12 Companies Leading The Way In Semi Truck Case
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 in a collision with a truck may be severe. If you've suffered an injury from a crash with trucks, an experienced lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're due. Learn about the various types of truck accidents and how they impact your case. 1. Examine the incident In any accident, evidence must be gathered and stored right away. This is especially crucial in the case of semi-trucks. There are other sources of information, like the black-box data of the truck driver and his cell phone records. It is also possible for other technological devices to be used as evidence, such as crash data recorders or a truck's “nanny camera.” All of this information will help determine the cause of the accident, and who's at fault. In the event of a semi-truck crash it is essential to involve the police as soon as you can. This will ensure an accurate and complete report of the incident. It can be difficult to establish the truth and determine who is responsible for the crash without a thorough and proper police investigation. After the police arrive, it is best to answer any questions only to the extent you are at ease. 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 gather many different kinds of evidence from the scene, including pictures of both vehicles as well as the surrounding area. The officer will also note down the names and contact information of anyone who may have witnessed the accident. It's also an excellent idea to take a photo of the truck's license plate and any other identifying marks on the vehicle or the trailer. One of the most frequent causes of semi-truck accidents is rear-end collisions. These typically occur when a vehicle or car is following too closely. In these cases, the truck driver is most likely to slam into the back of the vehicle in front of them, and often can cause serious or fatal injuries to the passengers of that car or truck. Tire blowouts, shifting of loads, insufficient maintenance of trucks or trailers and other issues are all reasons for semi-truck accidents. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to address these issues and can help you prove who is liable for your losses. In most cases, a trucker is accountable for any accident that is caused by their negligence. However, there are other routes to recover compensation that may be pursued if the source of the accident was something else, such as a manufacturing defect in the trailer or truck. 2. Contact the Police If an accident involving a semi-truck happens, the first thing you need to take is to notify the police. They will come to the scene and record official reports on what happened, including any injuries. You will also receive an official police report you can use to back your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps reports on the premises in their precincts for a period of 30 days, so if the accident happened close to your home (or which you can easily visit in person) it is recommended that you visit the police station and get the report. Alternately, you can utilize the NYPD's portal online to request an investigation. It is crucial to talk to anyone involved in the incident, including the truck driver as well as passengers. This includes truck drivers, passengers and anyone else who was involved. Make sure you know their names, contact numbers as well as insurance policy details, and the name of the company they work for. It is also an excellent idea to take pictures or videos of the scene, if you can. This will allow you to document the accident, and also provide a visual record the moment of impact which may be important later on. Accidents involving trucks are usually result from driver negligence or error. This could result from drowsiness, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or speeding. These are all risky when driving large, heavy vehicles. Another common cause of semi-accidents is poor road or weather conditions. Trucks are not easy to maneuver, so when they're driven in bad conditions, they may become uncontrollable and collide with smaller vehicles. Another reason that is frequently cited for truck accidents is improper maintenance of the trailer or the truck. Trucks that are not maintained properly are more likely to tip over or have mechanical issues. This could be due to bad weather, driver fatigue, or even a lack of care from the trucking company. A lawyer for a truck accident will investigate the incident, determine all responsible parties, and collect evidence to support your claim. They will also handle all communications with the insurance company for the trucking company, so you do not need to be concerned about them trying to get you to admit to the guilt or reducing the amount of compensation you deserve. 3. Gather Information While you wait for the police to arrive, it's crucial to take pictures of everything. Included in this are the damage to any 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, along with witnesses who may have witnessed the crash. lakewood semi truck accident law firm will save you from having to locate them later, and it will help your lawyer determine who's responsible for the accident. Be sure to ask witnesses whether they'll be able to speak under the oath. This will ensure that their assertions are truthful and don't get altered by other people's accounts of events. Witness statements are essential for discovering the root of the accident. They are also used to prove negligence which is one way you can receive compensation from the trucking company. It is crucial to collect as much information as you can about the trucking company, the driver, and their background. This could include the driver's personnel qualifications and training files, a copy of their commercial driver's licence, history checks, 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. It can be used to determine if the driver was on the phone when the accident occurred and could be the basis for a lawsuit. The company's phone records can also be used to determine what kind of policies they have in place regarding texting while driving. It is essential to keep all medical documents and bills. This will allow you to establish the extent of your injuries and the amount of compensation you should receive for your financial losses. Economic damages include things like medical expenses loss of earnings, and future earning potential. Non-economic losses include intangible damages such as pain and suffering mental distress, and loss of consortium. An experienced lawyer can help you gather all the necessary information and negotiate on behalf of the insurance company if you want to file a claim for an accident for a semi-truck. 4. Contact a lawyer It's normal for people to feel anxious after a collision with a semi-truck, but it's also important to remain calm. If you've been injured, or even if you're not, don't leave the scene of the accident. Not only does this look unprofessional, but it's also unlawful. Instead, stay at the scene until authorities permit you to leave. Document any damage that has occurred to your car or personal property, as well as any injuries that you have sustained. If possible, it's ideal to document the incident with video or pictures. However notes will suffice. This information could prove useful in the future. Also, speak to witnesses you know and obtain their contact details whenever you can. It's also helpful to take photographs of the wreckage site prior to any cleanup because they could be used as evidence if needed. If you have been injured in a semi-truck crash, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and call the police. It's also crucial not to admit fault as this could hinder your chances of getting an adequate settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you and offers to settle to settle your claim, you must decline the offer and seek out an attorney. There are several different types of damages that you may be able to claim from the at-fault party in a semi-truck accident. The most common is compensatory damages, which are intended to pay for any monetary loss you might have suffered as a result of the crash. These can include emergency room visits, hospital charges ongoing treatments, as well as any loss of income as a result of the injuries you sustained. You may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the economic damages. These are intended to penalize the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. This kind of compensation can be difficult to prove in court, however there are certain factors that can help you determine an amount that is fair. This includes the log of the trucker, electronic driving data and evidence of use of cell phones and also statements or opinions of financial or forensic experts.