12 Companies Leading The Way In Semi Truck Case
How to Make a semi truck accident law firms Truck Accident Legal
Collisions with semi trucks are frequent on our highways. Due to their size, the injuries sustained when a collision occurs with a truck may be severe.
If you have suffered injuries caused by a collision with a truck, an experienced lawyer can help you recover the compensation you're due. Find out about the various types of truck accidents and how they could 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 crucial when it comes to semi-trucks. There are other sources of information, such as the black-box data of the truck driver's cell phone records. Other devices that are technological such as crash recorders or the "nanny camera" on a truck, are also a possibility for evidence.
In any semi-truck collision It is crucial to inform the police as quickly as you can. This will guarantee an accurate and complete report 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 was at fault in the crash.
It is best to respond to questions as much as feels comfortable once the police arrive. It is not recommended to speculate or guess at anything in an attempt to impress the police. These kinds of answers could later be used by the truck driver, trucking company, or their insurance companies to sue you in court.
The police officer will collect different evidence at the scene, including photographs of the vehicles as well as the surrounding area. They will also note down the names and contact information of any witnesses that may have witnessed the incident. Additionally, it is recommended to take pictures of the license plate on the truck and any other markings that are present on the trailer or vehicle.
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequently occurring causes of semi-truck accidents. These accidents typically occur when a vehicle is following too closely. In these instances the driver of the truck may slam the back of the car or truck in the front of him, causing severe or fatal injuries.
Tire blowouts, shifting loads, inadequate maintenance of trailers or trucks and many other things are causes for semi-truck accidents. A personal injury lawyer who is aware of these issues can help you prove the responsibility for your injuries. In most cases, the driver of the truck will be liable for any accidents caused by their negligence. However there are other avenues to compensation that can be pursued if it is determined that the cause of the accident was different, such as a manufacturing defect in the trailer or truck.
2. Contact the Police
Contacting the police is the first step to take if an accident with a semi-truck occurs. They will attend the scene and make official reports on what happened including any injuries. Additionally, they will provide you with an official police report to use in your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps their reports on the premises at their precincts indefinitely so if you're close to the location of the accident (or could easily visit the area), you should pick one up. You can also use the NYPD's online portal to make a request for reports.
Besides speaking to the police, it's also important to collect information from all involved in the incident. This includes the truck driver, passengers and any other witnesses. You should try to find their name, number along with insurance information, as well as the company name. If possible, you should also take photographs or video of the scene. This will help record the accident, and will also give an image record of the moment of impact.
In many instances truck accidents are caused by driver error or negligence. This could result from drowsiness distraction, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or speeding. These are all factors that can be risky when driving a big automobile that is heavy and large.
Another major cause of semi truck Accident law Firms-accidents is bad roads or conditions. Trucks can be difficult to maneuver and may quickly become uncontrollable in bad conditions.
A third common reason for truck accidents is the insufficient maintenance on the trailer or truck. Trucks that are not maintained properly are more likely to roll over or suffer mechanical issues. This could be due to poor weather, driver fatigue or negligence on the part of the trucking company.
A lawyer for a truck accident will investigate the accident and determine who is responsible, and collect evidence to prove your case. They will also handle any correspondence with the insurance company of the trucking company's firm, so you don't need to worry about them trying to attempt to convince you into assuming blame or decreasing the amount of compensation you receive.
3. Gather Information
Take photos of everything as you wait for the police. This includes the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks, and anything else that might aid your case. It is important to photograph the driver of the truck and their passengers and witnesses who might have witnessed the crash. This will avoid having to locate them later, and it will help your lawyer determine who is responsible for the crash.
When speaking to any witnesses, make sure that they are willing to talk under oath. This will ensure that their claims remain true and aren't influenced by other people’s versions of the incidents. Witness statements can be crucial in determining the cause of an accident and can also be used to establish the negligence of the trucking firm.
In addition to eyewitness testimony It is also important to collect as much information on the trucking company and the driver. This could include an image of the driver's commercial driver's licence along with their qualification for employment and their training file. It could also include a background check, drug screening results and safety performance records. Attorneys can subpoena the information, if required.
Another vital piece of evidence is the trucker's telephone records. This will reveal whether the trucker was actually on the phone at the time of the accident, and could be a basis for an action. The phone records of the trucking business can be used to determine if they have rules regarding texting while driving.
Finally, it is essential to gather medical documents and bills. This will allow you to prove the severity of the injury and the amount you must be paid for financial losses. Economic damages can include medical expenses loss of earnings, as well as future earning potential. Non-economic damages deal with intangible losses, such as mental anguish and loss consortium.
An experienced attorney can assist you in gathering all the necessary information and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company should you decide to file an accident claim for a semi-truck.
4. Contact a lawyer
While it's normal to be upset following collisions with semi-truck, it's essential to remain calm. If you've been injured, or even in the event that you're not, do not leave the scene of the accident. This is not only unprofessional but also illegal. Stay on the scene as long as you are allowed to by authorities.
Document any damage that has occurred to your vehicle or personal property as and any injuries you've sustained. It is best to document this with pictures or videos if you can, although notes will do as well. This information could prove useful in the future. Talk to witnesses and collect their contact information as quickly as you can. Before any cleanup is done it's a good idea to take photos of the crash site. They could be used as evidence in case you need them.
If you've been injured in a semi-truck accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away and call the police. It's also vital not to acknowledge fault, as this will hinder your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your claim. If a trucking company calls you to offer a settlement and you're not sure how to respond, it's best to respectfully decline and call a lawyer.
There are a variety of damages you could be able to claim from the at-fault party in a semi-truck accident. The most common is compensatory damage, which is designed to compensate you for any financial loss you might have suffered as a result of the accident. This can include emergency hospital visits, room charges, ongoing treatments, and any loss of income due to the injuries you sustained.
You may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to economic damages. These are meant to punish the defendant for their wrong actions and to discourage similar behavior in the future. It isn't easy to prove this type of compensation in court, but certain factors can help you determine the right amount. These could include data from the trucker's driver log electronic driving records, evidence of cell phone usage, and reports or opinions from financial or forensic experts.