California has more than 386,600 miles of roadway and is home to multiple seaports, making it a major center of commerce on the western side of the United States. Commercial goods are constantly being transported in and through our small city of Long Beach, CA, and it is not at all uncommon to share the road with large tractor-trailers, especially on I-405, I-710, and other interstates and state roads in the surrounding area.
Just because large trucks are a common feature on our roads does not mean that traveling alongside them is safe, though. Compared to smaller passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers are much more likely to cause catastrophic and even fatal injuries in a collision. Securing the compensation you deserve for this type of accident is no small feat either, as trucking companies have the backing of large insurers who will do everything in their power to limit your settlement.
If you were involved in a truck accident in the Long Beach area, you need the backing of a lawyer who is experienced in this area of California tort law. Frost Law Firm, PC is pleased to provide free consultations to those who have been injured in truck accidents. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation meeting with a Long Beach truck accident lawyer so that we can get to work on your case.
California Truck Accident Statistics
California motorists are no strangers to the hazards of motor vehicle accidents. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at accident statistics for our state. In 2019, there were:
- 51,247 fatal motor vehicle accidents nationwide
- 5,029 fatal motor vehicle accidents in California
- 385 fatal truck accidents in California
According to data from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), California led the nation in truck accident fatalities that year, second only to the state of Texas. Of those killed in fatal truck crashes, 287 were occupants of vehicles other than the truck. Another 65 fatality victims were classified as non-occupants, a category that includes pedestrians and bicyclists. This mirrors what experts have long known—truck accidents are much more likely to kill occupants of other vehicles than truck drivers themselves.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Long Beach
The causes of truck accidents are wide and varied, and yet most can be traced back to a common factor—driver error. Driver error is an umbrella term that may refer to any number of poor behind-the-wheel behaviors. Some of the most common examples of truck driver error include:
- Speeding above the posted speed limit
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Failure to complete the pre-trip inspection
- Texting or using social media
- Taking pictures or videos
- Failure to use turn signals
- Failure to stop at stop signs or red lights
Drowsy, drunk, and drugged driving are pervasive problems among the truck driving community and, as such, are also common factors in many California truck accidents. If you spot a truck driver that appears to be having trouble maintaining their lane or is driving erratically, create distance between yourself and the truck, then call 911 as soon as possible. If you are unable to get away and are subsequently injured in a truck accident, contact Frost Law Firm, PC, to learn about your legal options for securing compensation.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
The type of truck accident you are involved in may determine what type of injuries you suffered and the amount of compensation to which you are entitled.
The period of time immediately following a collision can be confusing, though, and it is understandable that some victims may be unsure of exactly what happened. If this is the case, you may refer to the details of your truck accident report. If anything contained with the accident report is confusing or unclear, ask your Long Beach truck accident lawyer for help.
Some of the most common types of truck accidents we see in the Long Beach, CA area include:
- Rear-end and head-on collisions
- Underride and override accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Wide-turn accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rollover accidents
If you were involved in a truck accident (even if you don’t see your type of accident listed above), there is no time to waste—California state law places a time limit on how long you have to file an accident claim. The California truck accident attorneys of Frost Law Firm, PC are prepared to meet with you, build your case, and file a lawsuit on your behalf within the prescribed statute of limitations.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
The average tractor-trailer weighs around 35,000 pounds when empty and as much as 80,000 pounds when carrying a full load. A typical passenger vehicle only weighs around 4,000 pounds. The sheer size difference between these two types often results in far more severe injuries among passenger vehicle occupants.
Truck accident injuries also tend to be much more serious than in collisions involving two passenger vehicles. Some of the most common California truck accident injuries include:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken and fractured bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Crushed or lost limbs (amputation)
- Paralysis
- Death
These are not injuries that will simply get better or go away on their own. Truck accident injuries almost always require prompt medical attention in an emergency care setting. Never delay seeking treatment for fear of resulting medical bills. At Frost Law Firm, PC, our California truck accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge it takes to hold the insurance company liable for any and all financial damages related to your collision.
How To File a Truck Accident Claim
Filing a truck accident claim shouldn’t be a complicated process. Unfortunately, the trucking company and its insurer will create unnecessary hurdles that make securing the compensation that you are owed more difficult than it should be. That’s why we recommend working alongside a practiced truck accident lawyer.
No matter where you are at in the process, a Long Beach truck accident lawyer from Frost Law Firm, PC will provide unrivaled guidance. You will never have to question how to file a truck accident claim or what comes next when you have one of our attorneys by your side. Your legal team will:
- Compile evidence that proves the truck driver was at fault for your accident
- Secure documentation that shows how you have suffered physically, financially, and emotionally
- Work alongside other experts as necessary, including accident reconstructionists and medical professionals
- File your claim with the insurance company
- Take over all communications with the insurance company and negotiate on your behalf
- Prepare for the possibility of your case going to trial
A Long Beach Truck Accident Lawyer Is Standing By
Frost Law Firm, PC prides itself on the expert legal representation our attorneys provide to truck accident victims. Our work allows those who have been injured in truck collisions to focus on their health and recovery while we deal with the insurance company on their behalf.
There is no need to delay—contact Frost Law Firm, PC today to schedule your free consultation with a Long Beach truck accident lawyer. We’ll give you the opportunity to discuss the details of your case and ask any questions you may have.
