12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Semi Truck Case
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal On the roads across America collisions with semi-trucks are not uncommon. Because of their intimidating size, the injuries sustained in a collision with a truck can be severe. If you've suffered an injury caused by a collision with the truck, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you recover the compensation you're entitled to. Find out about the various kinds of truck accidents that can occur and how they can impact your case. 1. Investigate the accident In the event of an accident, evidence must be preserved and collected immediately. This is especially crucial when it comes to semi-trucks. This is due to the fact that there are numerous other potential sources of information and evidence, such as the black box used by the truck driver data and cell phone records. Other devices that are technological like crash recorders, or the “nanny camera” on a truck could also be used as evidence. It is also crucial to involve the police as quickly as possible in the event of a semi truck accident. This will guarantee the most complete and accurate account of the incident. It can be difficult to prove the truth and determine who was responsible for the crash without a thorough police investigation. It is best to answer questions in a way that feels comfortable once the police arrive. Do not make up your mind or guess at anything to attempt to improve your image. These types of answers may later be used by the truck driver, the trucking company or their insurance companies against you in court. The officer from the police department will collect various kinds of evidence on the scene, including photos of both vehicles and the surrounding area. The officer will also note down the names and contact information of any witnesses who may have witnessed the incident. Also, it's an excellent idea to take photos of the truck's license plate and any other identifying marks which are found on the vehicle or trailer. One of the most frequent causes of semi-truck accidents are rear-end collisions. These usually happen when a vehicle or car is following too closely. In these situations the driver of the truck may hit the rear of the vehicle or truck in front of him, inflicting serious or fatal injuries. Tire blowouts, shifting loads, improper maintenance of trucks or trailers and other issues are all factors in semi-truck accidents. A personal injury lawyer who is knowledgeable of these issues can help prove liability for your damages. In the majority of cases, a trucker is accountable for any accident that is caused by their carelessness. However there are other avenues to compensation that can be pursued if it is determined that the cause of the accident was different like an issue with the manufacturing process of the truck or trailer. 2. Contact the Police Contacting the police is the first step to take if an accident involving semi-trucks takes place. They will arrive at the scene and make official statements about what happened including any injuries. They will also provide you with a copy of the official police report to use in your claim for damages. The NYPD maintains reports on-site at their precincts for 30 days, so if the accident occurred near where you live (or an area that you can easily visit in person), you should visit the location and pick up the report. Alternately, you can utilize the NYPD's portal online to request a report. It's crucial to speak to all those involved in the accident including the truck driver as well as passengers. This includes the truck driver, passengers and any other witnesses. Try to find their names, numbers and 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 incident and provide a visual record the moment of impact which could be crucial 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 the influence of alcohol or drugs or speeding. These can be particularly risky when driving a large, heavy vehicle. Poor road conditions or weather conditions are another frequent cause of semi-accidents. Trucks aren't easy to maneuver, so if they're driven in poor conditions, they may become uncontrollable and collide with smaller vehicles. The third most frequent cause of truck accidents is poor maintenance on the trailer or truck. Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to roll over or have mechanical problems. This could be caused by poor weather, driver fatigue or inattention on the part the trucking company. A lawyer who handles a truck accident will investigate the accident, determine all responsible parties, and collect evidence to support your claim. They will also handle any communications with the trucking firm's insurance company, so you won't have to worry that they try to trick you into assuming blame or reducing the amount of compensation you receive. 3. Gather Information Photograph everything you see while you wait for the police. This includes the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks and any other evidence that could aid your case. You should also take pictures of the passengers and driver of the truck, along with witnesses who might have witnessed the crash. This will avoid having to find them later on, and will help your lawyer determine who is accountable for the accident. Make boynton beach semi truck accident lawsuit to inquire with eyewitnesses whether they'll be able to speak under an oath. This will ensure that their testimony are true and not affected by other people's interpretations of the events. Witness statements are essential to determining the reason for the accident. They are also used to prove negligence which is one way you can get compensation from the trucking company. It is crucial to collect all the information you can about the trucking company, the driver and their background. This could include their personal qualifications and training files along with a copy commercial driver's license, their history checks, drug screening results and safety performance records. Your attorney can request this information should it be required. Another crucial piece of evidence is the trucker's phone records. This could reveal whether the driver was on the phone at the time the accident took place and could provide the basis for lawsuit. The phone records of the trucking company can be used to determine what kind of policies they have in place with regard to texting and driving. In the end, it is crucial to collect medical records and bills. This will allow you to prove the severity of the injury as well as the amount you should be compensated for financial losses. Economic damages are medical expenses as well as lost earnings and earning potential. Non-economic damages deal with intangible losses like suffering and suffering, mental anguish and loss of consortium. An experienced lawyer can help you gather all the information you need and negotiate on your behalf with 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 feel angry following a collision with semi-trucks, but it's also important to remain calm. Don't leave the crash scene, regardless of whether you're injured or not. This is not only unprofessional, but also illegal. Instead, remain at the location until the police permit you to leave. When you arrive at the scene, note any damage to your vehicle or personal property as well as any injuries that you sustained. It is best to document this with pictures or videos if you can, although notes will do too. This information can prove useful in the future. Also, speak to any witnesses you have and get their contact information whenever you can. It's also helpful to have photos of the scene prior to any cleanup since they could be used as evidence if needed. If you've been injured in a semi-truck collision it is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible and call the police. It's also vital not to acknowledge fault, because this can hurt your chances of receiving an appropriate settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you and offers a settlement you should decline it politely and consult an attorney. You could be able to recover damages from the party at fault in a semi-truck accident. The most basic is economic compensatory damages, which are intended to cover any financial expenses you might have suffered as a result of the accident. These could include hospital bills or ongoing treatment as well as any loss of income resulting from your injuries. You could also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to economic damages. These are intended to punish the defendant for their wrongful actions and to discourage similar behavior in the future. It can be difficult to prove this kind of compensation in court, but certain factors can help you determine the proper amount. This could include evidence from the trucker's driver's log and electronic data from the driver's log and evidence of cell phone use, and reports or opinions from financial or forensic experts.