Long Beach, California – A woman has died from injuries she sustained in a collision between an SUV and a box truck on the Gerald Desmond Bridge, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at about 1:25 p.m. Thursday on the southbound side of the bridge near Pier D. CHP officials said a silver SUV flipped onto its side during the collision, blocking multiple lanes. Traffic was diverted to the new Long Beach International Gateway Bridge while crews worked at the scene.
The woman, who was inside the overturned SUV, was transported to a local hospital, where her death was reported at 3:54 a.m. Friday. Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The roadway reopened at approximately 4:40 p.m. Thursday following emergency response and lane clearance. CHP is investigating the circumstances of the collision.
What to Do After a Deadly Truck Accident: Compensation for Families
A fatal truck accident can leave families facing overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. In California, surviving loved ones may pursue compensation through wrongful death and related personal injury claims to recover damages for funeral costs, lost financial support, medical bills, and more.
1. Preserve Evidence Immediately
The trucking company and its insurer will begin investigating right away. Families should gather police reports, crash scene photos, witness contact information, and medical records. This documentation will be essential when presenting a claim.
2. Determine Who Can File the Claim
In California, eligible parties can include a surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, parents (in some cases), or others who were financially dependent on the victim. A skilled wrongful death attorney california can explain who has standing and how compensation is distributed.
3. Evaluate Liability and Insurance Coverage
Commercial truck crashes often involve multiple policies and responsible parties—drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, or maintenance contractors. A truck accident attorney in california or big rig accident attorney can investigate FMCSA violations, logbooks, telematics, black box data, and maintenance histories to build a strong claim.
4. File a Wrongful Death or Survival Action
Families may pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses through a wrongful death claim. When medical expenses accumulated before death, a survival action may also apply. An experienced personal injury lawyer california can guide families through the process and filing deadlines.
5. Do Not Negotiate Alone with Insurers
Insurance companies often push quick settlements that fail to fully compensate victims’ families. Consulting a los angeles car accident attorney or car accident attorney in Long Beach ensures negotiations reflect the true value of the claim—especially when future earnings and long-term financial support are considered.
Need legal guidance? Contact Megeredchian Law
Our firm has deep experience handling fatal truck accident cases and protecting surviving family members across California. Speak directly with a wrongful death attorney california who knows how to take on trucking companies and insurers.Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 for a free and confidential consultation. Our attorneys can investigate the crash, explain your rights, and fight aggressively for full compensation.