10 Tell-Tale Signals You Need To Know Before You Buy Semi Truck Case
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
On the roads of America collisions between semi trucks are not uncommon. Due to their size truck accidents can result in serious injuries.
If you have been injured in a truck accident An experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you're due. Learn about the types of truck accidents and how they could impact your case.
1. Investigate the cause of the accident.
In any accident, evidence needs to be collected and preserved immediately. This is especially important when it comes to semi-trucks. There are many sources of information available, including the black-box data of the truck driver's cell phone records. It is also possible for other technological devices to be used for evidence, including crash data recorders or a truck's "nanny cam." santa clarita semi truck accident law firm of this information could help determine the cause of the accident and who is responsible.
It is also important to get the police involved immediately in any semi truck crash. This will ensure a full and accurate report is filed of the incident. Without a proper and thorough police investigation, it can be difficult to establish what actually happened and who was at fault in the crash.
Once the police arrive, it is best to respond to any questions only in the manner that you are at ease. It's not recommended to think or speculate on 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 police officer will gather a number of different kinds of evidence at the scene, including photographs of both vehicles as well as the surrounding area. They will also note down the names and contact details of any witnesses who might witness the incident. 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 trailer or the vehicle.
One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents is rear-end collisions. They typically occur when a vehicle or car is following too closely. In these cases, the truck driver is most likely to smash into the back of the vehicle in front of them, and often could cause fatal or serious injuries to the passengers of the car or truck.
Other causes of semi-truck accidents are tire blowouts shift loads, inadequate maintenance of the trailer or truck and many more. A qualified personal injury attorney will understand these issues, and will help you establish who is liable for your losses. In most cases, the driver of the truck will be liable for any accidents caused by their negligence. There are other avenues to claim compensation if a different reason for the accident occurred like an issue with the manufacturing process of the truck or the trailer.
2. Contact the Police
If an accident involving semi-trucks happens, the first thing you need to do is contact the police. They will be able to take down official statements about the crash including any injuries that occurred. They will also provide you with a copy of the official police report that you can use in your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps their reports on the premises at their precincts for a long time, so if you are close to the spot of the accident (or could easily visit the area) then you should pick one up. You can also request the NYPD report online.
Besides speaking to the police, it's important to collect information from all involved in the incident. This includes truck drivers, passengers and anyone else who was involved. It is recommended to obtain their name, contact number as well as their insurance details and company name. It's also a good idea to capture photos or videos of the scene, if possible. This will help you document the accident and can also provide a visual record the moment of impact, which can be useful in the future.
In a lot of cases, truck accidents are the result of the negligence or fault of the driver. This could be due to drowsiness distraction, driving under influence of drugs or alcohol, or speeding. These issues can be particularly risky when driving a big or heavy vehicle.
Poor road conditions or weather conditions are another reason for semi-accidents. Trucks are not easy to control, so when they're driven under poor conditions, they can easily become unstable and cause collisions with smaller vehicles.
Another reason that is frequently cited for accidents involving trucks is the lack of maintenance of the trailer or truck. A poorly maintained truck is more likely to rollover or have mechanical issues. This could be due inclement weather, driver fatigue, or simply a lack of attention from the trucking company.
A lawyer for a truck accident will investigate the incident and determine who is responsible, and collect evidence to strengthen your claim. They will also handle any communications with the trucking firm's insurance firm, meaning you won't be worried that they attempt to convince you into accepting the blame or reducing the amount of compensation you receive.
3. Gather Information
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, it's vital to take photographs of everything. Included in this are damage to any vehicles involved, and skid marks, or any other evidence that could aid your case. You should also take pictures of the driver and passengers of the truck, along with witnesses who might have witnessed the incident. This will save you from having to find them later, and it will aid your lawyer in determining who is accountable for the crash.
If you are talking to witnesses, ensure that they are prepared to be under an oath. This will ensure that their claims are true and not altered by other people's accounts of the events. Witness statements can be crucial in determining the root of an accident. They may be used to demonstrate the negligence of the trucking company.
It is essential to gather as much information regarding the trucking company, the driver and their background. This can include their personnel qualification and training file along with a copy commercial driver's license, a history of tests, results of drug screening and safety performance reports. Your attorney may subpoena this information if necessary.
Another vital piece of evidence is the trucker's phone records. This could reveal whether the driver was on the phone at the time the accident occurred, and could be the basis for an action. The trucking company's phone records can be used to determine the type of policies they have in place for texting and driving.
Additionally, it is important to collect medical documents and bills. This will help you establish the severity of your injuries and the amount of compensation you'll get for your financial losses. Economic damages cover things such as medical expenses loss of earnings, and future earning potential. Non-economic damages are those that result from intangible losses such as pain and suffering, mental distress and loss of consortium.
If you're interested in filing an accident claim for semi-trucks, an experienced attorney will be able to help you get all of the information you need and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
4. Contact a Lawyer
It's normal for people to feel anxious after a collision with a semi-truck however, it's equally important to remain calm. If you're injured or even in the event that you're not, do not leave the scene of the accident. This is not only unprofessional but also illegal. Keep your eyes on the scene for until you're allowed by authorities.
Note any damage to your car or personal property, as well as any injuries that you have sustained. If possible, it is best to document this incident with images or video. However notes will suffice. Also, you should note the names of the driver and company they work for in case this information can help later in the event of a case. Also, speak to witnesses you can find and obtain their contact details immediately if you can. It is also beneficial to have photos of the crash site before you begin cleaning up since they could be used as evidence in the event of a need.
If you've been injured in a semi-truck crash, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and contact the police. It's also vital not to admit fault, because this can hurt the chances of receiving an adequate settlement for your claim. If the trucking firm contacts you and offers a settlement, politely decline it and consult an attorney.
You may be able to collect damages from the party at fault in a semi-truck accident. The most basic is economic compensatory damages that are designed to reimburse the victim for any financial loss that result from the wreck. This could include emergency hospital visits, room charges ongoing treatments, as well as any loss of income due to the injuries you suffered.
You may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to economic damages. These are meant to punish the defendant for their wrongful actions and to discourage similar behavior in the future. It can be a challenge to prove this kind of compensation in court, but certain factors can help establish an appropriate amount. These include the logs of the trucker, electronic driving data and evidence of cell phone use and also reports or opinions by financial or forensic experts.