Collisions involving semi trucks are commonplace on America's highways. Due to their size, the injuries suffered in a collision with a truck may be serious.
If you have been injured in a collision with a truck an experienced attorney can help you receive the compensation you're due. Learn more about the different types of truck accidents and how they could affect your case.
1. Examine the incident
Evidence must be gathered immediately following an accident. This is especially important when it comes to semi-trucks. There are other sources of information, like the black box data of the truck driver and his 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 will help determine the cause of the accident and who's at fault.
It is also essential to get the police involved as soon as possible in the event of a semi truck accident lawyer (published on K Texnik)-truck accident. This will guarantee an accurate and complete report of the incident. It is difficult to establish the truth and determine who is responsible for the crash without a thorough and thorough police investigation.
After the police arrive and you are questioned, it is recommended to respond to any questions only to the extent you feel comfortable. Don't think about or speculate to attempt to improve your image. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or the driver in court.
The officer of the police will collect several different types of evidence at the scene, such as photographs of both vehicles as well as the surrounding area. They will also write down the names and contact details of anyone who may have witnessed the incident. In addition, it's recommended to take pictures of the license plate of the truck as well as any other markings which are found on the trailer or vehicle.
One of the most frequent causes of semi-truck accidents are rear-end collisions. These typically occur when a vehicle or car is following too closely. In these situations the driver of the truck is more likely to smash into the back of the vehicle ahead of them. This may cause fatal or serious injuries to the passengers of the car or truck.
Other causes of semi truck accident attorney-truck crashes include blowouts of tires shifting loads, poor maintenance of the trailer or semi truck accident lawyer truck, and many more. A reputable personal injury attorney will be able to address these issues and can help you determine who is responsible for your losses. In most cases, a truck driver is accountable for any accident that was caused by their negligence. There are other avenues to seek compensation if a different cause of the accident was to blame for example, a manufacturing fault in the truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
Contacting the police is the first step you should take after an accident with a semi-truck occurs. They will attend the scene and make official statements on what transpired, including any injuries. Then, they will give you an official police report that you can use in your claim for damages. The NYPD keep their reports on site at their precincts for a long time and, therefore, if you're near to the scene of the accident (or are able to visit it easily) it is recommended that you pick one up. Alternatively, you can use the NYPD's online portal to make a request for the report.
Apart from talking to the police, it's also important to gather information from everyone involved in the incident. This includes passengers, truck drivers as well as anyone else who was there. It is recommended to obtain their names, contact numbers as well as insurance information and company name. If possible, you should also capture photos or videos of the scene. This will help you document the accident, and also provide an image recording of the moment of the collision.
The majority of accidents involving trucks are caused by driver error or a mishap. This could include drowsiness or distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or speeding. These issues can be particularly risky when driving a big, heavy vehicle.
Another cause of semi truck accident case-accidents is bad roads or weather conditions. Trucks are difficult to maneuver, and they can easily become uncontrollable in adverse conditions.
The improper maintenance of the trailer or truck is a third common reason for truck accidents. A truck that isn't maintained well can be dangerous because it is more likely to tip over or suffer mechanical failures. This could be due to poor weather, driver fatigue or negligence on the part of the trucking company.
A reputable attorney for truck accidents will investigate the crash, determine all liable parties, and gather evidence to back your case. They will also handle all communications with the trucking company's insurance company so you do not have to be concerned about them trying get you to admit to the guilt or reducing the amount of compensation you deserve.
3. Gather Information
Take photos of everything as you wait for the police. Included in this are the damage to the vehicles involved, and skid marks and anything else which could aid in your case. Also, you should take photos of the passengers and driver of the truck, and witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. This will save you from needing to locate people later on, and will aid your lawyer in determining who's responsible for the accident.
Make sure to inquire with eyewitnesses whether they will be willing to testify under the oath. This will help ensure that their claims are true and do not get influenced by other people's versions of the events. Witness statements are critical for determining the reason for the accident. They can also be used to prove negligence, which is one way you can claim compensation from the trucking company.
It is essential to gather as much information regarding the trucking company, the driver and their background. This could include their personal qualification and training file along with a copy commercial driver's licence, history tests, results of drug screening and safety performance records. This can be subpoenaed by your attorney if needed.
The trucker's phone logs are a different important piece of evidence. It can be used to determine whether the trucker was on the phone at the incident, semi truck accident lawyer and it could provide grounds for a lawsuit. The records of the trucking company's phones can also be used to determine what type of policies they have in place with regard to texting while driving.
It is crucial to keep all medical records and bills. This will enable you to prove the extent of your injuries and the amount of compensation you will receive for your financial losses. Economic damages can include medical expenses along with lost earnings and future earning potential. Non-economic damages include intangible losses like pain and suffering, mental distress, and loss of consortium.
If you're looking to file a claim for a semi-truck accident an experienced attorney will be able to help you put all this information together and bargain with the insurance company on behalf of you.
4. Contact a lawyer
It's normal to feel angry after a collision that involves semi truck accident case-trucks however, it's important to remain calm. If you're injured or even if you're not, don't leave the scene of the collision. This not only looks unprofessional, but it's also illegal. Instead, remain at the location until the police allow you to leave.
Once at the scene, take note of any damage to your vehicle or personal property and any injuries you suffered. If possible, it's best to document this with video or pictures. However notes are also sufficient. It is also important to note down the name of the driver and company they work for in case this information can be helpful later in your case. Contact witnesses and get their contact information as soon as you can. Prior to any cleanup, it's a good idea to capture photos of the crash scene. These can be used as evidence should you require them.
If you've suffered injuries in a semi truck accident law truck crash, it's important to seek medical attention immediately and notify the police as soon as you can. It is also important not to acknowledge fault, as this will hinder the chances of receiving an equitable settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you and offers a settlement you should decline it politely and seek out an attorney.
You could be able to recover damages from the party at fault in a semi-truck accident. The most straightforward of these is the economic compensatory damages which are designed to compensate you for any losses in money that result from the wreck. This could include emergency hospital visits, medical bills ongoing treatments, as well as any loss of income due to the injuries you suffered.
In addition to economic compensatory damages, you may be able to receive punitive damages from the at-fault party. They are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in future. This type of compensation can be difficult to prove in court, however there are certain aspects that can help you determine an amount that is fair. These include the trucker's log electronic driving record and evidence of cell phone use as well as reports or opinions from financial or forensic experts.
