How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
Collisions involving semi trucks are common on the nation's highways. Because of their size, truck accidents can cause serious injuries.
If you've suffered an injury in a collision involving a truck, an experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you're due. Learn about the different kinds of truck accidents that occur and how they could affect your case.
1. Investigate the Accident
Evidence must be gathered immediately following an accident. That is especially important when the accident involves semi trucks. This is because there are numerous other potential sources of evidence and information, such as the truck driver's black box data and cell phone records. Other technological devices, such as crash recorders or the "nanny camera" on a truck, are also a possibility for evidence.
In any semi-truck collision, it is important to inform the police as quickly as you can. This will ensure that an accurate and complete report is prepared of the incident. It can be difficult to prove the truth and determine who is responsible for the crash without a thorough and thorough police investigation.
When the police arrive and you are questioned, it is recommended to answer questions in the amount you feel at ease. It's not a good idea to speculate or make guesses about any aspect in order to make yourself appear better. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or the driver in court.
The officer from the police department will collect a number of different kinds of evidence from the scene, including photographs of both vehicles as well as the surrounding area. The police officer will record the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who may have witnessed the incident. It's also a good idea for you to snap a picture of the truck's license plate and any other identifying marks on the trailer or vehicle.
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequently occurring causes of semi-truck accidents. These accidents typically occur when a vehicle follows too closely. In these instances, the driver of the truck will probably hit the rear of the vehicle or truck in front of him, inflicting severe or fatal injuries.
Other causes of semi-truck accidents include blowouts of tires shifting loads, poor maintenance of the trailer or truck and many more. A personal injury lawyer who is knowledgeable of these issues can help prove your liability for your losses. In the majority of instances, a truck driver is accountable for any accident that was caused through their negligence. However there are other avenues to recover compensation that may be pursued if it is determined that the cause of the accident was different, such as a manufacturing defect in the trailer or truck.
2. Contact the Police
Contacting the police is the first step to take when an accident with semi-trucks takes place. They will arrive at the scene and make official reports on what happened including any injuries. You will also receive a formal police report can be used to support your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps reports on the premises at their precincts for 30 days in the event that the incident happened close to your home (or where you can easily visit in person) You should go there and pick up a copy. Alternatively, you can use the NYPD's online portal to request a report.
In addition to talking to the police, it's important to gather information from everyone involved in the incident. This includes the truck driver, the passengers, and any other witnesses. It is recommended to obtain their name, number along with insurance information, as well as the company name. It's also an excellent idea to take photos or videos of your scene, if you can. This will help you record the accident, and also help you keep a visual record of the moment of impact which could be crucial in the future.
In many instances, truck accidents are the result of the negligence or fault of the driver. This could result from drowsiness inattention, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or speeding. downey semi truck accident attorney can be particularly risky when driving a large or heavy vehicle.
Another common cause of semi-accidents is bad roads or weather conditions. Trucks are difficult to maneuver and can easily become uncontrollable in bad weather conditions.
Another common cause of accidents involving trucks is the lack of maintenance of the truck or its trailer. A poorly maintained truck can be dangerous since it is more likely to roll over or experience mechanical issues. This could be caused by bad weather, driver fatigue or negligence on the part of the trucking company.
A reputable truck accident attorney will investigate the accident and identify all parties at fault, and gather evidence to prove your case. They will also handle any communication with the trucking firm's insurance business, so you don't be concerned that they attempt to entice you into accepting blame or reduce your compensation.
3. Gather Information
Take pictures of everything while you wait for the police. This includes the damage to the vehicles involved, skid marks, and anything else that could help your case. It is also important to take pictures of the driver and passengers of the truck, as well as any witnesses who may have witnessed the crash. This will avoid having to track people down later, and it can help your lawyer determine who is responsible for the crash.
When you speak to witnesses, make sure that they are prepared to be under the oath. This will help ensure that their assertions are truthful and not influenced by other people's versions of the events. Witness statements can be vital in determining the root of an accident. They can be used to establish the negligence of the trucking firm.
It is crucial to collect as much information 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 license, history checks, drug screening results and safety performance records. Your attorney can request this information should it be required.
The trucker's phone logs are a different important evidence. This could reveal if the driver was on the phone at the time the accident occurred and could form the basis for lawsuit. The company's phone records can be used to determine the type of policies they have set in place regarding texting and driving.
Finally, it is essential to gather medical documents and bills. This will help you prove the severity of your injuries as well as the amount of compensation that you must receive for your financial losses. Economic damages can include medical expenses as well as lost earnings and earning potential. Non-economic damages deal with intangible losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of consortium.
An experienced attorney can help you gather all the information you require and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company if you wish to file a claim for a semi truck.
4. Contact a Lawyer
While it's understandable to be upset after the collision with a semi-truck, it's essential to stay calm. If you've been injured, or even If you're not, make sure you don't leave the scene of the collision. This is not only unprofessional but also illegal. Instead, remain at the location until the police allow you to leave.
Once you are at the scene document any damage to your vehicle or personal property, and any injuries that you sustained. It is recommended to do this through video/pictures if possible but notes will work as well. This information could prove useful in the future. Speak to witnesses and obtain their contact information as quickly as you can. When you're cleaning up it's a good idea to take photos of the crash scene. They could be used as evidence in case you need them.
If you've suffered injuries in a semi truck crash it is crucial to seek medical care immediately and call the police as soon as you can. It is also important not to acknowledge fault, as this will hinder your chances of getting an appropriate settlement for your claim. If the trucking firm contacts you and offers a settlement, politely decline it and get in touch with an attorney.
There are various kinds of damages you may be able to claim from the at-fault party in a semi-truck accident. The most common type is economic compensatory damage, which is meant to reimburse any monetary losses that you may have suffered as a result of the crash. This could include hospital expenses or ongoing treatment as well as any loss of income resulting from the injuries you sustained.
You could also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to economic damages. These are meant to punish the defendant and discourage similar behaviour in the future. This type of compensation can be difficult to prove in court, however there are certain elements that can assist you in determining a fair amount. This includes the log of the trucker as well as electronic data from the driver's seat and evidence of use of cell phones and also reports or opinions from forensic or financial experts.