How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
On the nation's roads collisions with semi-trucks are not uncommon. dothan semi truck accident attorney to their size truck accidents can cause serious injuries.
If you've suffered an injury caused by a collision with a truck, an experienced lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you're due. Find out about the various types of truck accidents and how they can impact your case.
1. Investigate the cause of the accident
In any accident, evidence must be collected and preserved immediately. This is particularly important in cases involving semi trucks. There are other sources of information, such as the black box data of the truck driver and his cell phone records. Other technological devices, such as crash recorders or the "nanny camera" on a truck, could also be used as evidence.
It is also essential to notify the police immediately in any semi truck crash. This will result in an accurate and complete report of the incident. It is difficult to prove the truth and determine who is at fault for a crash without a thorough police investigation.
It is recommended that you only answer questions in a way that is comfortable once the police arrive. It is not advisable to think about or speculate to try to improve your image. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or driver in court.
The police officer will collect various evidence from the scene, including photographs of the vehicles as well as the surrounding area. The police officer will also take down the names and contact numbers of any witnesses who could have witnessed the incident. It is also a good idea to photograph the truck's license plate and any other identifying marks that are present on the vehicle or trailer.
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequently occurring causes of semi-truck accidents. These accidents typically occur when a vehicle is following too closely. In these instances the truck driver is likely to smash into the back of the vehicle in front of them, and often may cause fatal or serious injuries to the passengers of the car or truck.
Tire blowouts, shifting loads, insufficient maintenance of trailers or trucks and many other things are the main causes of semi-truck crashes. A qualified personal injury attorney can be a great resource for these issues and will help you establish who is responsible for your damages. In most cases, a trucker is accountable for any accident that was caused by their negligence. However there are other avenues to redress that can be pursued if the cause of the accident was a different cause like a manufacturing defect in the truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
Notifying the police is the first step to take if an accident with semi-trucks occurs. They will come to the scene and take official reports on what happened and any injuries. 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 and if the incident occurred close to where you live (or which you can easily visit in person) You should go there and pick up an original copy. Alternately, you can utilize the NYPD's website to request the report.
It's important that you speak to everyone involved in the crash including the truck driver as well as passengers. This includes the truck drivers, passengers, and anyone else who was there. Try to get their names, contact numbers as well as insurance policy details, and the name of the company they work for. It's also recommended to take photos or videos of your scene, if possible. This will allow you to document the incident and provide a visual record the moment of impact, which could be valuable later on.
The majority of accidents involving trucks are caused by driver negligence or error. This could result from drowsiness, distraction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or speeding. These factors are especially dangerous when driving heavy, large vehicles.
Another major cause of semi accidents is bad road or weather conditions. Trucks aren't simple to maneuver, so when they're driving in poor conditions, they may become uncontrollable and crash into smaller vehicles.
Another reason that is frequently cited for truck accidents is the insufficient maintenance of the truck or its trailer. Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to roll over or suffer mechanical issues. This could be due inclement weather, driver fatigue, or simply a lack of attention from the trucking company.
A reputable attorney for truck accidents will investigate the accident and identify all parties at fault, and gather evidence to back your case. They will also handle any correspondence with the insurance company of the trucking company's business, so you don't have to worry that they attempt to entice you into assuming blame or decreasing the amount of compensation you receive.
3. Gather Information
Photograph everything as you wait for the police. This includes the damages to all vehicles involved, skid marks and anything else that could help your case. You should also take photographs of the passengers and driver of the truck, as well as witnesses who might have witnessed the accident. You won't need to look for them in the future, and your lawyer will be in a position to determine who is responsible.
When talking to any eyewitnesses, be sure that they're willing to give a statement under an oath. This will help ensure that their statements are accurate and are not influenced by other people's versions of events. Witness statements can be vital in determining the root of an accident. They can also be used to show the negligence of the trucking company.
In addition to eyewitness accounts It is also important to gather as much detail about the trucking business and the driver. This can include an image of the driver's commercial driver's licence as well as their personal qualification and their training file. It could also include a history check, results of a drug screening and safety performance records. The information could be requested by your attorney in the event of a need.
Another piece of crucial evidence is the trucker's telephone records. It can be used to determine whether the driver was on the phone at the time the accident took place and could form the basis for an action. The phone records of the trucking company could be used to determine if they have any policies in place about texting while driving.
Finally, it is essential to collect medical documents and bills. This will enable you to demonstrate the severity of your injuries as well as the amount of compensation you'll be awarded for your financial losses. Economic damages are medical expenses, lost earnings and future earning potential. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, mental distress and loss of consortium.
If you're interested in filing a semi truck accident claim An experienced lawyer can assist you get all of the information you need and negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of you.
4. Contact a lawyer
It's normal to feel upset following a collision with a semi-truck but it's also crucial to remain calm. If you're injured, or even if you're not leave the scene of the accident. This is not only unprofessional, but also illegal. Instead, stay there until the authorities allow you to leave.
After arriving at the scene, note any damage to your vehicle or personal property and any injuries you sustained. It is best to document this by taking pictures or video but notes are fine too. You should also write down the name of the driver as well as the company they work for, as this information will help later in your case. Talk to witnesses and obtain their contact information as soon as you can. When you're cleaning up, it's a good idea to take pictures of the crash site. They could be used as evidence in case you need them.
If you've been injured in a semi truck accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and call the police. It's also essential not to admit guilt, since this could impede your chances of obtaining a fair settlement for your claim. If a trucking company calls you with an offer to settle, it's best to accept the offer but politely decline, and then contact an attorney.
You could be able to recover damages from the party who is at fault in a semi-truck accident. The most straightforward of these is the economic compensatory damages that are designed to reimburse you for any losses in money that result from the wreck. These may include hospital costs and ongoing treatments, as well as any income loss due to your injuries.
You could also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the economic damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in future. This type of compensation can be difficult to prove in court, but there are certain aspects that can assist you in determining the amount you should be awarded. This could include evidence from the driver log of the trucker as well as electronic driving data as well as evidence of cell phone usage, as well as reports or opinions of forensic or financial experts.