12 Stats About Semi Truck Case To Bring You Up To Speed The Water Cooler
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
Collisions with semi trucks are common on the nation's highways. Due to their size, the injuries sustained when a collision occurs with a truck may be severe.
If you've suffered an injury caused by a collision with trucks, a skilled lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Learn about the various types of truck accidents that occur and how they affect your case.
1. Investigate the Accident
In any accident, evidence needs to be gathered and stored right away. This is especially important in cases involving semi-trucks. There are many sources of information, such as the black-box data of the truck driver and his cell phone records. It is also possible for other technological devices to be used for evidence, including crash data recorders or even a truck's "nanny camera." All of this information can help determine what caused the accident, and who's responsible.
It is also vital to notify the police whenever possible in the event of a semi truck accident. This will ensure an accurate and complete report is filed of the incident. It can be difficult to establish the truth and determine who is responsible for the crash without a thorough police investigation.
If the police show up and you are questioned, it is recommended to respond to any questions only to the extent you are comfortable. It's not a good idea to speculate or make guesses about anything to make yourself look better. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or the driver in court.
The officer from the police department will gather the evidence they can on the scene, such as photographs of the vehicles as well as the area around. The officer will also note down the names and contact details of anyone who may have witnessed the incident. In addition, it's an excellent idea to take photos 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 are rear-end collisions. These kinds of accidents typically occur when a vehicle follows too closely. In these cases, the truck driver is likely to hit the back of the vehicle ahead of them, and in many cases can cause serious or fatal injuries to the passengers in that vehicle or truck.
Other causes of semi-truck accidents include blowouts of tires, shifting loads, improper maintenance of the trailer or truck, and more. A personal injury lawyer who is aware of these issues can assist you to prove the responsibility for your injuries. In most situations, a driver of a truck is accountable for any accident caused by their negligence. There are other avenues to claim compensation if a different factor caused the accident or an error in manufacturing on the truck or the trailer.
2. Contact the Police
Notifying the police is the first step to take when an accident with semi-trucks occurs. They will be able to record official statements regarding the accident, including any injuries that may have occurred. You will also receive an official police report you can use to support your claim for damages. The NYPD keep their reports on-site at their precincts for a long time, so if you are near the site of the accident (or is able to go there easily) then you should take one. You can also request a NYPD report online.
In addition to talking to the police, it's essential to collect information from all involved in the incident. This includes the truck driver, the other passengers, and any other witnesses. You should try to find their name, number as well as insurance information and company name. It is also a good idea to capture photos or videos of the scene, if possible. This will allow you to document the accident and can also give a visual record of the moment of impact which may be important in the future.
In many cases truck accidents are the result of driver error or negligence. This can be caused by drowsiness or distraction, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or speeding. These are all risky when driving heavy, large vehicles.
Another major cause of semi accidents is bad road or weather conditions. Trucks are not easy to maneuver, and when they're driven under poor conditions, they may be uncontrollable, and even collide with smaller vehicles.
The improper maintenance of the truck or its trailer is the third leading cause of truck accidents. Unmaintained trucks are more likely to rollover or suffer mechanical issues. This could be caused by poor weather, driver fatigue or negligence on the part of the trucking company.
A lawyer who handles a truck accident will investigate the incident and determine who is responsible and gather evidence to prove your case. They will also handle any correspondence with the trucking firm's insurance business, so you don't be worried that they attempt to entice you into accepting fault or reduce the amount of compensation you receive.
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 passengers and driver of the truck, along with witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. You won't need to search for witnesses later and your lawyer will be able to determine who is responsible.
Be sure to ask eyewitnesses whether they'll testify under an oath. This will ensure that their statements remain true and aren't altered by other people's accounts of the incidents. Witness statements can be vital in determining what caused an accident and can be used to show the negligence of the trucking company.
In addition to eyewitness testimony It is also important to collect as much data on the trucking company and the driver. This could include a copy of the commercial driver's licence of the driver and their qualification for personnel as well as their training file. It can also include a past check, drug screening results and safety performance records. Attorneys can subpoena the information, if required.
redondo beach semi truck accident lawsuit of evidence is the trucker's phone records. It can be used to determine whether the driver was on the phone at the time the accident took place and could be the basis for an action. The phone records of the trucking firm can be used to determine if they have any rules regarding texting while driving.
It is also essential to collect medical records and bills. This will allow you to establish the severity of your injuries and the amount of compensation you will receive for your monetary losses. Economic damages cover things like medical expenses as well as loss of earnings and the potential for future earnings. Non-economic damages are those that result from intangible losses such as pain and suffering mental distress, and loss of consortium.
An experienced attorney can help you gather all the data you need and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company if you wish to file a claim for an accident for a semi-truck.
4. Contact a lawyer
It's normal for people to feel anxious following a collision with a semi-truck however, it's equally important to remain calm. Do not leave the accident scene, whether injured or not. It's not just not professional, but it's also illegal. Instead, stay at the scene until authorities permit you to leave.
Once at the scene, note any damage to your vehicle or personal property, and any injuries you suffered. If possible, it's best to document this with images or video. However notes will suffice. It is also important to note down the names of the driver and company they work for, as this information will help later in your case. Also, you should talk to witnesses you know and get their contact information immediately if you can. It is also beneficial to have photos of the crash site before any cleanup begins, as this can be used as evidence if needed.
If you've suffered injuries in a semi-truck accident, it's important to seek medical attention immediately and get in touch with the police right away. It's also essential to not admit fault as this can hinder your chances of obtaining a fair settlement. If the trucking firm contacts you and offers to settle but you decline, please seek out an attorney.
You may be able to collect damages from the person at the fault in a semi-truck crash. The most common is compensatory damage, which is intended to compensate you for any financial damages you could have suffered in the aftermath of the crash. These can include emergency hospital visits, room charges, ongoing treatments, and any loss of income resulting from the injuries you suffered.
You may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to economic damages. These are meant to penalize the defendant for their wrongful actions and prevent similar actions in the future. It can be challenging to prove this kind of compensation in court, however certain factors can help determine the proper amount. These include the trucker's log electronic driving record and evidence of the use of a cell phone and the opinions or reports of financial or forensic experts.