How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
Collisions with semi trucks are commonplace on the nation's highways. Because of their size truck accidents can result in serious injuries.
If you've suffered an injury in a collision involving trucks, a skilled lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Learn more about the different types of truck accidents and how they could affect your case.
1. Investigate the accident
In any accident, evidence must be taken and preserved right away. This is especially important when it comes to semi-trucks. There are more sources of information available, including the black-box data of the truck driver's cell phone records. It is also possible for other devices to be used to prove the case, such as crash data recorders or a truck's "nanny camera." All of this data can be used to determine the cause of the accident and who's responsible.
It is also important to involve the police whenever possible in the event of a semi truck accident. This will result in the most complete and accurate account of the incident. Without a proper and thorough police investigation, it could be difficult to establish the facts of what occurred and who is at fault in the crash.
It is recommended to only answer questions as much as you feel comfortable once the police arrive. It's not recommended to speculate or speculate on anything in an attempt to impress the police. These kinds of answers can later be used by the truck driver, the trucking company, or their insurance companies against you in court.
The police officer will gather a number of different kinds of evidence on the scene, such as photographs of both vehicles as well as the surrounding area. They will also write down the names and contact numbers of any witnesses who might witness the incident. It's also a good idea for you to take a photograph of the truck's number plate and any other markings that identify the trailer or vehicle.
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common causes for semi-truck accidents. These typically occur when a car or truck is following too closely. In these situations, the truck driver will likely hit the back of the car or truck in front of him, causing serious or fatal injuries.
Other reasons for semi-truck accidents include blowouts of tires, shifting loads, improper maintenance of the trailer or truck, and more. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to address these issues and can help you determine who is responsible for your damages. In most instances, the driver of the truck 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 cause of the accident was a different cause, such as an issue with the manufacturing process of the trailer or truck.
2. Contact the Police
If you are involved in an accident that involves semi-trucks occurs, the first thing you should do is contact the police. They will come and take down official statements about the accident including any injuries that occurred. Additionally, they will provide you with an official police report to use in your claim for damages. The NYPD keep reports on site in their precincts for a period of 30 days in the event that the incident occurred near where you live (or an area that you can easily visit in person) You should go there and pick up an original copy. You can also request the NYPD report online.
Apart from talking to the police, it's important to collect information from all involved in the accident. This includes the truck's drivers, passengers and anyone else who was there. Be sure to collect their names, telephone numbers, insurance policy information, and the name of the company they work for. If possible, you should also take photographs or video of the scene. This will help you document the accident, and also provide a visual record the moment of impact, which can be useful in the future.
In a lot of cases, truck accidents are caused by the negligence or fault of the driver. This could include drowsiness, inattention, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or speeding. These are all factors that can be risky when driving a big or heavy vehicle.
Another cause of semi accidents is bad road or conditions. Trucks can be difficult to maneuver and could quickly become uncontrollable in poor conditions.
Another common cause of truck accidents is improper maintenance on the trailer or the truck. Unmaintained trucks are more likely to tip over or suffer mechanical issues. st paul semi truck accident lawyer could be caused by inclement weather, driver fatigue or a lack of care by the trucking company.
A lawyer for a truck accident will investigate the accident and determine the responsible parties and gather evidence to strengthen your claim. They will also handle all communications with insurance company for the trucking company, so you do not need to be concerned about them trying to trick you into admitting that you were at fault, or to reduce the amount of compensation you're entitled to.
3. Gather Information
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, it's vital to take photographs of everything. This includes the damaged vehicles involved, skid marks and anything else that could help your case. It is also a good idea to capture the driver of the truck and their passengers, as well as witnesses who may have seen the accident. This will avoid having to track people down later, and it can aid your lawyer in determining who is accountable for the accident.
When talking to any witnesses, make sure that they're willing to testify under the oath. This will ensure that their claims are true and not influence by other people's perceptions of the events. Witness statements are crucial in determining the root of an accident and can also be used to establish the negligence of the trucking firm.
It is important to gather all the information you can about the trucking company, the driver and their background. This can include a copy of the driver's commercial driver's license as well as their personal qualification and their training file. It can also include a past check, results of a drug screening and safety performance records. The information could be requested by your attorney should it be required.
Another crucial piece of evidence is the trucker's phone records. This will reveal whether the trucker was actually on the phone at the time of the accident, and it could provide grounds for a lawsuit. The phone records of the trucking company can also be used to determine the type of policies they have set in place regarding texting while driving.
In the end, it is crucial to keep medical documents and bills. This will enable you to establish the severity of your injuries as well as the amount of compensation you'll receive for your monetary losses. Economic damages cover medical expenses along with lost earnings and future earning potential. Non-economic damages include intangible losses like mental anguish and loss of consortium.
An experienced lawyer can assist you in gathering all the information you need and negotiate on behalf of the insurance company should you decide to file a claim for an accident for a semi truck.
4. Contact a lawyer
While it's normal to be upset following the collision with a semi-truck, it's essential to remain calm. Don't leave the crash scene, whether injured or not. This is not only unprofessional, but it's also unlawful. Stay on the scene until you're permitted by the authorities.
Once you are at the scene document any damage to your vehicle or personal property as well as any injuries you may have sustained. It is recommended to do this using pictures or videos, although notes will do too. It is also important to note down the name of the driver and company they work for as this information could help later in the event of a case. Talk to any witnesses and obtain their contact information as soon as you can. It's also beneficial to take photographs of the wreckage site before any cleanup begins because they could be used as evidence in the event of a need.
If you have been injured in a semi-truck collision it is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible and contact the police. It's also essential not to admit guilt, because this can hurt your chances of obtaining an appropriate settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you and offers to settle to settle your claim, you must decline the offer and contact an attorney.
There are a variety of damages you could be able to claim from the person at fault in a semi truck crash. One of the most common is economic compensation damages, which are intended to reimburse you for any financial losses due to the wreck. This can include emergency room visits, hospital bills continuing treatments, and any loss of income resulting from the injuries you sustained.
In addition to the economic compensation damages, you could also be able to receive punitive damages from the party at fault. These are meant to punish the defendant for their illegal actions and prevent similar actions in the future. This kind of compensation may be difficult to prove in court, but there are some factors that can assist you in determining an amount that is fair. These can include records from the trucker's driver log electronic driving records and evidence of cell phone usage, as well as reports or opinions from financial or forensic experts.