How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
Accidents involving semi trucks are commonplace on the nation's highways. Because of their intimidating size, the injuries suffered in a collision with a vehicle can be serious.
If you have suffered injuries due to a collision with trucks, a skilled lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Learn more about the different types of truck accidents and how they might affect your case.
1. Investigate the Accident
In any accident, evidence has to be gathered and stored immediately. This is particularly important when the accident involves semi trucks. There are more sources of information available, 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 provide evidence, like crash data recorders or even a truck's "nanny cam." All of this information could help determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault.
It is also crucial to notify the police as soon as possible in any semi truck crash. This will ensure that an accurate and complete report is filed of the incident. If there isn't a thorough and complete police investigation, it can be very difficult to prove what actually happened and who was at fault in the crash.
When the police arrive and you are questioned, it is recommended to answer any questions only to the extent you feel comfortable. Do not make up your mind or guess at anything to attempt to improve your image. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or driver in court.
The officer from the police department will gather various evidence from the scene, including photographs of the vehicles and the surrounding area. They will also take note of the names and contact information of any witnesses who may have witnessed the incident. It is also an excellent idea to take a picture of the truck's plate and any other identifying marks on the vehicle or the trailer.
Rear-end collisions are among the most common causes for semi-truck accidents. They typically occur when a vehicle or car is following too closely. In these cases the truck driver is likely to slam into the back of the vehicle ahead of them, and often could cause fatal or serious injuries to the passengers of the vehicle or truck.
Other causes of semi-truck crashes include tire blowouts and shifting loads, inadvertent truck or trailer maintenance, and many more. A personal injury lawyer who can address these issues can help you prove liability for your damages. In the majority of situations, a driver of a truck is accountable for any accident that was caused due to their negligence. However, there are other routes to compensation that can be pursued in the event that the cause of the accident was different, such as an issue with the manufacturing process of the trailer or truck.
2. Contact the Police
Notifying the police is the first step to take after an accident with semi-trucks takes place. They will come and record official statements regarding the accident including any injuries that occurred. You will also receive an official police report you can use to support your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps reports on-site in their precincts for a period of 30 days which means that if the incident was close to the area where you live (or in a location that you are able to visit in person) then you should visit the location and pick up an original copy. Or, you can go to the NYPD's online portal to request a report.
It's crucial to speak to everyone involved in the crash including the truck driver and passengers. This includes passengers, truck drivers, and anyone else who was involved. You should try to get their name, phone number as well as insurance information and company name. It's also an excellent idea to take photos or videos of the scene, if you can. This will help you document the accident, and also help you keep a visual record of the moment of impact, which can be useful later on.
In many instances truck accidents are caused by negligence or error by the driver. This can be caused by drowsiness or distraction, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or speeding. These factors can be especially risky when driving a big or heavy vehicle.
Bad road or weather conditions are another major cause of semi-accidents. Trucks can be difficult to maneuver, and when they're driven under poor conditions, they are likely to become unstable and cause collisions with smaller vehicles.
Improper maintenance of the truck or its trailer is the third leading reason for truck accidents. Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to crash or have mechanical issues. This could be due to inclement weather, driver fatigue, or a lack of care by the trucking company.
A lawyer for a truck accident will investigate the accident and determine the responsible parties, and collect evidence to prove your case. They will also manage all communications with the trucking company's insurance company so you don't need to be concerned about them trying to get you to admit to the responsibility or reducing the amount of compensation you're entitled to.
3. Gather Information
Take photos of everything as you wait for the police. This includes the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks, and any other evidence that could aid your case. It is also important to take pictures of the passengers and driver of the truck, as well any witnesses who may have witnessed the crash. virginia semi truck accident lawyer will avoid having to find them later, and it can help your lawyer determine who is accountable for the crash.
When talking to any eyewitnesses, be sure that they're willing to talk under oath. This will help ensure that their statements are accurate and do not get altered by other people's accounts of events. Witness statements are critical for determining the reason for the accident. They are also used to prove negligence which is one way you can get compensation from the trucking company.
It is important to collect as much information regarding the trucking company, the driver, and their background. This could include a copy of the driver's commercial driver's license as well as their personal qualification and their training file. It could also include a background check, drug screening results and safety performance records. Your attorney can request this information, if required.
Another piece of crucial evidence is the trucker's phone records. This will reveal if the trucker was on the phone at the incident, and it could be grounds for a lawsuit. The records of the trucking company's phones can also be used to determine what kind of policies they have set in place regarding texting while driving.
Finally, it is essential to keep medical records and bills. This will help you prove the extent of the injury and the amount you need to be compensated for financial losses. Economic damages are a way to cover medical expenses as well as loss of earnings and future earning potential. Non-economic damages include intangible losses, such as suffering and suffering, mental anguish and loss consortium.
If you're planning to file an insurance claim against a semi truck An experienced lawyer can assist you gather all the information you need and bargain with the insurance company on your behalf.
4. Contact a Lawyer
Although it's natural to be upset after a collision with a semi-truck, it's essential to remain calm. If you're injured or even If you're not, make sure you don't leave the scene of the collision. This is not only unprofessional, but it's also illegal. Keep your eyes on the scene for until you're permitted by the authorities.
Once you are at the scene document any damage to your vehicle or personal property, and also any injuries you may have sustained. It is best to document this with pictures or videos if you can but notes will work as well. This information can be very useful in the future. Contact 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 scene of the crash. They can be used as evidence in the event that you need them.
If you've been injured in a semi-truck crash it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately and contact the police. It's also essential to not admit guilt as it could impede the chances of obtaining a fair settlement. If the trucking firm contacts you and offers a settlement you should decline it politely and contact an attorney.
You could be able to recover damages from the party at fault in a semi-truck accident. One of the most common is economic compensatory damages, which are designed to compensate the victim for any financial loss associated with the wreck. This could include hospital expenses or ongoing treatment as well as any loss of income due to your injuries.
In addition to economic compensatory damages, you may also be able to receive punitive damages from the at-fault party. These are intended to penalize the defendant and deter similar behavior in future. It can be difficult to prove this type of compensation in court, however certain aspects can help determine the appropriate amount. These include the logs of the trucker, electronic driving data and evidence of the use of a cell phone and reports or opinions by financial or forensic experts.