A truck accident can turn your life upside down. If you’ve been the victim of one, a Long Beach delivery truck accident lawyer can help you file a claim.
DHL truck accident cases are rarely simple. Large trucking companies and their insurers have aggressive legal teams who use deceptive tactics to minimize settlements and protect the companies’ interests.
The lawyers at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys have decades of combined legal experience. If you’ve been injured in a crash with a DHL truck, one of our DHL truck accident lawyers in Long Beach can help you secure financial compensation.
Why Do I Need a Long Beach DHL Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck accident cases tend to be more complicated than car accident cases. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, a lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident: A lawyer can gather evidence such as police reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements to determine liability and strengthen your case.
- Calculate your damages: An attorney can assess your losses and determine the true value of your claim.
- Handle communications with insurers: Insurance companies often try to pay injury victims less than they deserve. Your lawyer can fight for a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and advocate for you before a judge or jury.
A Long Beach truck accident lawyer can work tirelessly to win your case.
What is the Value of Most DHL Truck Accident Settlements?
The amount that DHL truck accident settlements are worth varies widely from case to case. Minor injuries may yield tens of thousands of dollars, while serious accidents that cause permanent disability can lead to settlements worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Your settlement’s value will depend on factors like:
- The extent of your medical treatment and the length of your recovery
- Whether you can return to work at full capacity
- The amount of pain and suffering you’ve experienced
- The clarity of liability
A Long Beach personal injury lawyer can give you a more accurate estimate based on the details of your case.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover?
If you’ve been injured in a DHL truck accident, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medications, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: You can seek compensation for income you would’ve earned during your recovery.
- Loss of earning capacity: You may recover damages if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or compromise your ability to work in the future.
- Property damage: You can receive compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal items damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering: You may pursue damages for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress you have endured.
- Punitive damages: You may be awarded additional damages if the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious.
A Long Beach DHL truck accident lawyer can make sure your settlement covers your losses.
What is the Time Limit for Filing a DHL Truck Accident Lawsuit in California?
According to CCP § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you are only pursuing property damage, you typically have three years.
If you miss the applicable deadline, you could be barred from seeking compensation, so it’s important to contact a DHL truck accident attorney in Long Beach as soon as possible.
Who is Liable for a DHL Truck Accident?
The answer as to who is liable in a commercial truck accident is rarely clear-cut. Parties who can potentially be held liable for your damages include:
- The truck driver if negligence such as speeding, fatigue, or distracted driving caused the crash
- DHL or its contractors if poor hiring, inadequate training, or scheduling pressures contributed to the accident
- Maintenance providers if improper inspections or repairs led to mechanical failure
- Manufacturers if defective vehicle parts caused or worsened the collision
Your lawyer can investigate the crash and ensure every liable party is held accountable.
Common Causes of DHL Truck Accidents
Some of the most common causes of DHL truck accidents in Long Beach are:
- Driver fatigue from long hours on the road
- Distracted driving due to phones, GPS systems, or other devices
- Speeding or reckless driving to meet delivery schedules
- Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo that shifts during transit
- Poor vehicle maintenance leading to equipment failure
- Defective parts that compromise the truck’s safety
- Inadequate training that leaves drivers unprepared for emergencies
What to Do After a DHL Truck Accident in Long Beach
The steps you take after a DHL truck accident can greatly impact your claim. You should:
- Call law enforcement and make sure an official accident report is filed.
- Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, roadway, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information with the driver, as well as any witnesses present at the scene.
- Get medical attention to protect your health and create a record of your injuries.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before speaking to a lawyer.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer to start building your case.
Contact a DHL Truck Accident Attorney in Long Beach
A DHL truck accident can leave you with life-changing injuries and a variety of unexpected expenses. If you’ve been involved in one, it’s time to seek legal help.
A Long Beach DHL truck accident attorney from Omega Law Group can investigate your crash, negotiate with insurers, and fight to secure the compensation you’re entitled to.
Schedule a free consultation today to find out how you can get justice.