12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Semi Truck Case
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
Accidents involving semi trucks are commonplace on the nation's highways. Because of their size truck accidents can result in serious injuries.
If you have been injured in a truck crash An experienced attorney can help you receive the compensation you're entitled to. Find out about the various types of truck accidents and how they might impact your case.
1. Investigate the cause of the accident.
Evidence must be collected immediately following an accident. This is especially crucial when it comes to semi-trucks. There are a variety of sources of information available, including the black box records of the truck driver and his cell phone records. It is also possible for other technological devices to be used to provide evidence, like crash data recorders, or a truck's "nanny cam." All of this information will help determine the cause of the accident and who's responsible.
It is also vital to notify the police as soon as possible in any semi truck accident. This will result in an accurate and complete account of the incident. If there isn't a thorough and complete police investigation, it can be extremely difficult to prove what really happened and who is at fault in the crash.
Once the police arrive when they arrive, you should answer any questions only to the extent you feel comfortable. Do not speculate or make assumptions to enhance 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 of the police will collect many different kinds of evidence on the scene, such as photographs of both vehicles as well as the surrounding area. The police officer will take down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who may have witnessed the incident. Also, it's recommended to take pictures of the license plate on the truck and any other markings that are present on the trailer or vehicle.
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 cases the truck driver is most likely to smash into the back of the vehicle ahead of them, and in many cases will cause serious or fatal injuries to the passengers in that car or truck.
Tire blowouts, shifting of loads, insufficient maintenance of trucks or trailers as well as other factors are factors in semi truck accident law firm-truck accidents. An experienced personal injury lawyer can be a great resource for these issues and can assist you in proving who is responsible for your damages. In most situations, the truck driver is responsible for any accidents caused by their negligence. There are other avenues to claim compensation if a different cause of the accident was to blame for example, an manufacturing defect in the truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
Contacting the police is the first step you should take after an accident involving semi-trucks happens. They will be able to record official statements regarding the accident, including any injuries that may have occurred. Additionally, they will give you an official police report that you can use in your claim for damages. The NYPD keep reports on site at their precincts over 30 days, so if the accident occurred close to the place you live (or an area that you can easily visit in person) it is recommended that you go there and pick up an original copy. You can also request a NYPD report online.
It is essential to speak to anyone involved in the incident, including the truck driver and passengers. This includes the truck driver, passengers, and any other witnesses. Try to get their names, contact numbers and insurance policy information and the name of the company they work for. It's also recommended to take photos or videos of your scene, if you can. This will allow you to document the accident, and also provide a visual record the moment of impact which can be useful in the future.
In many instances truck accidents are the result of negligence or driver error. This could be due to drowsiness, distraction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or speeding. These factors can be especially risky when driving a big, heavy vehicle.
Another cause of semi-accidents is poor road or weather conditions. Trucks are not easy to maneuver, so if they're driven in poor conditions, they are likely to become unstable and cause collisions with smaller vehicles.
Another common cause of truck accidents is the insufficient maintenance of the truck or its trailer. Unmaintained trucks are more likely to roll over or suffer mechanical issues. This could be due to bad weather, driver fatigue or simply a lack of attention from the trucking company.
A lawyer who handles a truck accident will investigate the accident and identify the parties responsible and gather evidence to support your claim. They will also handle any communications with the insurance company of the trucking company's firm, meaning you won't be worried that they attempt to trick you into accepting blame or decreasing your compensation.
3. Gather Information
Photograph 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's also a good idea to take pictures of the driver of the truck and their passengers and witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. This will prevent you from having to find them later, and it can help your lawyer determine who's responsible for the accident.
When speaking to any eyewitnesses, be sure that they are willing to talk under the oath. This will ensure that their claims are true and are not affected by other people's interpretations of events. Witness statements can be crucial in determining the cause of an accident and can be used to show the negligence of the trucking company.
It is essential to gather all the information you can about the trucking company, the driver, and their background. This could include the driver's personnel qualifications and training files as well as a copy of their commercial driver's license, a history of tests, results of drug screening and safety performance documents. This can be subpoenaed by your attorney should it be required.
Another piece of crucial evidence is the trucker's telephone records. This will reveal if the driver was on the phone when the accident occurred and could form the basis for a lawsuit. The records of the trucking company's phones can be used to determine what type of policies they have in place with regard to texting while driving.
Finally, it is essential to gather medical records and bills. This will help you establish the extent of the injury and the amount you should be compensated for financial losses. Economic damages cover things such as medical expenses as well as loss of earnings and the potential for future earnings. Non-economic losses include intangible damages such as pain and suffering mental distress, and loss of consortium.
If you're interested in filing a semi truck accident claim an experienced attorney can help you gather all of this information together and bargain with the insurance company on your behalf.
4. Contact a Lawyer
It's normal for people to feel anxious after a collision with a semi-truck however, it's equally important to remain calm. If you're hurt, or even if you're not, don't leave the scene of the accident. Not only does this look unprofessional, but it's also illegal. Stay at the scene as long as you are authorized by the authorities.
Note any damage to your car or personal property as and any injuries you have sustained. If you can, it's best to document this with photographs or video. However notes can also be used. This information can be very useful in the future. Contact witnesses and collect their contact details as soon as you can. It's also beneficial to take photos of the scene prior to any cleanup, as this could be used as evidence if required.
If you've been injured by a semi truck accident it is crucial to seek medical care immediately and call the police right away. It's also essential not to acknowledge fault, since this could impede your chances of receiving an equitable settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you and offers to settle, politely decline it and consult an attorney.
There are many different kinds of damages that you may be able to recover from the responsible party involved in a semi truck accident. The most straightforward is economic compensatory damage, which is intended to pay for any monetary losses that you may have suffered as a result of the accident. This could include emergency room visits, hospital charges continuing treatments, and any loss of income resulting from the injuries you suffered.
You may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to economic damages. These are meant to punish the defendant and prevent similar actions in the future. This type of compensation can be difficult to prove in court, however there are some factors that can help you establish an amount that is fair. These can include records from the trucker's driver log, electronic driving data as well as evidence of cell phone usage, as well as reports or opinions from forensic or financial experts.