Long Beach Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Why Choose Thompson Law for Your Commercial Vehicle Accident Case?

After an accident, the right lawyer can make all the difference. At Thompson Law, we fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery. Here’s what we offer:

• No upfront costs:  You pay nothing unless we win.
• Proven results:  Over $1.9 billion recovered for clients.
• Fast and easy process:  Call, message, or sign up online. We start immediately.
• 24/7 support:  Our team is always available when you need us.
• Personalized attention:  We keep you informed every step of the way.
• Bilingual assistance:  Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff available.

California law limits the time to file a claim. Call now for a  FREE CONSULTATION.

What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Long Beach

A commercial vehicle crash can be crazy and stressful. Long Beach’s busy streets, heavy traffic and constant flow of delivery trucks, rideshares and public transit increase the chances of a serious accident. Knowing what to do can protect your health, legal rights and financial future.

Immediate Actions

• If possible, get to a safe place out of traffic.
• Call 911 to report the accident and ask for medical help.
• Wait for the police to arrive and file a report.

Gather Important Info

• Get pics of the vehicle damage, injuries, traffic signals and road conditions.
• Get names and contact info from people who saw the accident.
• Note the company name, vehicle number and license plate of the commercial vehicle.

Get Medical Help

• Get checked by paramedics; some injuries don’t show up until later.
• Visit a doctor or hospital. MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center or Emergency Room at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center handle emergencies among others.
• Follow all treatment plans and therapy sessions.

Report the Accident

• File a police report and get a copy for your records.
• Notify your insurance company ASAP.
• Be careful with the commercial insurer, don’t give recorded statements without a lawyer.

Save Important Docs

• Keep medical records and bills and document all accident-related expenses.
• Save evidence of missed work and reduced pay.
• Don’t fix your vehicle yet.  Make sure to inspect and document first.

Legal Considerations

• Talk to a lawyer before dealing with the insurers.
• Don’t sign anything.  Settlement offers may undervalue your claim.
• Understand how liability is determined.  Commercial vehicle accident cases may be complicated and involve third parties.

Next Steps and Outcomes

• Prepare for investigations.  Insurers and authorities will look into the accident.
• Continue medical care. Attend all follow-ups and therapy sessions.
• Negotiate for fair compensation. Settlements depend on injury severity, medical bills and lost income.
• Litigation may be necessary.  If a fair settlement isn’t offered, you may need to sue.

If you or a loved one was injured in a Long Beach commercial vehicle accident, contact our attorneys today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Long Beach

Commercial vehicle crashes happen for many reasons, from driver error to road hazards. Knowing the most common causes can help you be safer and reduce risks. Here’s what often leads to these accidents:

Driver Fatigue

• Long hours and tight schedules push drivers to the limit.
• Slower reactions and poor judgment make fatigue a major crash factor.

Distracted Driving

• Texting, eating, adjusting GPS or paperwork takes your eyes off the road.
• Busy streets like Long Beach Boulevard or Cherry Avenue make distraction more deadly.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

• Meeting deadlines means going too fast and taking too many risks.
• Big trucks and delivery vans need more stopping distance, speeding is even riskier.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

• Worn out brakes, tire blowouts or faulty lights can cause huge crashes.
• Highways like I-710 and the Pacific Coast Highway see frequent accidents from mechanical failures.

Driving Under the Influence

• Alcohol, drugs or some meds impair judgment and coordination.
• DUI commercial vehicle crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Improper Cargo Loading

• Overloaded or unsecured cargo is a rollover or debris spill waiting to happen.
• Freeways like I-405 and Long Beach shipping port areas see cargo incidents frequently.

Bad Weather

• Fog, rain and strong winds make driving hazardous.
• Wet roads increase stopping distance, high winds can tip over tall vehicles.

Inadequate Driver Training

• Driving big trucks requires special skills and experience.
• Poor training in braking, turning and city driving means avoidable crashes.

Aggressive Driving by Other Vehicles

• Passenger cars cutting off trucks or tailgating is deadly.
• This is especially true in loading zones and high traffic areas.

Poor Road Conditions

• Potholes, construction zones and road debris makes driving riskier.
• Heavy traffic areas like Willow Street or Atlantic Avenue are common danger zones.

Lane Merge Errors

• Big trucks have blind spots that make lane changes tricky.
• Merging incorrectly can cause sideswipes or force smaller cars off the road.

Mechanical Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Long Beach

Mechanical failures are the leading cause of commercial vehicle accidents in Long Beach. With heavy traffic, busy shipping routes and high speed freeways even minor equipment failures can cause major crashes. Here are the most common mechanical issues that cause accidents and where they occur.

Brake Failures

• Large trucks and delivery vans need powerful braking systems to stop safely. Worn out brake pads, air brake malfunctions or hydraulic failures can cause rear end crashes.
• High-risk areas:  I-710 near the Port of Long Beach, PCH, I-405 where traffic stops suddenly.

Tire Blowouts

• Overloaded trucks, underinflated tires or excessive wear can cause blowouts and drivers to lose control.
• High-risk areas:  Lakewood Blvd, Cherry Avenue, Artesia Blvd (State Route 91) where high speeds and sharp turns make blowouts more likely.

Steering System Failures

• Faulty steering components can make it impossible for drivers to control their vehicles causing lane departures and rollovers.
• High-risk areas:  Long Beach Blvd, Atlantic Avenue, 7th Street where commercial vehicles have to navigate frequent turns and traffic signals.

Transmission Failures

• A failing transmission can cause power loss and trucks to stall in traffic or not be able to accelerate properly.
• High-risk areas:  Willow Street, Van Ness Avenue, I-405 where sudden breakdowns can cause multi vehicle crashes.

Lighting and Electrical Failures

• Faulty headlights, brake lights or turn signals reduce visibility and increase crash risk, especially at night.
• High-risk areas:  PCH, I-710 and Downtown Long Beach intersections where poor lighting and heavy traffic makes visibility crucial.

Suspension System Issues

• A damaged suspension system affects stability and increases rollover risk especially for cargo heavy trucks.
• High risk areas:  I-710 ramps, Artesia Blvd, Port of Long Beach where uneven road surfaces and constant truck traffic puts strain on vehicle suspension.

Improperly Secured Cargo

• Loose or unbalanced loads can shift and cause the truck to become unstable or debris to spill out onto the road.
• High-risk areas:  I-80, Long Beach’s shipping port zones, Market Street where cargo trucks enter and exit industrial areas.

Many mechanical failures are caused by lack of maintenance, defective parts or company negligence. If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident caused by mechanical failure contact our Long Beach accident attorneys today for a FREE CONSULTATION. We will investigate the cause of the crash, identify the responsible parties and fight for your compensation.

Environmental Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Environmental factors are a big player in commercial vehicle accidents in Long Beach and multiple parties may be liable, including truck drivers, construction companies or government agencies.

• Fog and Low Visibility:  Fog, especially near the Port of Long Beach, reduces visibility and is hazardous to drive.
• Rain and Wet Roads:  Rain makes roads slick and stopping distances longer. Long Beach Boulevard and 7th Street are accident-prone in wet conditions.
• High Winds:  Gusty winds, especially on PCH, can tip over big rigs.
• Road Construction and Hazards:  Van Ness Avenue and Artesia Boulevard are under construction frequently and have lane closures and uneven roads which increase accident risk.
• Night Driving:  Poor lighting on PCH and around the Port of Long Beach makes night driving hazardous for commercial vehicles.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by environmental factors, call our Long Beach lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION.

How Commercial Vehicle Accidents Differ from Typical Car Accidents

Commercial truck accidents in Long Beach are different from regular car accidents in many ways. These involve bigger vehicles, stricter regulations and more severe consequences. Truck drivers, delivery workers and even rideshare operators have higher standards to meet, like getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or special permits. Breaking these rules, like speeding or driving under the influence, can mean harsher penalties.

Commercial vehicle accidents cause more damage due to the size and weight of the vehicle. Common types of crashes are jackknife accidents, rollovers and rear-end collisions. Taxis and rideshare vehicles introduce new risks like passengers not wearing seatbelts or unsecured cargo which can cause more serious injuries. The severity of these accidents means victims often have long-term medical treatment and financial strain.

Dealing with commercial vehicle accidents is more complicated than regular car accidents. Navigating the layers of insurance policies, company responsibilities and legal requirements needs expert legal knowledge. At Thompson Law, we have the experience to thoroughly investigate your case, identify liable parties and fight for the maximum settlement.

Been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Long Beach? Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to talk about your case and how we can get you the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Semi accidents can be devastating and life-changing. Here are some of the most common injuries victims sustain:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries:  Cognitive problems, memory loss and permanent brain damage from head trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries:  Paralysis (full or partial) from spinal cord damage.
• Fractures and Broken Bones:  Severe orthopedic injuries requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries:  Organ damage or internal bleeding that requires emergency surgery.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries:  Chronic pain, neck stiffness and long-term disability from neck and back injuries.

Our Long Beach commercial vehicle accident attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the legal process and securing the compensation you deserve. We specialize in handling a wide range of cases, including trucking accidents, rideshare collisions, delivery vehicle crashes, and more. Whether you’re facing challenges from a commercial vehicle accident or need expert legal advice, our experienced team is here to protect your rights and help you move forward. Reach out for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Start Your Claim With a Free Consultation

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident can feel overwhelming. Between medical bills, insurance calls, and missed work, it’s easy to fall behind. You don’t have to handle it alone.

At Thompson Law, our Long Beach commercial vehicle accident lawyers are here to take the pressure off your shoulders. We’ll dig into the details, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Your consultation is 100% FREE,  reach out anytime to get started.

FAQs About Long Beach Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Who can be sued for a commercial vehicle accident in Long Beach?

In California, liability for commercial vehicle accidents goes beyond the driver. Potentially responsible parties are:

• Driver:  If the driver was negligent, such as distracted driving or violating regulations.
• Employer:  Companies can be held liable under respondeat superior if the driver was on the clock.
• Vehicle Manufacturer:  If a defect in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing caused the accident.
• Maintenance Provider:  Third-party maintenance providers can be responsible if the accident was caused by poor maintenance.
• Government Entities: If the road was poorly maintained or signage was inadequate, a government agency can be held liable.

What should I do if the insurance company of the commercial vehicle contacts me?

If contacted by the insurance company of the commercial vehicle:

• Don’t Make Statements:  Don’t give recorded statements or sign documents without an attorney.
• Talk to an Attorney:  Insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible. An attorney can protect you and get you the compensation you deserve.

What is a commercial vehicle in Long Beach?

Commercial vehicles are:

• Delivery Trucks and Semi-Trucks:  Vehicles used for hauling goods.
• Construction Vehicles:  Equipment used for construction purposes.
• Taxis and Rideshare Vehicles:  Vehicles like Uber and Lyft used for commercial purposes.
• Buses and Service Vans:  Vehicles used for passenger transport or service work.

These vehicles are subject to stricter regulations and insurance requirements than personal vehicles.

How does California law impact commercial vehicle accidents?

California law affects commercial vehicle accidents through:

• Negligence-Based Liability:  Parties are responsible for their negligence.
• Strict Insurance Requirements:  Commercial vehicles must meet higher insurance standards.
• Local Ordinances:  Long Beach has its own traffic laws and ordinances that apply to liability and claims.

How long do I have to file a claim after a commercial vehicle accident in Long Beach?

The deadline to file varies depending on the parties involved:

• Private Entities:  You generally have 2 years from the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
• Government Entities:  If a government agency is involved, you have 6 months to file a claim.

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