A truck accident doesnโt just leave dents and broken glassโit can leave you dealing with injuries, endless phone calls from insurers, and a pile of medical bills you didnโt ask for. In Long Beach, where semi-trucks share crowded freeways with commuters daily, accidents are all too common.
At Peerali Law, we know youโre not just looking for legal helpโyouโre looking for someone who gets it. Our Long Beach truck accident lawyers donโt see cases; we see people. People whoโve had their routines upended and their futures thrown into question. From sorting out whoโs responsible to making sure your claim reflects everything youโve been through, weโre here to guide you every step of the way.
Long Beach: A Hub for Truck Accidents
Long Beachโs connection to the Port of Los Angeles makes it a hub for commercial trucking, with thousands of 18-wheelers navigating the 710 and 405 freeways daily. While vital to the economy, this constant flow of large trucks creates heightened risks for everyone sharing the road.
When a fully loaded truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating. A distracted driver, improperly secured cargo, or neglected maintenance can set off a chain of events that leaves victims dealing with serious injuries and mounting expenses. These accidents are not just statisticsโthey represent lives upended instantly.
What Are the Most Common Truck Accident Injury Claims?
Truck accidents arenโt just bigger versions of car accidentsโthey involve layers of responsibility and regulations that set them apart. A collision with a semi-truck can leave you wondering whoโs truly accountable. Some of the most common truck accident injury claims we see in Long Beach are due to:
- Driver fatigue. Truck drivers often face pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to long hours and inadequate rest. Fatigue can impair a driverโs reaction time, judgment, and decision-making abilities.
- Distracted driving. Even a momentary distraction, such as reaching for a phone or adjusting a GPS, can have serious consequences when driving a large truck.
- Speeding and reckless driving. Speeding reduces a truck driverโs ability to control the vehicle and stop safely, especially in congested Long Beach traffic.
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo. Overloaded trucks or cargo that is not secured correctly can cause a truck to jackknife or lose control.
- Defective truck parts. Faulty brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms can lead to catastrophic truck accidents.
Cases like these demand more than just basic fact-finding. An experienced Long Beach truck accident attorney will review driver logs, maintenance schedules, cargo records, and black box data from the truck itself. Every piece of information can uncover who contributed to the crash and how.
What Does California Law Say About Truck Accidents?
Truck accident claims often involve more than meets the eye, especially when multiple parties and regulations come into play. California law has specific laws for these cases, and itโs essential to have a Long Beach truck accident lawyer on your side who knows how to apply them to your situation.
Statute of Limitations
California law generally gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions to this rule, especially if a government entity is involved. For instance, if the City of Long Beach owns the truck that hit you, you may have as little as six months to file a claim.
Determining Liability
California follows a โfaultโ system, meaning the person or entity that caused the accident is responsible for the damages. However, determining fault in a truck accident can be complicated. Liable parties might include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the cargo, or even the manufacturer of a defective truck part. Our Long Beach truck accident lawyers have the experience to investigate your accident and identify all responsible parties.
Comparative Negligence
Even if you were partly responsible for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation in California. The state follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your award will be reduced by 20%.
Our Long Beach truck accident lawyers leverage these laws to address every detail of your claim, helping you pursue the recovery you need without missing a step.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident in Long Beach?
The financial and emotional toll of a truck accident can feel like it just keeps growing. At Peerali Law, we ensure your claim shows the full extent of what the accident has taken from you.
- Medical expenses. Truck accidents typically lead to substantial medical costs, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments. These expenses can add up quickly, and we work to ensure theyโre fully included in your claim.
- Lost income. Missing work due to injuries can create financial stress. Compensation can include not just wages youโve already lost but also income youโre unable to earn in the future if the accident has impacted your ability to work.
- Vehicle repairs or replacement. Truck accidents frequently result in serious damage to vehicles. Whether your car needs repairs or a complete replacement, we ensure these costs are accounted for in your claim.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain and emotional difficulties after a truck accident are real and deserve recognition. Compensation can address these impacts.
- Punitive damages. When a trucking company or driver ignores safety regulations, everyone on the road is at risk. In cases of extreme negligence, we seek damages that go beyond covering costsโsending a message about the responsibility they failed to uphold.
โโWhen we take your case, itโs personal. Weโre not just here to check boxes or push papers. We dive into the specificsโwhat happened to you, how itโs affected your life, and what itโll take to get things back on track.
Why Choose Peerali Law?
Thereโs no shortage of attorneys in Southern California, so why choose us? Peerali Law is a boutique firm, which means we intentionally keep our caseload small so we can focus on you. Founders Kristopher Peerali and Serena Vartazarian believe building genuine client connections leads to better results.
Weโre not about cookie-cutter strategies or rushing cases through the system. Instead, we take the time to listen, understand what matters most to you, and build a legal strategy that reflects your needs.
If youโre searching for a truck accident lawyer in Long Beach, our team offers more than just legal representationโwe provide guidance and a commitment to seeking justice. Hereโs how we help:
- Investigating your accident. Weโll gather police reports, interview witnesses, analyze photos and videos, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to build a complete picture of what happened.
- Handling insurance companies. Insurance companies tend to prioritize profits over fairness. We take on the negotiations, so you donโt have to.
- Trial-ready representation. If a fair settlement canโt be reached, weโre fully prepared to advocate for you in court.
With Peerali Law, youโre choosing a team that works tirelessly to pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Speak with a Long Beach Truck Accident Lawyer Today
You didnโt choose to be injured in a truck accident, but you can choose how to move forward. The Long Beach truck accident lawyers at Peerali Law are here to help you find answers, recover what youโve lost, and hold the right parties accountable. Call us today at 818-650-3463 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.ย