How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
On the roads across America collisions between semi trucks are not uncommon. Due to their size, the injuries suffered when a collision occurs with a truck can be serious.
If you've been injured due to a collision with trucks, an experienced lawyer can help you recover the compensation you're due. Learn about the various types of truck accidents that can occur and how they impact your case.
1. Investigate the Accident
In the event of an accident, evidence needs to be preserved and collected immediately. This is especially crucial when it comes to semi-trucks. This is because there are numerous sources of information and evidence, such as the truck driver's black box data and cell phone records. It is also possible for other devices to be used as evidence, such as crash data recorders and even a truck's "nanny cam." All of this information can help determine what caused the accident and who was at fault.
It is also vital to involve the police as soon as possible in any semi truck accident. This will ensure a full and accurate report is filed on the incident. Without a proper and thorough police investigation, it will be difficult to establish what actually happened and who was the culprit in the crash.
Once the police arrive at your home, you should respond to 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 the driver in court.
The police officer will take a number of different kinds of evidence at the scene, including photographs of both vehicles as well as the surrounding area. They will also record the names and contact information of any witnesses that may have witnessed the incident. It is also a good idea for you to take a photo of the truck's number plate and any other identifying marks on the trailer or vehicle.
One of the most frequent causes of semi-truck accidents are rear-end collisions. They usually occur when a car or truck is following too closely. In these situations the driver of the truck will probably smash the rear of the car or truck in the direction of him, causing severe or fatal injuries.
Tire blowouts, shifting loads, insufficient maintenance of trucks or trailers and many other things are factors in semi-truck accidents. A personal injury lawyer who understands these issues can help establish the liability for your injuries. In the majority of cases, a truck driver is accountable for any accident that is caused by their carelessness. There are other ways to claim compensation if a different factor caused the accident, such as an manufacturing defect in the truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
When an accident involving semi-trucks happens the first thing you should do is contact the police. hillsboro semi truck accident settlement will be able to record official statements regarding the crash, including any injuries that occurred. You will also receive a formal police report that you can use to back your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps reports on-site at their precincts over 30 days and if the incident occurred close to where you live (or in a location that you are able to visit in person) then you should visit the location and pick up a copy. Or, you can go to the NYPD's website to request a report.
Besides speaking to the police, it's essential to gather information from everyone involved in the incident. This includes passengers, truck drivers and everyone else who was there. You should try to find their name, phone number, insurance information, and company name. If you can, also take pictures or videos of the scene. This will help you record the accident and will also give an image recording of the moment of impact.
Truck accidents are often caused by driver error or a mishap. This could be due to drowsiness inattention, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or speeding. These can be particularly dangerous when driving a large and heavy vehicle.
Another cause of semi accidents is bad road or conditions. Trucks are difficult to maneuver and could easily be uncontrollable when driving in poor conditions.
Another common cause of accidents involving trucks is the lack of maintenance of the trailer or the truck. A vehicle that is not properly maintained can be dangerous because it is more likely to overturn or have mechanical failures. This could be due to poor weather, driver fatigue or carelessness on the part the trucking company.
A reputable truck accident attorney will investigate the accident and determine the responsible parties, and gather evidence to support your case. They will also handle all communications with the trucking company's insurance company so you do not need to be concerned about them trying convince you to admit fault or reducing the amount of compensation you're entitled to.
3. Gather Information
While you wait for the police to arrive, it's essential to take photos of everything. Included in this are the damages to the vehicles involved, as well as skid marks and anything else that could help your case. You should also take pictures of the passengers and driver of the truck, and witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. You won't have to search for witnesses later, and your lawyer will be competent to determine who was accountable.
If you are talking to witnesses, ensure that they are willing to give a statement under an oath. This will ensure that their claims are accurate and not affected by other people's perceptions of the incidents. Witness statements can be vital in determining what caused an accident. They can also be used to establish the negligence of the trucking firm.
In addition to eyewitness testimony In addition to eyewitness statements, it is essential to collect as much data on the trucking company and the driver. This can include their personnel qualification and training file as well as a copy of their commercial driver's license, a history of tests, results of drug screening, and safety performance records. The information could be requested by your attorney in the event of a need.
Another crucial piece of evidence is the trucker's telephone records. This can reveal whether the driver was on the phone when the accident took place and could provide the basis for an action. The phone records of the trucking firm can be used to determine if they have any policies in place about texting while driving.
Finally, it is essential to keep medical records and bills. This will allow you to demonstrate the severity of your injuries as well as the amount of compensation you'll get for your financial losses. Economic damages are medical expenses as well as lost earnings and earning potential. Non-economic damages include intangible losses like pain and suffering, mental distress and loss of consortium.
An experienced attorney can help you gather all the information you need and negotiate on behalf of you with the insurance company if you want to file a claim for a semi truck.
4. Contact a lawyer
It's normal to be upset after a collision involving semi-trucks, but it's also important to remain calm. Don't leave the accident scene, whether injured or not. It's not just not professional, but it's also illegal. Instead, stay at the scene until authorities permit you to leave.
When you arrive at the scene, take note of any damage to your vehicle or personal property as well as any injuries you sustained. It is best to do this using pictures or videos, although notes will do as well. You should also write down the name of the driver and the company they work for in case this information can be useful later on in the event of a case. In addition, speak with witnesses that you know and get their contact information as soon as possible. It is also beneficial to have photographs of the site before you begin cleaning up because they could be used as evidence if needed.
If you've been injured in a semi-truck accident, it's important to seek medical care immediately and contact the police as soon as you can. It's also essential not to acknowledge fault, since this could impede the chances of receiving an adequate settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you with an offer to settle but you're not comfortable, you should respectfully decline and call an attorney.
There are a variety of damages you could be able to recover from the at-fault party in a semi truck crash. The most basic of these is economic compensatory damages, which are meant to reimburse the victim for any financial loss caused by the accident. These can include emergency room visits, hospital bills ongoing treatments, and any loss of income resulting from the injuries you suffered.
In addition to the economic compensation damages, you could also be eligible for punitive damages from the at-fault party. These are intended to punish the defendant for their negligent actions and prevent similar actions in the future. It can be difficult to prove this type of compensation in court, but certain factors can help determine the proper amount. This includes the trucker's log, electronic driving data and evidence of cell phone use as well as the opinions or reports of financial or forensic experts.