How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
On the roads across America collisions with semi-trucks are not common. Because of their intimidating size, the injuries sustained when a collision occurs with a truck could be serious.
If you have suffered injuries due to a collision with a truck, an experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Find out about the various kinds of truck accidents that can occur and how they can impact your case.
1. Investigate the accident
In the event of an accident, evidence needs to be gathered and stored immediately. This is particularly important in cases involving semi trucks. There are more sources of information, including the black box data 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 or a truck's "nanny camera." All of this information can help determine what caused the accident and who is responsible.
In any semi-truck accident, it is important to inform the police as quickly as possible. This will ensure that a full and accurate report is prepared of the incident. Without a thorough and accurate police investigation, it could be very difficult to prove what actually happened 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. It's not a good idea to speculate or guess at anything in an attempt to make yourself look better. These kinds of answers can later be used by the truck driver, the trucking company or their insurance companies against you in court.
The police officer will take many different kinds of evidence on the scene, such as photographs of both vehicles as well as the surrounding area. They will also take note of the names and contact information of any witnesses who might have seen the accident occur. Additionally, it is recommended to take pictures of the truck's license plate and any other identifying marks which are found on the trailer or vehicle.
Rear-end collisions are one of the most frequently occurring causes of semi-truck accidents. They typically occur when a car or truck is following too closely. In these situations, the truck driver is most likely to hit the back of the vehicle in front of them, and often could cause fatal or serious injuries to the passengers of the car or truck.
Other causes of semi-truck accidents are blowouts of tires shift loads, inadequate maintenance of trailers or trucks, and many other. A personal injury lawyer who can address these issues can help prove your liability for your losses. In the majority of cases, a truck driver is responsible for any incident that was caused through their negligence. There are other avenues to seek compensation if another reason for the accident occurred or an issue with the manufacturing process of the truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
Contacting the police is the first step to take when an accident with semi-trucks occurs. They will come to the scene and take official reports on what happened including any injuries. They will also provide you with an official police report that you can use in your claim for damages. The NYPD keep their reports on file at their precincts permanently so if you're close to the location of the incident (or can visit there easily) then you should take one. 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. You should try to find their name, phone number as well as their insurance details and company name. If possible, you should also take photos or video of the scene. This will help record the accident, and will also give an image recording of the moment of impact.
Truck accidents are often caused by driver carelessness or error. This could be due to drowsiness distraction, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or speeding. These dangers are particularly pronounced when driving heavy, big vehicles.
Poor road conditions or weather conditions are another common cause of semi-accidents. Trucks can be difficult to maneuver, and when they're driven in bad conditions, they are likely to become uncontrollable and crash into smaller vehicles.
Improper maintenance of the truck or its trailer is a third common reason for truck accidents. A poorly maintained truck is more likely to crash or suffer mechanical issues. This could be due to bad weather, driver fatigue, or simply neglect from the trucking company.
A reputable truck accident lawyer will investigate the accident and determine the responsible parties and gather evidence to strengthen your case. They will also handle all communications with insurance company for the trucking company, so you do not have to worry about them trying to trick you into admitting responsibility or reducing the amount of compensation you deserve.
3. Gather Information
Take photos of everything as you wait for the police. This includes the damages to all vehicles involved, skid marks and anything else that might aid your case. Also, you should take photos of the driver and passengers of the truck, along with witnesses who may have witnessed the crash. wichita semi truck accident law firm will save you from having to locate them later, and it can aid your lawyer in determining who is accountable for the accident.
Be sure to ask eyewitnesses whether they'll be able to speak under the oath. This will ensure that their claims are true and don't get altered by other people's accounts of events. Witness statements are crucial for discovering the root of 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 In addition to eyewitness statements, it is essential to collect as much information regarding the trucking company and the driver. This can include a copy of the driver's commercial driver's license and their qualification for personnel as well as their training file. It could also include a background check, results of a drug screening and safety performance records. It can be compelled by your attorney should it be required.
The phone records of the trucker are another crucial piece of evidence. This could reveal if the driver was on the phone at the time the accident took place and could form the basis for an action. The phone records of the trucking business can be used to determine if they have any policies in place about texting while driving.
It is essential to keep all medical documents and bills. This will help you establish the severity of your injuries as well as the amount of compensation you should be awarded for your financial losses. Economic damages include medical expenses loss of earnings, as well as future earning potential. Non-economic damages deal with intangible losses like mental anguish and loss of consortium.
If you're interested in filing a semi truck accident claim an experienced attorney can help you gather all of the information you need and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
4. Contact a Lawyer
It's normal to feel angry after a collision that involves semi-trucks however, it's important to remain calm. If you've been injured, or even if you're not leave the scene of the accident. This is not only unprofessional, but also illegal. You should remain at the scene as long as you are allowed to by authorities.
Document any damage that has occurred to your car or personal property as and any injuries you've sustained. It is best to document this through video/pictures if possible but notes are fine as well. This information will be useful in the future. Also, speak to witnesses you can find and obtain their contact details whenever you can. It's also helpful to have photos of the scene before any cleanup is underway as they could be used as evidence if required.
If you've been injured in a semi-truck crash it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately and contact the police. It's also vital not to acknowledge fault, as this could hinder your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you and offers a settlement you should decline it politely and consult an attorney.
You could be able to recover damages from the party who is at fault in a semi-truck accident. The most straightforward is economic compensatory damages, which are intended to cover any financial damages you could have suffered in the aftermath of the crash. This can include emergency hospital visits, room charges, ongoing treatments, and any loss of income as a result of the injuries you suffered.
In addition to economic compensatory damages, you may also be eligible to receive punitive damages from the party at fault. These are intended to punish the defendant for their illegal actions and prevent similar actions in the future. This type of compensation could be difficult to prove in court, but there are certain factors that can help you determine an amount that is fair. These could include data from the trucker's driver's log and electronic data from the driver's log and evidence of cell phone usage, as well as reports or opinions from forensic or financial experts.