What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Long Beach, CA?
In the aftermath of a truck accident in Long Beach, CA, it’s vital to act promptly and carefully. Here are the essential steps to take:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible to prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of all involved.
- Contact Authorities: Call local authorities to report the accident. An official police report will be crucial for legal and insurance purposes.
- Gather Evidence: While waiting for authorities, document the scene. Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and involved parties.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get medical help immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and medical records are important for your case.
- Consult a Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced truck accident attorney promptly. They can guide you through the complexities of insurance claims and legal actions, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you seek fair compensation.
Speak with an experienced trucking accident attorney in Long Beach at McGee Lerer Ogrin. Contact us or call (562) 270-0546 for a free consultation.
Common Injuries Resulting From Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. Understanding the types of injuries that can occur is crucial for pursuing appropriate legal action and compensation.
Here are some common injuries resulting from trucking accidents:
- Whiplash: This neck injury is caused by sudden, forceful movements during a collision, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Broken Bones: The impact can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones, often requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive and physical functions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
- Internal Injuries: The force of a truck accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, which may not be immediately apparent.
Each injury can have long-lasting effects, both physically and financially. Consulting with an experienced Long Beach truck accident attorney from McGee Lerer Ogrin can help you navigate the complexities of your case and seek fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Why Truck Accidents Occur
There are a number of reasons why truck accidents occur, including:
- Negligent maintenance
- Untrained drivers
- Tired driver
- Faulty equipment
- Negligence
- Driver intoxication
- Driver recklessness
- Faulty brakes
- Overloaded trailer
Critical Areas of Investigation in a Truck Accident Case
If you have been injured in a big rig accident, you need an experienced truck accident attorney who is familiar with the critical aspects of investigating a truck accident:
- Obtaining the trucking company's safety records
- Investigating the truck driver's driving record
- Determining whether the truck driver had the proper training
- Obtaining the truck's maintenance history
- Analyzing the trucking company's accident history
- Obtaining the truck driver's cell phone records
Why Hire McGee Lerer Ogrin on your Truck Accident Case?
You need an experienced truck accident attorney protecting your interests from the get-go. Having the right attorney is important because the firm you hire can have a tremendous impact on the value of your case. At the Long Beach firm of McGee Lerer Ogrin, we have a long history of representing victims injured in truck and tractor-trailer collisions. We understand the devastating physical, emotional and financial consequences that can result from a truck accident.
What sets us apart?
- Long Beach attorneys Daniel McGee and Catherine Lerer are a husband and wife team with decades of combined experience.
- 100% of our practice is devoted to representing serious injury and wrongful death victims.
- We have extensive experience litigating truck accident cases.
- We have relationships with the best experts in the trucking industry.
- We have the financial resources to go up against a trucking company's war chest.
- We aggressively pursue owner-operator downtime claims.
- If you don't have health insurance or the money to pay for medical treatment, we can arrange for immediate medical treatment on a pay-later basis.
- If your injuries are serious and liability is not disputed, we may be able to get you a cash advance.
Truck Accident Attorney in Long Beach
After an accident, speak to a Long Beach truck accident lawyer before you speak to the trucking company representative or insurance adjuster. They will try to lull you into believing that you don't need an attorney because they'll take care of you. Their sole goal, however, is to pay you as little as possible.
Without the protection of an attorney, you could unwittingly arm the trucking company or adjuster with ammunition that will be used against you. Having an experienced truck accident attorney, who is known and respected by the other side, can have a big impact on the value of your case.
Contact a Long Beach Truck Accident Attorney at McGee Lerer Ogrin if you or a loved one has been injured and needs help. Let our family help yours.
