:

• Complexity of the Law: Trucking accidents often involve a different set of regulations and laws than regular car accidents. In the U.S., for instance, the trucking industry is regulated by both federal and state laws, including those set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A specialized lawyer would be familiar with these regulations and how they might apply to your specific case.
• Multiple Parties Involved: Unlike car accidents that typically involve two parties (the drivers), truck accidents can involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, the shipper, and others. Determining liability can be more complex.
• Severe Injuries: Collisions with 18-wheelers can often result in more severe injuries due to the size and weight of these large vehicles. This can lead to bigger medical bills and a longer recovery time, which should be factored into any potential compensation.
• Higher Stakes: Because of the potential for severe injuries, the stakes in trucking accident cases can be higher. Trucking companies and their insurers know this and may have aggressive legal teams ready to defend their interests. You’ll need an experienced advocate on your side to ensure your rights are protected.
• Evidence Gathering: A truck accident lawyer can promptly begin an investigation, preserve evidence (like trucking logs, vehicle data, etc.), and interview witnesses. This is crucial, as evidence can be lost or destroyed if not gathered promptly.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize the amount they pay out. A skilled lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you’re fairly compensated for your injuries, damages, and suffering.
• Determining the Value of Your Claim: A truck accident lawyer will know how to accurately calculate the total cost of your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This ensures you seek appropriate compensation.
• Litigation Experience: If your case goes to trial, you’ll want someone experienced in presenting cases before a jury. A truck accident attorney will have the necessary experience to represent you in court.
• No Upfront Costs: Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. This can give you peace of mind and ensure access to legal representation even if you’re worried about expenses.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a professional handling the legal complexities of your case can give you the space to focus on recovery and rebuilding.

While it’s technically possible to handle a truck accident claim on your own, the complexities and high stakes involved make it wise to hire a specialized truck accident lawyer. They can provide invaluable guidance and representation, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Trucks are frequently involved in accidents. In fact, being a truck driver is one of the most dangerous occupations around, since truck drivers face the highest number of fatalities for any occupation.

So, why do truck accidents happen? There are a number of reasons. A truck driver may be speeding to get to their destination because they are on a tight schedule and end up crashing into a vehicle. They could also be texting or otherwise distracted or fall asleep behind the wheel while driving through the night and cause an accident. Poor maintenance of a truck is another cause of accidents, since trucks go through so much wear and tear. A tire could pop and cause a truck to break down on the road, or a broken windshield could limit a truck driver’s visibility.

Some truck drivers drink and take drugs and then go to work, which means they aren’t exercising caution on the job. If a truck driver is driving when it’s raining or snowing, or there’s ice on the road, their truck could veer off the road and hit another vehicle. Truck drivers have low visibility and aren’t able to see cars in their blind spot. If a car is trying to get around a truck but the truck driver can’t see it, this could lead to an accident.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Immediately following a truck accident, call the police and start gathering proof of the accident. This includes witness statements, pictures of your visible injuries, damage to your car and belongings, and the scene of the accident, along with video footage, if possible. Make sure you get the truck driver’s name and insurance information, as well as the name of the company they work for. You should take a picture of the truck driver’s license and license plate, too.

Then, go to the hospital as soon as you’ve wrapped up at the scene. Get a thorough checkup and ask your doctor to take X-rays to see if there is any internal damage. Follow your doctor’s orders and stay on top of your treatment. If you do not, it’ll look like you aren’t taking your injuries seriously, and this could have a negative impact on your settlement amount.

Once you get in contact with a truck accident lawyer, they will ask you for proof you have, collect further proof if necessary, and get in touch with the trucker’s insurance company to attempt to negotiate a settlement for you… all at no cost to you unless you win.

Now is the time for you to rest and focus on your recovery. Let a truck accident lawyer help you now when you need it the most.

Contact Us Now

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Long Beach or Los Angeles, then reach out to the Law Office of Robin D. Perry & Associates. You can call us at 562-216-2944 or contact us on our website. We look forward to hearing from you.