Long Beach Construction Vehicle Accident Attorneys
Were You Injured in a Construction Vehicle Accident in Long Beach?
Long Beach is one of the most developed places in California, and construction sites are pretty common. While construction sites may signify a brand new structure or road that will improve locals’ lives, they often come with risks of accidents, too. Construction vehicles are often involved in accidents that cause severe injuries. The enormous nature of these vehicles makes any accident quite dangerous.
You may be eligible for compensation if you have sustained injuries in an accident caused by a construction vehicle, so speak to a Long Beach vehicle accident attorney. Joseph H. Low IV is an attorney in Long Beach with a reputation for legal excellence. He has been awarded a “10.0 Superb” Avvo rating, has tried cases in 14 different states, and was honored by the American College of Trial Lawyers for maintaining a professional career marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, and collegiality.
Call The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV today at (562) 901-0840 to schedule your free consultation.
Common Causes of Construction Vehicle Accidents
Construction vehicle accidents can take many forms, but collisions involving construction trucks are among the most common. These vehicles, due to their size and weight, can cause significant damage and injuries. Accidents may also occur when construction equipment such as cranes or forklifts are involved, often due to operator error or mechanical failure. Roadside construction zones present risk, too, where passing vehicles may collide with construction machinery or debris. Accidents can stem from improperly secured loads falling from construction vehicles, creating hazards for nearby traffic.
So why the lapse in judgment? Why do these accidents happen? Some of the leading causes include:
- Driver negligence: Operators of construction vehicles sometimes get reckless and end up causing crashes. They could be driving at high speeds and run into other vehicles. It can also be due to distracted driving, fatigue, or intoxication.
- Negligent hiring: Operators of construction vehicles need the skills and experience to operate them efficiently and safely. If a construction company fails to screen all hired drivers and ensure they are competent, this can result in construction vehicle accidents. Drivers who are likely to cause these accidents are those with little or no training, who have no license, who are not experienced enough, or who lack a good record of operating construction vehicles.
- Blind spots: Given their large size, construction vehicles have blind spots in the front, back, and sides. When construction drivers are unaware of who is in their blind spots when reversing or turning, they can cause preventable accidents. Some of the most common and tragic accidents caused by blind spots are backover accidents, where the construction vehicle operator fails to see a small car or pedestrian behind them and backs over them.
- Equipment failure: Construction vehicles are complex equipment with many sophisticated parts that can break down and cause tragic collisions. If these parts are not properly maintained or repaired by the construction company, accidents can occur. For instance, defects in the steering components, defective brakes, or worn-out tires can cause malfunctions that make the operator lose control. Such cases often cause catastrophic accidents.
- Incorrect loading: Construction vehicles transport various materials to and from the construction site. If the materials are not loaded properly on the truck, they can fall off and cause accidents. Besides, the materials can make the vehicle unstable and cause rollover accidents.
What To Do Immediately After a Long Beach Construction Vehicle Accident
- After a construction vehicle accident, safety is the primary concern; if possible, move to a safe area to prevent further harm. Call 911 to report the accident and ensure that police and emergency medical services are dispatched to the scene. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to be evaluated by medical professionals.
- Gather as much information as you can from the scene, or have someone else do it if you are unable. Take photos of the vehicles, surrounding area, and any visible injuries, and collect the names and contact information of witnesses. Also, ask whoever is in charge of the construction site and get their information.
- Keep a detailed record of all doctor visits, treatments received, medications prescribed, and any other medical-related expenses. These documents serve as evidence of the extent and impact of your injuries. Maintaining a diary to record your pain levels, emotional state, and how the injuries affect your daily life can be invaluable.
- Contact a qualified injury attorney and discuss the accident with them. That is the best person to have in your corner when pursuing optimal financial compensation.
How Liability May Be Determined After a Construction Vehicle
It’s important that your attorney correctly identifies the parties responsible for a construction vehicle accident to determine liability. The construction company overseeing the project may be liable if the accident resulted from a failure to enforce safety standards or provide proper training. Vehicle operators can also be held accountable if their negligence or recklessness led to the incident.
In some cases, it could be manufacturers of construction vehicles or equipment that are liable if a defect or malfunction contributed to the accident. Even local government entities might bear responsibility if public roadways were not adequately maintained or if traffic control measures around the construction site were insufficient.
Establishing Negligence
Establishing negligence involves proving that a party had a duty to ensure safety, breached that duty and this breach caused the accident and resulting injuries. For construction companies, negligence could be a result of inadequate training, failure to adhere to regulations or lax safety practices. The challenge lies in demonstrating that the actions taken by the responsible party fell below the standard of care expected in the situation. Evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony can be instrumental in establishing negligence.
The Impact of Construction Vehicle Injuries
Injuries suffered in a construction vehicle accident can greatly impact your life. Being crashed into by something as powerful and big as a crane, back-end loader, or bulldozer can result in catastrophic injuries. Some of the injuries you can suffer from a construction vehicle accident include the following:
- Broken bones, such as arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Nerve damage or paralysis, especially in severe accidents affecting the spinal cord
- Severe burns and abrasions from contact with hot surfaces or friction against objects
- Amputations or loss of limbs due to severe trauma
- Whiplash
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding
- Psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression
- Crush injuries, particularly in accidents involving rollovers or heavy impact
- Vision or hearing impairment due to head trauma or debris impact
- Fatal injuries, including wrongful death resulting from the accident
The long-term repercussions of construction vehicle accidents cannot be understated. Effects may persist, often indefinitely, and they may significantly compromise victims’ quality of life and daily functioning. This could include:
- Chronic pain: This lingering pain can potentially impair an individual’s mobility and overall life quality.
- Cognitive impairments: Traumatic brain injuries might cause cognitive defects, personality shifts, or amnesia, often mandating long-term care and therapy.
- Permanent physical disabilities: Spinal cord injuries could result in lasting disabilities, such as paralysis, requiring substantial adjustments to living environments and continuous medical attention.
- Mental health problems: Long-term effects can deeply impact victims’ emotional and psychological health, inciting conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Contact a Long Beach Auto Accident Lawyer for Help
If you or your loved one has been injured in a construction vehicle accident, The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV is ready to handle the process of filing your personal injury claim and negotiating a deserved settlement. This will give you time to recover from your injuries. Call our office today at (562) 901-0840 to schedule your free consultation.