How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
On our roads, collisions with semi trucks are not uncommon. Due to their size, the injuries sustained in a collision with a truck can be severe.
If you've been injured in a truck accident, an experienced attorney can help you receive the compensation you're due. Learn about plantation semi truck accident law firm of truck accidents and how they might affect your case.
1. Investigate the Accident
In the event of an accident, evidence needs to be collected and preserved immediately. This is especially important when it comes to semi-trucks. This is because there are many more potential sources of information and evidence including the black box that is used by the truck driver data and phone records. Other technological devices like crash recorders or the "nanny camera" on a truck could also be used as evidence.
In any semi-truck accident, it is important to notify the police as soon as possible. This will ensure that a full and accurate report is submitted of the incident. If there isn't a thorough and complete police investigation, it will be very difficult to prove the facts of what occurred and who is at fault in the crash.
It is recommended that you only answer questions as long as it feels comfortable once the police arrive. Do not speculate or make assumptions in an attempt to improve your image. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or driver in court.
The police officer will take various kinds of evidence from the scene, including pictures of both vehicles and the surrounding area. They will also write down the names and contact information of anyone who may have seen the accident occur. It is also an excellent idea to take a photo 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 usually occur when a truck or car is following too closely. In these cases the truck driver is likely to hit the back of the vehicle ahead of them, and in many cases could cause fatal or serious injuries to the passengers of that vehicle or truck.
Other reasons for semi-truck accidents include tire blowouts, shifting loads, improper maintenance of the trailer or truck and many more. A personal injury lawyer who is aware of these issues can assist you to prove the responsibility for your injuries. In the majority of cases, a truck driver is responsible for any incident that was caused due to their negligence. There are other avenues to claim compensation if a different reason for the accident occurred like an manufacturing defect in the truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
If you are involved in an accident that involves semi-trucks occurs the first thing you should do is call the police. They will come to the scene and take official statements regarding what happened including any injuries. You will also receive a formal police report can be used to prove your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps their reports on file in their precincts forever, so if you are near to the scene of the accident (or could easily visit the area), you should get one. Alternatively, you can use the NYPD's online portal to request an investigation.
It is essential to speak to all those involved in the accident including the truck driver as well as passengers. This includes the truck's drivers, passengers and anyone else who was present. It is recommended to obtain their name, contact number as well as insurance information and company name. If you can, also take photographs or video of the scene. This will allow you to document the accident, and also provide a visual recording of the moment of impact.
Most accidents involving trucks are caused by driver negligence or error. This could include drowsiness or distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or speeding. These are all risky when driving heavy, big vehicles.
Poor road conditions or weather conditions are another frequent cause of semi-accidents. Trucks can be difficult to maneuver, so when they're driving in poor conditions, they are likely to become unstable and cause collisions with smaller vehicles.
Another reason that is frequently cited for truck accidents is improper maintenance of the trailer or the truck. A truck that is not maintained properly can be dangerous since it is more likely to tip over or experience mechanical issues. This could be due to poor weather, driver fatigue or negligence on the part of the trucking company.
A lawyer for a truck accident will investigate the incident and determine the responsible parties, and collect evidence to strengthen your claim. They will also handle any correspondence with the insurance firm, meaning you won't have to worry that they attempt to convince you into accepting fault or reducing your compensation.
3. Gather Information
Take photos of everything as you wait for the police. Included in this are the damage to the vehicles involved, and skid marks or any other thing that could help your case. It's important to take pictures of the driver of the truck and their passengers, as well as witnesses who might have witnessed the accident. This will save you from having to track people down later, and it can help your lawyer determine who is responsible for the accident.
Be sure to ask witnesses whether they will be willing to testify under the oath. This will help ensure that their accounts are accurate and don't get influenced by other people's versions of the events. Witness statements are essential for finding out the cause of the accident. They are also used to prove negligence, which is one of the ways you can claim compensation from the trucking company.
It is essential to gather as much information as you can about the trucking company, the driver, and their background. This can include their personnel qualification and training file along with a copy commercial driver's license, history tests, results of drug screening and safety performance documents. Attorneys can subpoena the information, if required.
Another vital piece of evidence is the trucker's phone records. This will show whether the trucker was actually on the phone at the time of the accident and could be a basis for a lawsuit. The trucking company's phone records can be used to determine the 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 allow you to prove the severity of your injury and the amount you will be paid for your financial loss. Economic damages cover things such as medical expenses loss of earnings, and future earning potential. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like suffering and pain, mental anguish and loss consortium.
An experienced lawyer can help you gather all the necessary information and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company should you decide to file a claim for a semi truck.
4. Contact a Lawyer
While it is understandable to be upset following an accident with a semi truck, it's important to remain calm. If you've been injured, or even If you're not, make sure you don't leave the scene of the accident. This is not only unprofessional but also illegal. Instead, stay at the location until the police permit you to leave.
Document any damage that has occurred to your vehicle or personal property as also any injuries you have sustained. It is best to document this through video/pictures if possible however notes can be used too. This information could prove useful in the future. Speak to witnesses and obtain their contact information as quickly as you can. Prior to any cleanup it's a good idea capture photos of the scene of the crash. They can be used as evidence should you require them.
If you've been injured in a semi-truck accident It is essential to seek medical attention right away and contact the police. It's also essential not to admit fault as this will hinder your chances of getting an adequate settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you with an offer to settle but you're not comfortable, you should politely decline and contact an attorney.
There are many different kinds of damages that you might be able to recover from the person at fault in a semi-truck accident. The most common type is economic compensatory damage, which is designed to compensate you for any financial damages you could have suffered as a result of the accident. These could include hospital bills as well as ongoing medical treatment. any income loss resulting from the injuries you sustained.
In addition to financial compensatory damages, you may be eligible to receive punitive damages from the at-fault party. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. This type of compensation can be difficult to prove in court, however there are certain elements that can help you determine a fair amount. This could include evidence from the driver log of the trucker as well as electronic driving data and evidence of mobile phone usage, and reports or opinions from financial or forensic experts.