When you’re involved in a truck accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially if the trucking company denies responsibility. If you’re in Long Beach and need guidance, consulting a Long Beach truck accident attorney like Belal Hamideh can help you understand your rights and legal options. If the trucking company is even partially responsible and they deny responsibility, you can still receive the compensation that you deserve. However, it’s in your best interest to have an experienced attorney by your side.
Why Would a Trucking Company Deny Responsibility for an Accident?
Trucking companies often deny responsibility to avoid financial liability. They may claim their driver wasn’t at fault, argue that the accident was caused by another party, or assert that the injured victim shares blame. Some companies may even dispute the severity of injuries or property damage.
Belal Hamideh can investigate the accident thoroughly to counter these claims.
How Can I Prove the Trucking Company Is Liable?
Proving liability requires gathering strong evidence. Key pieces of evidence may include:
- Police reports documenting the accident details and officer observations.
- Black box data from the truck, which records speed, braking, and other critical details.
- Driver logs showing compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations.
- Maintenance records indicating whether the truck was properly serviced.
- Witness statements from others who saw the accident.
- Surveillance footage from nearby cameras.
Belal Hamideh can help collect and analyze this evidence to build a strong case.
What if the Truck Driver Was an Independent Contractor?
Trucking companies sometimes argue they aren’t liable because the driver was an independent contractor, not an employee. However, under federal regulations, trucking companies may still be responsible for the actions of contracted drivers if they exercised control over the driver’s work or failed to ensure safety compliance.
Regardless of what the other side claims, Belal Hamideh can determine whether the company can still be held accountable. Then, he can do everything in his power to help you.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Case?
If the trucking company is found liable, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages if you were unable to work due to injuries.
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress.
- Property damage to your vehicle or other belongings.
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed in the accident.
Belal Hamideh can assess your losses and fight for maximum compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the accident date. For wrongful death claims, family members also have two years from the date of death. However, if a government entity is involved, you may have as little as six months to file a claim. Consulting with Belal as soon as possible ensures you meet all deadlines.
What if the Trucking Company Offers a Quick Settlement?
Trucking companies and insurers may offer a fast settlement to avoid a larger payout later. These early offers are often far less than what your claim is worth. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot seek additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen. Belal can review any settlement offers and negotiate for fair compensation.
How Can Belal Hamideh Help with My Truck Accident Claim?
Belal Hamideh is a Long Beach truck accident attorney with experience handling complex truck accident cases. He can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly to determine liability.
- Gather critical evidence, including black box data and maintenance records.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and trucking firms.
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
If the trucking company denies responsibility, having strong legal representation can make a significant difference in your case outcome.
Can I Sue the Truck Manufacturer if Equipment Failure Caused the Accident?
If a defective truck part (such as faulty brakes or tires) contributed to the accident, you may have a claim against the manufacturer. Product liability cases require proving a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn of risks. Belal can determine whether the manufacturer shares liability.
Can Weather Conditions Affect Liability in a Truck Accident?
Adverse weather (such as rain or fog) doesn’t automatically excuse the truck driver or company from liability. Truck drivers are expected to adjust their speed and driving behavior to match road conditions. If they failed to do so, they may still be held responsible. Belal can assess whether weather was a factor and how it impacts liability.
What Happens if the Truck Driver Was Under the Influence?
If the truck driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol, the trucking company could face additional liability for negligent hiring or supervision. Evidence such as blood tests, police reports, and witness statements can support your claim. Belal can incorporate this into your case, making it as compelling as possible.
Should I Handle My Truck Accident Claim Myself?
It’s not a good idea. Dealing with insurance companies alone is risky, at best. Insurers often use tactics to reduce payouts, such as disputing injury severity or pressuring victims into quick settlements. Belal knows how to negotiate with insurers and can prevent you from accepting an unfair offer.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Take?
The timeline varies based on case complexity, evidence availability, and whether a settlement is reached. Some cases resolve in months, while others take years if litigation is necessary. Belal can provide a realistic estimate after reviewing your case details.
Who Else Can Be Held Liable in a Long Beach Truck Accident Besides the Trucking Company?
When a truck accident occurs, the trucking company isn’t always the only party at fault. Multiple entities may share liability depending on the circumstances. Belal Hamideh can draw upon his experience to find out who all is liable. He’s helped many who were hurt in these kinds of cases, as his testimonials display.
The Truck Driver
While truck drivers are often employed by a trucking company, they can still be held individually liable if their negligence caused the accident. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Violating hours-of-service rules (driving while fatigued)
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to secure cargo properly
Belal Hamideh can investigate the driver’s actions and determine whether they should be named in a lawsuit.
The Truck Owner (If Different from the Trucking Company)
Many trucking companies lease trucks from owners or fleet management companies. If the truck itself was defective or poorly maintained, the owner could be liable—especially if they failed to conduct proper inspections or repairs.
Belal Hamideh can review maintenance records to determine whether the owner neglected their duty to keep the truck in safe condition.
The Cargo Loading Company
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo is a leading cause of truck accidents. If a third-party loading company failed to distribute weight correctly or secure freight, they may be liable for:
- Shifting cargo causing rollovers
- Overloaded trucks leading to brake failure
- Hazardous materials spills due to improper containment
Belal can examine cargo logs and loading procedures to determine whether negligence contributed to the accident.
The Truck Manufacturer or Parts Supplier
If a mechanical failure caused or worsened the accident, the manufacturer of the truck (or defective parts) could be liable under product liability laws. Common defects include:
- Faulty brakes or steering systems
- Defective tires that blow out
- Malfunctioning trailer hitches
- Defective electronic logging devices
Belal Hamideh can work with accident reconstructionists and engineers to prove a manufacturing or design defect played a role in your crash.
The Shipper or Consignee
In some cases, the company that hired the trucking service (the shipper) may share liability if they:
- Pressured the driver to violate safety regulations (e.g., demanding delivery despite known mechanical issues)
- Provided inaccurate cargo weight information
- Required unrealistic delivery schedules leading to driver fatigue
Belal can investigate contracts and communications between the shipper and trucking company to uncover potential liability.
Government Entities
Poor road conditions—such as missing signage, uneven pavement, or inadequate lighting—can contribute to truck accidents. If government negligence played a role, you may have a claim against the responsible agency. However, suing a government entity requires strict deadlines (as short as six months in California).
Belal Hamideh can determine whether this applies to your case and file the necessary claims promptly.
Other Motorists
If another driver (e.g., a car, motorcycle, or even another truck) caused the accident by cutting off the truck, braking suddenly, or driving recklessly, they may share fault. Beyond serving as a truck accident lawyer, Belal also has extensive experience as a Long Beach car accident lawyer, too. As such, he knows how to review traffic camera footage and witness statements to determine whether multiple drivers should be held accountable.
Why Does It Matter to Name Multiple Defendants?
Holding all negligent parties accountable can:
- Increase your total compensation by tapping into multiple insurance policies.
- Improve your chances of recovery if one party lacks sufficient coverage.
- Prevent defendants from shifting blame to each other unfairly.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Multiple Parties Are at Fault?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, take these steps to protect your rights:
- Save all evidence, including photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damaged property.
- Get contact information from witnesses and other drivers involved.
- Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses.
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
- Contact Belal Hamideh to explore all avenues for compensation.
How Can Belal Hamideh Prove Liability in Your Long Beach Truck Accident Case?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, proving who was at fault is crucial to securing fair compensation. Belal Hamideh uses a strategic, evidence-based approach to establish liability. Every case is different, but, this often incorporates how he builds a winning case for his clients:
Conducting an Immediate Investigation
Time is critical after a truck accident. Key evidence can disappear quickly—trucking companies may repair vehicles, delete electronic logs, or “lose” maintenance records. Belal Hamideh acts swiftly to:
- Secure the truck’s “black box” (ECM data): This records speed, braking, engine RPMs, and other crucial details before the crash.
- Preserve driver logs: Federal law requires truckers to document their hours. If the driver violated rest rules, this proves fatigue was a factor.
- Obtain dash cam/surveillance footage: Nearby traffic cameras or the truck’s own dashcam may have captured the accident.
Identifying Violations
Belal Hamideh thoroughly reviews whether the driver or company broke key regulations, such as:
- Hours-of-service violations (driving beyond legal limits)
- Improper cargo loading/securement (leading to rollovers or shifted freight)
- Failure to perform mandatory vehicle inspections
- Hiring unqualified drivers (e.g., with prior DUIs or suspended licenses)
Violations of these rules can serve as powerful evidence of negligence.
Gathering Eyewitness and Expert Testimony
- Witness statements: Passengers, other drivers, and bystanders can confirm how the crash happened.
- Accident reconstruction experts: These professionals analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and physics to demonstrate fault.
- Medical experts: They link your injuries directly to the crash, countering claims that you were already hurt.
- Trucking industry experts: They testify about safety standards and how the defendant failed to meet them.
Reviewing Maintenance and Inspection Records
Poorly maintained trucks are a leading cause of accidents. Belal Hamideh demands records to check for:
- Brake failures (the #1 mechanical cause of truck crashes)
- Bald or defective tires
- Faulty lighting or reflectors
- Unrepaired recalls
If the trucking company skipped repairs to save money, they can be held liable.
Examining the Driver’s Background
Belal Hamideh investigates whether the trucking company negligently hired or retained a dangerous driver by reviewing:
- Employment history (prior accidents, firings for reckless driving)
- Drug/alcohol test results (especially if testing wasn’t done properly)
- Training records (some carriers cut corners on safety training)
If the company ignored red flags, they can be sued for negligent hiring.
Proving Defective Truck Parts or Design
If a mechanical failure caused the crash, Belal may pursue a product liability claim against:
- The truck manufacturer (e.g., for defective brakes)
- The parts supplier (e.g., faulty tires or trailer hitches)
- The maintenance provider (if a repair shop did shoddy work)
Engineers can examine the wreckage to pinpoint design flaws or manufacturing defects.
Why Should I Choose Belal Hamideh for My Truck Accident Case?
Belal Hamideh is a dedicated Long Beach truck accident attorney who fights for injured victims. He understands the complexities of truck accident cases and works tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable. If the trucking company denies responsibility, he can build a strong case to pursue the compensation you deserve.
If a trucking company denies responsibility for your accident, don’t give up. With the right legal strategy, you can still recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Belal will challenge wrongful denials and fight for your rights. You can see how he does so in his videos.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Long Beach, contact Belal Hamideh today for a free case evaluation.