The Most Sour Advice We've Ever Heard About Semi Truck Case
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
On our roads collisions with semi trucks are not common. Due to their size, truck accidents can cause serious injuries.
If you've been injured in a truck crash An experienced lawyer will help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Learn about the different types of truck accidents that occur and how they could affect your case.
1. Examine the incident
In any accident, evidence needs to be collected and preserved right away. This is especially important when it comes to semi-trucks. This is due to the fact that there are many more potential sources of information and evidence, such as the black box used by the truck driver data and cell phone records. It is also possible for other technological devices to be used to provide evidence, like crash data recorders or a truck's "nanny cam." All of this information can help determine the cause of the accident and who is at fault.
It is also essential to involve the police as soon as possible in any semi truck crash. This will result in the most complete and accurate account of the incident. Without a thorough and accurate police investigation, it could be very difficult to prove what really happened and who was responsible in the crash.
Once the police arrive at your home, you should answer any questions to the extent you are at ease. tulsa semi truck accident law firm make up your mind or guess at anything to try to improve your image. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or driver in court.
The officer from the police department will gather a variety of evidence on the scene, including photographs of the vehicles and the surrounding area. They will also write down the names and contact information of any witnesses who might have seen the accident occur. It's also an excellent idea to snap a picture of the truck's number plate and any other identifying marks on the trailer or the vehicle.
One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents are rear-end collisions. These kinds of accidents typically occur when a vehicle is following too closely. In these instances, the driver of the truck may smash the rear of the vehicle or truck in front of him, inflicting serious or fatal injuries.
Other causes of semi-truck accidents include tire blowouts and shifting loads, inadvertent truck or trailer maintenance, and more. A personal injury lawyer who is aware of these issues can assist you to prove liability for your damages. In the majority of cases, a truck driver is the sole responsible party for any accident that was caused by their negligence. There are other options to seek compensation if another factor caused the accident, such as a manufacturing fault in the truck or the trailer.
2. Contact the Police
Notifying the police is the first step to take if an accident involving semi-trucks takes place. They will be at the scene and record official reports on what happened, including any injuries. You will also receive a formal police report you can use to support your claim for damages. The NYPD maintains reports on-site at their precincts, for 30 days in the event that the incident occurred near the area where you live (or in a location that you are able to visit in person) it is recommended that you visit the precinct and pick up a copy. You can also use the NYPD's online portal to make a request for an investigation.
It is essential to speak to anyone involved in the incident including the truck driver and passengers. This includes the truck driver, the other passengers, and any other witnesses. Try to find their names, telephone numbers, insurance policy information, and the name of the company they work for. If you are able, also take photos or video of the scene. This will allow you to document the accident, and will also give an image recording of the moment of impact.
In a lot of cases truck accidents are caused by driver error or negligence. This can be caused by drowsiness or distracted driving, driving 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 poor road or conditions. Trucks aren't simple to maneuver, so if they're driven in poor conditions, they could become uncontrollable and crash into smaller vehicles.
Incorrect maintenance of the truck or its trailer is the third major cause of truck accidents. A truck that is not maintained properly could be dangerous as it is more likely to tip over or have mechanical failures. This could be due to bad weather, driver fatigue, or simply neglect from the trucking company.
A truck accident lawyer will investigate the incident and identify the parties responsible, and collect evidence to prove your case. They will also handle all communications with insurance company of the trucking firm so you don't need to be concerned about them trying fool you into admitting to fault or reducing the amount of compensation you deserve.
3. Gather Information
While you wait for the police to arrive, it is crucial to take pictures of everything. This includes the damages to all vehicles involved, skid marks and anything else that might aid your case. It is also important to take pictures of the driver and passengers of the truck, and witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. This will avoid needing to locate people later on, and will aid your lawyer in determining who is accountable for the accident.
Make sure to inquire with eyewitnesses if they will speak under oath. This will ensure that their statements are accurate and not affected by other people's perceptions of the incidents. Witness statements are crucial in determining the reason for an accident. They may be used to prove the trucking company's negligence.
It is important to gather as much information regarding the trucking company, the driver and their background. This can include a copy of the driver's commercial driver's licence, their personnel qualification and their training file. It could also include a history check, results of a drug screening and safety performance records. It can be compelled by your attorney, if required.
Another crucial piece 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 happened and could be the basis for lawsuit. The phone records of the trucking firm can be used to determine if they have policies in place about texting while driving.
Finally, it is essential to get medical records and bills. This will help you prove the severity of your injury and the amount you should be paid for financial losses. Economic damages include things like medical expenses, 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 consortium.
An experienced attorney can help you gather all the information you need and negotiate on behalf of the insurance company when you are looking to file a claim for an accident for a semi truck.
4. Contact a Lawyer
It's normal to be upset after a collision involving a semi-truck, but it's also important to remain calm. Do not leave the accident site, regardless of whether you're injured or not. Not only does this look unprofessional, but it's also illegal. Instead, stay at the scene until authorities permit you to leave.
Document any damage to your vehicle or personal property as also any injuries you have sustained. It is best to do this with pictures or videos if you can however notes can be used as well. You should also note down the name of the driver as well as the company they work for, as this information will help later in the event of a case. Additionally, talk to any witnesses you have and get their contact information as soon as possible. It's also helpful to have photographs of the site prior to any cleanup since they could be used as evidence if needed.
If you've been injured in a semi truck accident it is imperative to seek medical attention right away and call the police. It's also important to not admit fault since this can hinder the chances of obtaining an acceptable settlement. If the trucking company contacts you with a proposal to settle and you're not sure how to respond, it's best to accept the offer but politely decline, and then contact a lawyer.
There are various kinds of damages that you may be able to recover from the person at fault in a semi-truck crash. The most common is compensatory damage, which is intended to compensate you for any financial loss you might have suffered in the aftermath of the crash. This could include emergency hospital visits, room charges, ongoing treatments, and any loss of income resulting from the injuries you suffered.
In addition to financial compensatory damages, you could also be able to receive punitive damages from the responsible party. These are meant to punish the defendant and prevent similar actions in the future. This type of compensation could be difficult to prove in court, but there are certain factors that can assist you in determining an amount that is fair. This includes the trucker's log electronic driving records, evidence of use of cell phones and also the opinions or reports of forensic or financial experts.