How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
Collisions involving semi trucks are frequent on our highways. Because of their size truck accidents can result in serious injuries.
If you've been injured in a collision involving trucks, a skilled lawyer can help you recover the compensation you're due. Find out about the various types of truck accidents and how they may impact your case.
1. Investigate the cause of the accident
In the event of an accident, evidence has to be collected and preserved immediately. This is especially important when it comes to semi-trucks. There are other sources of information available, including the black box records of the truck driver and his cell phone records. Other devices such as crash recorders, or the "nanny camera" on a truck, can also be used as evidence.
It is also essential to have the police involved as soon as possible in the event of a semi-truck accident. This will ensure an accurate and complete account of the incident. If there isn't antioch semi truck accident law firm and complete police investigation, it can be very difficult to prove the facts of what occurred and who is at fault in the crash.
Once the police arrive, it is best to answer questions in the manner that you feel comfortable. Do not speculate or make assumptions in an attempt to improve your image. These kinds of answers could later be used by the truck driver, trucking company, or their insurance companies to sue you in court.
The officer from the police department will gather different evidence at the scene, such as photographs of the vehicles and the surrounding area. They will also take note of the names and contact numbers of any witnesses who might have witnessed the accident. It's also an excellent idea to take a photograph of the truck's plate as well as any other markings that identify the vehicle or the trailer.
One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents is rear-end collisions. These usually happen when a vehicle or car is following too closely. In these situations, the driver of the truck may hit the back of the car or truck in the direction of him, causing serious or fatal injuries.
Tire blowouts, shifting loads, inadequate maintenance of trucks or trailers and many other things are the main causes of semi-truck crashes. A personal injury lawyer who understands these issues can help prove the responsibility for your injuries. In the majority of cases, a truck driver is the sole responsible party for any accident that is caused due to their negligence. There are other ways to seek compensation in the event that a different cause of the accident was to blame or an issue with the manufacturing process of the truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
Notifying the police is the first step to take after an accident involving a semi-truck occurs. They will come and make official statements about the crash including any injuries that may have occurred. They will also give you an official police report that you can use in your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps reports on the premises at their precincts for 30 days in the event that the incident was close to the place you live (or where you can easily visit in person) then you should visit the precinct and pick up the report. You can also request an NYPD report online.
It's important that you speak to all those involved in the accident, including the truck driver as well as passengers. This includes the truck drivers, passengers, and anyone else who was involved. Be sure to collect their names, numbers and insurance policy information and the name of the company they work for. If possible, you should also take pictures or videos of the scene. This will help you record the accident, and also provide an image recording of the moment of the collision.
In many instances truck accidents are caused by driver error or negligence. This could result from drowsiness, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or speeding. These issues can be particularly risky when driving a big automobile that is heavy and large.
Another common cause of semi accidents is bad road or conditions. Trucks aren't easy to maneuver, so if they're driven in poor conditions, they may become unstable and cause collisions with smaller vehicles.
Another common cause of accidents involving trucks is the lack of maintenance on the trailer or truck. Unmaintained trucks are more likely to rollover or have mechanical problems. This could be caused by poor weather, driver fatigue, or inattention on the part the trucking company.
A reputable attorney for truck accidents will investigate the accident, determine all liable parties, and gather evidence to strengthen your case. They will also handle all communication with the insurance company of the trucking company so that you don't have to be concerned about them trying to convince you to admit fault or reducing the amount of compensation you deserve.
3. Gather Information
Photograph everything you see while you wait for the police. Included in this are damages to any vehicle involved, and skid marks, or any other evidence that could help your case. You should also take photographs of the passengers and driver of the truck, and witnesses who might have witnessed the accident. This will avoid having to find them later, and it can help your lawyer determine who might be liable for the crash.
When you speak to witnesses, make sure that they're willing to testify under the oath. This will ensure that their accounts are accurate and do not get influenced by other people's versions of events. Witness statements are crucial in determining the reason for an accident and can be used to prove the trucking company's negligence.
It is essential to gather as much information about the trucking company, the driver, and their background. This could include their personnel qualification and training file, a copy of their commercial driver's licence, history tests, results of drug screening and safety performance records. Attorneys can subpoena the information should it be required.
The trucker's phone logs are another crucial piece of evidence. This will show whether the trucker was on the phone at the moment of the accident, and could be a basis for an action. The phone records of the trucking company can also be used to determine what type of policies they have in place with regard to texting while driving.
It is important to collect all medical records and bills. This will enable you to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the amount of compensation you will get for your financial losses. Economic damages include things like medical expenses, loss of earnings and future earning potential. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, mental distress, and loss of consortium.
If you're looking to file a claim for a semi-truck accident An experienced attorney can assist you gather all of the information you need and bargain with the insurance company on your behalf.
4. Contact a Lawyer
While it's understandable to be upset following an accident with a semi truck, it's vital to stay calm. Don't leave the accident site, regardless of whether you're injured or not. It's not just unprofessional, but it's also unlawful. Stay at the scene until you're authorized by the authorities.
Record any damage to your car or personal property as also any injuries you've sustained. It is best to do this by taking pictures or video but notes are fine as well. This information can prove useful in the future. Speak to witnesses and collect their contact information as quickly as you can. Prior to any cleanup, it's a good idea to take photographs of the crash site. These could be used as evidence should you require them.
If you have been injured in a semi-truck collision it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible and call the police. It's also essential not to admit fault, since this could impede your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your claim. If a trucking company calls you with an offer to settle but you're not comfortable, you should accept the offer but politely decline, and then contact a lawyer.
You may be able recover damages from the person at the fault in a semi-truck crash. The most straightforward of these is economic compensatory damages, that are designed to reimburse you for any monetary losses associated with the wreck. These can include emergency hospital visits, room charges ongoing treatments, and any loss of income due to the injuries you suffered.
You could also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the economic damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future. It can be difficult to prove this type of compensation in court, however certain aspects can help determine the appropriate amount. These could include data from the driver log of the trucker as well as electronic driving data and evidence of cell phone use, and reports or opinions from forensic or financial experts.