How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
Collisions involving semi trucks are frequent on our highways. Due to their size, the injuries suffered when a collision occurs with a truck can be severe.
If you have been injured in a truck accident an experienced attorney can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're entitled to. Learn about the types of truck accidents and how they might affect your case.
1. Examine the incident
In any accident, evidence has to be preserved and collected immediately. This is especially important when it comes to semi-trucks. This is because there are a myriad of sources of evidence and information including the black box that is used by the truck driver data and cellphone records. It is also possible for other technological devices to be used as evidence, such as crash data recorders and even a truck's "nanny cam." All of this data can be used to determine what caused the accident and who is at fault.
It is also vital to have the police involved whenever possible in any semi truck accident. This will ensure that a full and accurate report is filed on the incident. It is difficult to prove the truth and determine who is at fault for a crash without a thorough and thorough police investigation.
Once the police arrive, it is best to respond to any questions only in the amount you feel at ease. It is not advisable to think about or speculate to attempt to improve your image. These types of answers may later be used by the truck driver, the trucking company or their insurance companies against you in court.
The officer of the police will collect various kinds of evidence from the scene, including photographs of both vehicles and the surrounding area. The police officer will also record the names and contact numbers of any witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. It is also a good idea for you to take a photo of the truck's license plate and any other identifying marks on the vehicle or the trailer.
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequently occurring causes of semi-truck accidents. These usually happen when a truck or car is following too closely. In these cases, the driver of the truck is likely to hit the back of the vehicle in front of them, and often could cause fatal or serious injuries to the passengers of the vehicle or truck.
Other causes of semi-truck accidents are tire blowouts shift loads, inadequate maintenance of the trailer or truck and many more. A reputable personal injury attorney can help you understand these issues and will help you establish who is responsible for your losses. In most cases, the truck driver will be liable for any accident that is the result of 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 truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
Notifying the police is the first step to take after an accident involving a semi-truck occurs. They will arrive and make official statements about the crash including any injuries that may have occurred. You will also receive an official police report can be used to prove your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps reports on-site at their precincts for 30 days, so if the accident occurred close to your home (or an area that you can easily visit in person), you should visit the precinct and pick up an original copy. You can also request the NYPD report online.
Besides speaking to the police, it's crucial to collect information from all involved in the accident. This includes the truck driver, the other passengers, and any other witnesses. Try to find their names, numbers and insurance policy information and the name of the company they work for. If you are able, also take pictures or videos of the scene. This will help you document the accident, and also give a visual record of the moment of impact which may be important in the future.
Most accidents involving trucks are caused by driver negligence or a mistake. This could include drowsiness or distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or speeding. These are all factors that can be risky when driving a big automobile that is heavy and large.
Conditions on the road or in the weather are another common cause of semi-accidents. Trucks can be difficult to control, so when they're driving in poor conditions, they may become uncontrollable and crash into smaller vehicles.
Unprofessional maintenance of the trailer or truck is the third major reason for truck accidents. Trucks that are not maintained properly are more likely to rollover or have mechanical problems. This could be due to bad weather, driver fatigue, or inattention on the part the trucking company.
A reputable truck accident attorney will investigate the accident, determine all liable parties, and gather evidence to support your case. They will also manage all communications with the trucking company's insurance company so you don't have to be concerned about them trying trick you into admitting fault or reducing the amount of compensation you deserve.
3. Gather Information
Take pictures of everything while you wait for the police. This includes the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks and anything else that could help your case. It is important to photograph the driver of the truck and their passengers, as well as any witnesses that may have witnessed the accident. This will avoid having to track people down in the future, and will aid your lawyer in determining who is responsible for the crash.
If you are talking to eyewitnesses, be sure that they're willing to give a statement under an oath. This will ensure that their statements are accurate and don't get influenced by other people's versions of the events. Witness statements are crucial in determining the root of an accident. They can also be used to establish the negligence of the trucking firm.
In addition to eyewitness accounts It is also important to collect as much information regarding the trucking company and the driver. This can include an image of the driver's commercial driver's license along with their qualification for employment and their training file. It can also include a past check, drug screening results and safety performance records. This can be subpoenaed by your attorney should it be required.
The trucker's phone logs are another important piece of evidence. This could reveal whether the driver was on the phone at the time the accident occurred, and could be the basis for lawsuit. The phone records of the trucking company can be used to determine the type of policies they have in place regarding texting and driving.
It is essential to gather all medical documents and bills. This will allow you to demonstrate the severity of your injuries and the amount of compensation that you must receive for your monetary losses. Economic damages include things like medical expenses as well as loss of earnings and the potential for future earnings. Non-economic damages deal with intangible losses, such as suffering and pain, mental anguish, and loss of consortium.
An experienced lawyer can help you gather all the data you need and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company if you want to file a claim for an accident for a semi-truck.
4. Contact a Lawyer
It's normal to feel angry after a collision with semi-trucks however, it's equally important to remain calm. If you're hurt, or even if you're not leave the scene of the collision. This is not only unprofessional, but it's also unlawful. Stay on the scene until you're permitted by the authorities.
Document any damage that has occurred to your car or personal property, as also any injuries you have sustained. It is recommended to do this through video/pictures if possible however notes can be used as well. This information can be very useful in the future. Talk to any witnesses and collect their contact information as quickly as you can. It's also beneficial to take photographs of the site before any cleanup is underway because they can be used as evidence if needed.
If you've been injured in a semi-truck accident, it's important to seek medical attention immediately and call the police as soon as you can. It's also important to not admit fault as this could reduce your chances of obtaining an acceptable settlement. If the trucking firm contacts you and offers to settle but you decline, please contact an attorney.
There are many different kinds of damages you may be able to claim from the party at fault in a semi-truck crash. 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 accident. These can include emergency hospital visits, room charges ongoing treatments, as well as any loss of income resulting from the injuries you suffered.
You could also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to economic damages. denver semi truck accident attorney are intended to punish the defendant and prevent similar actions in future. It can be challenging to prove this type of compensation in court, however certain aspects can help establish an appropriate amount. These can include records from the driver log of the trucker, electronic driving data, evidence of cell phone use, and reports or opinions from forensic or financial experts.