Semi-Truck Driver Died After Second Semi-Truck Rear-Ended His Vehicle In Long Beach
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (June 24, 2025) – A man has tragically died in a Long Beach truck accident on the 2600 block of Pier T Avenue.
Long Beach police officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:40 a.m. on June 18. The driver of a semi-truck stopped along the curb line and exited his truck.
He was standing next to the engine compartment when a second truck failed to slow down and rear-ended his vehicle. The force of the impact caused the vehicle to roll forward and run over the victim.
Paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim. Despite the best efforts of first responders, he was beyond medical aid and pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Long Beach Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks account for a relatively small number of vehicles on the road, but they are involved in a high number of serious injury collisions. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “In 2021, 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes. According to MCMIS, 60,375 large trucks were involved in injury crashes, and 116,468 were involved in towaway crashes.” Truck drivers should take several measures to avoid collisions.
- Breaks: Truck drivers must take periodic breaks to ensure that they are well rested.
- Maintenance: Truck drivers should ensure that their vehicles are periodically inspected and well-maintained.
- Distractions: Truck drivers must do everything in their power to avoid distractions while on the road.
Truck drivers are required to get a commercial license and operate with an abundance of caution. They must abide by all safety standards set by Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Many truck accidents are caused by drivers who are speeding. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. There is a presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that rear-ends another vehicle–even if that vehicle is stopped in the middle of the road.
Liability for a collision may extend beyond any truck driver found to be at fault. Trucks are routinely used for commercial purposes. The company that owned or operated a truck could potentially be responsible. Employers are usually responsible for the wrongful acts of their workers operating within their job duties. However, truck companies tend to hire their drivers as “independent contractors” to limit their legal exposure for accidents. Certain steps should be taken after any truck accident.
- The employment record of the at-fault truck driver should be reviewed.
- The police should be called to the scene to conduct an investigation.
- The safety record of the truck driver involved should be reviewed.
- Accident victims should seek the guidance of experienced legal counsel.
Commercial trucks tend to be equipped with event data recorders (EDRs). These devices function much the same way as the black boxes on airplanes. They can provide a tremendous amount of insight into what may have gone wrong prior to a collision. Unfortunately, truck companies will virtually never admit fault for a crash or hand over critical evidence that shows their driver was responsible. This is why it is so important that truck accidents are properly investigated by an outside party.
Investigating Long Beach Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest condolences to the family of the truck driver who died in this Long Beach collision on Pier T Avenue. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. Do you need more information about a Long Beach truck accident? Our team of California truck accident attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and working to protect those rights. There is no case too large or complex for us to handle. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.
