10 Tell-Tale Warning Signs You Need To Know Before You Buy Semi Truck Case
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
On the roads of America collisions with semi trucks are not uncommon. Because of their size, truck accidents can cause serious injuries.
If you have suffered injuries due to a collision with a truck, an experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you're due. Find out about the various kinds of truck accidents and how they could affect your case.
1. Investigate the accident
The evidence must be collected as soon as it is available following an accident. This is particularly important in cases involving semi-trucks. This is because there are a myriad of sources of information and evidence including the black box that is used by the truck driver data and cell phone records. Other devices that are technological, such as crash recorders, or the "nanny camera" on a truck, could also be used as evidence.
It is also important to involve the police as soon as possible in the event of a semi truck accident. This will ensure an accurate and complete report is filed on the incident. If there isn't a thorough and complete police investigation, it will be extremely difficult to prove the facts of what occurred and who was at fault in the crash.
Once the police arrive, it is best to answer any questions only to the extent you are comfortable. You should not speculate or make guesses to try to improve your image. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or the driver in court.
The police officer will gather various evidence from the scene, such as photographs of the vehicles and the area around. They will also take note of the names and contact information of any witnesses who might have witnessed the accident. In addition, it's recommended to take pictures of the license plate of the truck as well as any other markings that are on the vehicle or trailer.
One of the most frequent causes of semi-truck accidents is rear-end collisions. These usually happen when a vehicle or car is following too closely. In these situations the truck driver will likely hit the rear of the car or truck in the front of him, causing serious or fatal injuries.
Other causes of semi-truck crashes include tire blowouts shift loads, inadequate truck or trailer maintenance, and many other. A qualified personal injury attorney will understand these issues, and can help you determine who is liable for your damages. In the majority of situations, a driver of a truck is responsible for any incident that was caused due to their negligence. There are other ways to seek compensation if a different factor caused the accident like a manufacturing fault in the truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
When an accident involving semi-trucks, the first thing to do is call the police. They will come to the scene and make official statements regarding what happened, including any injuries. Additionally, they will provide you with a formal police report that you can use in your claim for damages. The NYPD keep reports on site at their precincts for 30 days, so if the accident occurred near your home (or an area that you can easily visit in person), you should visit the location and pick up the report. You can also request a NYPD report online.
Besides speaking to the police, it's essential to collect information from all involved in the accident. This includes the truck driver, passengers and any other witnesses. Make sure you know their names, telephone numbers, insurance policy information, and the name of the company they work for. If possible, you should also take pictures or videos of the scene. This will help you record the accident and can also provide a visual record the moment of impact which may be important in the future.
The majority of accidents involving trucks are caused by driver error or error. This could include drowsiness or distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or speeding. These types of factors are particularly dangerous when driving large, heavy vehicles.
Another cause of semi-accidents is bad roads or conditions. Trucks can be difficult to maneuver, and when they're driven in bad conditions, they are likely to become uncontrollable and collide with smaller vehicles.
The improper maintenance of the truck or its trailer is a third common cause of truck accidents. A vehicle that is not properly maintained could be dangerous as it is more likely to overturn or suffer mechanical failures. This could be due to bad weather, driver fatigue, or carelessness on the part the trucking company.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will investigate the crash and identify all the parties responsible and gather evidence to support your case. They will also manage all communications with the insurance company for the trucking company, so you do not need to worry about them trying to get you to admit to the responsibility or reducing the amount of compensation you're entitled to.
3. Gather Information
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, it is essential to take photos of everything. Included in this are the damages to any vehicles involved, as well as skid marks and anything else that might help your case. west jordan semi truck accident law firm 's also a good idea to take pictures of the driver of the truck as well as their passengers and witnesses who might have witnessed the accident. This will help you avoid having to find them in the future, and will aid your lawyer in determining who might be liable for the accident.
Make sure to inquire with eyewitnesses whether they'll testify under oath. This will help ensure that their assertions are truthful and do not get influence by other people's perceptions of events. Witness statements can be vital in determining the reason for an accident, and may also be used to prove the trucking company's negligence.
It is important to collect as much information regarding the trucking company, the driver, and their background. This can include their personnel qualifications and training files as well as a copy of their commercial driver's license, history checks, drug screening results and safety performance records. The information could be requested by your attorney in the event of a need.
The phone records of the trucker are another crucial piece of evidence. This can show that the trucker was using the phone at the incident, and it could be grounds for a lawsuit. The phone records of the trucking company can also be used to determine what type of policies they have set in place regarding texting and driving.
Finally, it is essential to get medical documents and bills. This will help you establish the extent of your injuries and the amount of compensation you will receive for your financial losses. Economic damages include medical expenses along with lost earnings and future earning potential. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses such as mental anguish and loss of consortium.
An experienced lawyer can assist you in gathering all the necessary information and negotiate on behalf of the insurance company when you are looking to file an insurance claim for a semi-truck.
4. Contact a Lawyer
While it's normal to be upset after collisions with semi truck, it's vital to remain calm. Don't leave the accident site, regardless of whether you're injured or not. It's not just not professional, but it's also illegal. Instead, stay there until the authorities allow you to leave.
Note any damage to your car or personal property as and any injuries you've sustained. If possible, it's best to document this with images or video. However notes can also be used. You should also write down the names of the driver and company they work for in case this information can be helpful later in the event of a case. Contact witnesses and collect their contact information as quickly as you can. Before you do any cleanup it's a good idea take photographs of the crash scene. These can be used as evidence in case you need them.
If you've been injured in a semi-truck collision it is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible and contact the police. It is also important not to acknowledge fault, as this will hinder your chances of obtaining a fair settlement for your claim. If the trucking firm contacts you and offers a settlement you should decline it politely and contact an attorney.
There are various kinds of damages you could be able to recover from the responsible party in a semi-truck accident. The most straightforward is economic compensatory damage, which is meant to reimburse any monetary expenses you might have suffered in the aftermath of the crash. These can include hospital bills and ongoing treatments, as well as any income loss due to your injuries.
You could also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the economic damages. These are meant to penalize the defendant for their wrongful actions and deter similar behavior in the future. It can be a challenge to prove this kind of compensation in court, however certain factors can help determine the right amount. These can include records from the driver log of the trucker, electronic driving data, evidence of cell phone usage, as well as reports or opinions from financial or forensic experts.