Maison Law represents families of victims of fatal truck accidents in Long Beach. No matter what kind of truck it is, a truck accident is often devastating–most likely causing fatalities. This can leave you and your family in deep grief. While the loss is difficult, there are legal options available, and our firm can help guide you through them. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
There’s no easy way to look at a truck accident that results in fatal injuries. It’s one of the toughest things any family has to go through, and that’s even before you start thinking about the legal process. Still, you and your family don’t technically need a lawyer to file a claim after one of these accidents.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident in Long Beach, our team can help by:
- Explaining your family’s legal options
- Gathering evidence and vital information
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Filing a wrongful death lawsuit
Losing a loved one is incredibly painful, but taking legal steps can help you and your family begin to find some sense of closure. The reality is, though, that the claims process in a fatal truck accident is a bit different, so it’s helpful to be prepared.
How is the Claims Process Different After a Fatal Truck Accident?
Not surprisingly, the claims process after a fatal truck accident is a bit different from a regular accident because a fatal injury is much more serious. So then, there’s a different type of claim in these accidents, called a “wrongful death” claim.
First and foremost, only certain people can file a wrongful death claim in California:
- Surviving spouses, children, or domestic partners
- Parents, heirs, stepchildren, or other family members if there are no surviving spouses or children
- Personal representatives of the estate named in a will
Like other claims, wrongful death cases can be resolved through an out-of-court insurance settlement or by filing a lawsuit in civil court. Once the claim is filed, the family may recover damages such as:
- Loss of companionship or parental support
- Loss of financial support, salary, or benefits
- Loss of future earnings
- Emotional distress, pain and suffering
- Medical, funeral, or burial expenses
Even with fatal injuries, you still only have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Acting quickly is crucial, especially in truck accidents, since figuring out responsibility can be quite difficult.
Who’s Responsible For a Fatal Truck Accident?
At least legally, one of the tougher things about a fatal truck accident is figuring out who’s responsible and has to pay for the damages. While this is even more important when fatal injuries are involved, the process of proving fault remains the same: showing negligence.
To prove negligence, you must show that the responsible party had a duty to drive safely and avoid harming others. If they failed in this duty and caused the fatal truck accident, they can be held liable.
However, determining fault in real-life situations can be complicated and may involve multiple parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Truck or parts manufacturers
- Cargo loaders
- Maintenance workers
- The Long Beach city government or California state government
- Other drivers
Obviously, fault is going to come down to the specifics of the accident. Still, almost all truck accidents are going to involve some combination of the above people and groups. So, that’s who the claim will be filed against, and it’s extremely important to take certain steps to protect the claim itself.
How Can You Protect a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Truck Accident?
The aftermath of a fatal truck accident in Long Beach is a very traumatic and difficult situation. However, taking specific steps helps ensure that your family’s wrongful death claim is protected. Here’s how each step supports your case:
- Call 911 – Notify the Long Beach Police Department or local authorities right away. Request an ambulance for anyone with injuries. Documenting injuries and linking them to the accident is extremely important for building your wrongful death claim.
- Get information from the truck driver and others – Get the names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information of everyone involved, especially the truck driver. Witness statements can also strengthen your claim, so be sure to get their contact information as well.
- Gather evidence at the scene – If you’re able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including damage and road conditions. This visual evidence, along with police reports and medical documents, provide crucial proof for a potential claim.
- Keep track of all expenses – Keep detailed records of expenses like medical bills and funeral costs. This demonstrates the financial impact of the accident on your family and supports your claim for damages.
- Don’t admit fault and be careful – Be cautious about what you say. Admitting fault could harm the wrongful death claim later on. Just stick to the facts when talking to police or insurance reps.
Though a fatal injury may make it impossible to take these steps at the time, gathering this information is critical. It forms the foundation of a strong wrongful death claim for your family. But again, the issue is that a truck accident with fatal injuries is extremely traumatic. This makes everything harder.
What Are Some Common Fatal Truck Accidents in Long Beach?
Not every truck accident in Long Beach is fatal, but due to the size of trucks and the hazardous materials they often carry, these accidents are frequently serious—and sometimes deadly. When negligence is involved, it only makes the situation more tragic. Understanding the different types of fatal truck accidents can help you know what to expect and explore your legal options:
- Jackknifes – A truck’s trailer swings out to form an angle with the cab, causing multi-vehicle crashes that often result in fatal injuries.
- Underrides – Smaller vehicles can slide under a truck’s trailer, especially during sudden stops, leading to catastrophic injuries.
- T-bone collisions – When a truck hits the side of a vehicle, often at intersections, it can be deadly because of the direct impact on passengers.
- Rollovers – Trucks can roll over due to their size and weight, especially during sharp turns or high speeds, causing fatal crashes.
- Head-on collisions – These occur when a truck crashes directly into another vehicle, often at high speeds, leading to severe or fatal injuries.
- Rear-end collisions – When a truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, the impact can be fatal due to the truck’s size and weight.
Truck accidents are always frightening, but when they result in fatal injuries, it’s devastating. Our truck accident lawyers in Long Beach are here to help you explore your legal options.
Contact Maison Law After a Fatal Truck Accident in Long Beach
With so many trucks on the road in Long Beach, the risk of a fatal accident is unfortunately higher. These accidents often lead to serious injuries or death, and it’s important to be prepared, even though it’s difficult to think about. At Maison Law, we understand how heartbreaking a fatal truck accident can be, and we’re here to guide and support your family through this challenging time. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
