How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
Collisions involving semi-trucks are commonplace on America's highways. Due to their size, the injuries sustained when a collision occurs with a truck could be severe.
If you have suffered injuries from a crash with the truck, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you get the compensation you're due. Learn about the types of truck accidents and how they might impact your case.
1. Investigate the accident
In the event of an accident, evidence needs to be taken and preserved immediately. This is especially crucial when the accident involves semi trucks. There are other sources of information, including the black box records of the truck driver and his cell phone records. It is also possible for other devices to be used to prove the case, such as crash data recorders and even a truck's "nanny camera." All of this information will help determine the cause of the accident and who is at fault.
It is also vital to get the police involved as soon as possible in any semi truck accident. This will result in the most complete and accurate account of the incident. If there isn't a thorough and complete investigation by the police, it could be difficult to establish what really happened and who is at fault in the crash.
When the police arrive at your home, you should answer questions as much as you are at ease. It is not recommended to speculate or guess at anything in an attempt to impress the police. These types of answers may later be used by the truck driver, trucking company, or their insurance companies against you in court.
The police officer will gather various kinds of evidence at the scene, including pictures of both vehicles and the surrounding area. The officer will also note down the names and contact details of any witnesses who could have witnessed the accident. It is also a good idea to photograph the license plate on the truck and any other markings that are on the vehicle or trailer.
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequently occurring causes of semi-truck accidents. They usually occur when a vehicle or car is following too closely. In these situations, the driver of the truck could smash the rear of the car or truck in front of him, causing severe or fatal injuries.
Other reasons for semi-truck accidents include tire blowouts shifting loads, poor maintenance of trailers or trucks, and more. A reputable personal injury attorney can help you understand these issues and can assist you in proving who is responsible for your injuries. In most instances, a truck driver is accountable for any accident caused through their negligence. There are other avenues to seek compensation in the event that a different cause of the accident was to blame or a manufacturing fault in the truck or the trailer.
2. Contact the Police
If you are involved in an accident that involves a semi-truck happens, the first thing you must do is call the police. They will be able to make official statements about the crash and any injuries that were sustained. rockford semi truck accident attorney will also provide you with a copy of the official police report that you can use in your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps their reports on the premises at their precincts indefinitely and, therefore, if you're near the site of the incident (or is able to go there easily) then you should pick one up. You can also request the NYPD report online.
In addition to talking to the police, it's also important to gather information from everyone involved in the accident. This includes the truck driver, the other passengers, and any other witnesses. It is recommended to obtain their name, contact number as well as insurance information and company name. It's also a good idea to capture photographs or videos of the scene, if you can. This will allow you to document the accident and can also provide a visual record of the moment of impact, which may be important in the future.
In many instances truck accidents are caused by the negligence or fault of the driver. This could be due to drowsiness distraction, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or speeding. These issues can be particularly risky when driving a big and heavy vehicle.
Another common cause of semi accidents is bad road or weather conditions. Trucks can be difficult to maneuver, so when they're driving in poor conditions, they may become unstable and cause collisions with smaller vehicles.
Incorrect maintenance of the truck or its trailer is the third most common cause of truck accidents. A poorly maintained truck is more likely to tip over or have mechanical issues. This could be due to bad weather, driver fatigue, or neglect on the part of the trucking company.
A lawyer for a truck accident will investigate the accident, determine all responsible parties, and collect evidence to strengthen your claim. They will also handle any communication with the trucking firm's insurance firm, meaning you won't need to worry about them trying to attempt to convince you into accepting fault or decreasing the amount of compensation you receive.
3. Gather Information
While you wait for the police to arrive, it's vital to take photographs of everything. This includes the damage to the vehicles involved, skid marks and anything else that might aid your case. It's also a good idea to photograph the driver of the truck as well as their passengers, as well as witnesses who may have seen the accident. This will save you from having to find them later on, and will help your lawyer determine who is accountable for the crash.
Be sure to ask eyewitnesses whether they will be willing to testify under oath. This will ensure that their words remain accurate and are not altered by other people's accounts of the events. Witness statements are crucial for determining the reason for the accident. They can be used to prove negligence which is one of the ways you can receive compensation from the trucking company.
In addition to eyewitness accounts, it is important to gather as much detail about the trucking company as well as the driver. This can include an image of the commercial driver's licence of the driver as well as their personal qualification and their training file. It can also include a past check, results of a drug screening and safety performance records. Your attorney can request this information if needed.
Another piece of crucial evidence is the trucker's phone records. This could reveal whether the driver was on the phone when the accident happened, and could be the basis for lawsuit. The phone records of the trucking company can be used to determine if they have any guidelines regarding texting while driving.
It is also essential to collect medical records and bills. This will help you establish the extent of the injury and the amount you must be paid for financial losses. Economic damages cover things such as medical expenses loss of earnings, and the potential for future earnings. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses such as mental anguish and loss of consortium.
An experienced lawyer can assist you in gathering all the data you need and negotiate on behalf of the insurance company if you wish to file an insurance claim for a semi-truck.
4. Contact a lawyer
It's normal for people to feel anxious after a collision involving semi-trucks however, it's important to remain calm. Do not leave the accident scene, regardless of whether you're injured or not. This is not only unprofessional but also illegal. Instead, remain at the location until the police permit you to leave.
Document any damage that has occurred to your vehicle or personal property, as also any injuries you have sustained. It is best to do this with pictures or videos if you can however notes can be used too. This information can prove useful in the future. Talk to any witnesses and obtain their contact information as soon as you can. Before you do any cleanup, it's a good idea to capture photos of the crash site. They can be used as evidence in the event that you need them.
If you've been injured in a semi-truck collision It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible and call the police. It's also essential not to acknowledge fault, because this can hurt your chances of getting a fair settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you and offers a settlement you should decline it politely and contact an attorney.
There are various kinds of damages you could be able to recover from the party at fault in a semi-truck crash. One of the most common is economic compensatory damages, which are meant to reimburse you for any monetary losses due to the wreck. This can include emergency hospital visits, medical bills ongoing treatments, and any loss of income as a result of the injuries you sustained.
In addition, to the economic compensatory damages, you may also be able to receive punitive damages from the responsible party. These are meant to punish the defendant for their negligent actions and discourage similar behaviour in the future. This kind of compensation may be difficult to prove in court, but there are certain factors which can help you determine the amount you should be awarded. These could include data from the trucker's driver's log and electronic data from the driver's log and evidence of cell phone use, and reports or opinions from forensic or financial experts.