A Provocative Rant About 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 when a collision occurs with a vehicle can be severe.
If you've been injured in a truck crash an experienced attorney will help you obtain the compensation you're due. Find out about the various kinds of truck accidents that happen and how they affect your case.
1. Investigate the accident
Evidence must be taken as soon as possible after an accident. This is especially important when it comes to semi-trucks. There are a variety of sources of information, such as the black-box data of the truck driver's cell phone records. Other technological devices, such as crash recorders or the "nanny camera" on a truck could also be used as evidence.
In any semi-truck collision, it is important to involve the police as quickly as you can. This will ensure that an accurate and complete report is prepared of the incident. Without a thorough and accurate investigation by the police, it could be extremely difficult to prove the facts of what occurred and who was responsible in the crash.
It is recommended to only answer questions in a way that you feel comfortable once the police arrive. It is not advisable to make up your mind or guess at anything to attempt to improve your image. These types of answers can later be used by the truck driver, 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, including photographs of both vehicles as well as the surrounding area. They will also record the names and contact information of any witnesses who may have witnessed the incident. It's also a good idea for you to take a photo of the truck's number plate and any other identifying marks on the trailer or the vehicle.
One of the most frequent causes of semi-truck accidents are rear-end collisions. These accidents usually occur when a vehicle follows too closely. In these cases, the driver of the truck is more likely to hit the back of the vehicle in front of them, and in many cases may cause fatal or serious injuries to the passengers of that vehicle or truck.
Other causes of semi-truck crashes include tire blowouts and shifting loads, inadvertent maintenance of the trailer or truck and many other. A personal injury lawyer who is knowledgeable of these issues can help you prove your liability for your losses. In most situations, the truck driver will be liable for any accident that is the result of their negligence. However there are other avenues to compensation that can be pursued if it is determined that the cause of the accident was not related to like a manufacturing defect in the trailer or truck.
2. Contact the Police
If an accident involving a semi-truck happens, the first thing to make is to contact the police. They will be able to make official statements about the crash, including any injuries that may have occurred. You will also receive an official police report you can use to back your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps reports on the premises in their precincts for a period of 30 days in the event that the incident was close to where you live (or an area that you can easily visit in person) You should visit the location and pick up an original copy. You can also use the NYPD's online portal to make a request for the report.
Apart from talking to the police, it's also important to collect information from all involved in the accident. This includes the truck driver, the passengers, and any other witnesses. Be lakewood semi truck accident attorney to collect their names, numbers, insurance policy information, and the name of the company they work for. If you can, also take pictures or videos of the scene. This will help you to document the accident, and will also give an image recording of the moment of the impact.
In many cases, truck accidents are caused by negligence or error by the driver. This could be due to drowsiness distraction, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or speeding. These are all risky when driving heavy, large vehicles.
Bad road or weather conditions are another common cause of semi-accidents. Trucks are difficult to maneuver and may quickly become uncontrollable in bad 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 overturn or experience mechanical issues. This could be due to poor weather, driver fatigue, or negligence on the part of the trucking company.
A reputable truck accident attorney will investigate the accident and identify all parties at fault, and gather evidence to support your case. They will also handle any correspondence with the insurance business, so you don't need to worry about them trying to attempt to entice you into accepting fault or cutting the amount of compensation you receive.
3. Gather Information
Photograph everything as you wait for the police. This includes the damage to the vehicles involved, skid marks, and anything else that might aid your case. You should also take photographs of the driver and passengers of the truck, as well as witnesses who might have witnessed the incident. This will help you avoid needing to locate people in the future, and will help your lawyer determine who might be liable for the crash.
Make sure to inquire with eyewitnesses whether they'll be able to speak 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 reason for an accident. They can be used to prove the trucking company's negligence.
In addition to eyewitness testimony It is also important to gather as much detail about the trucking company as well as the driver. This can include their personnel qualifications and training files as well as a copy of their commercial driver's license, their history tests, results of drug screening and safety performance reports. Your attorney can request this information if needed.
The trucker's telephone records are another crucial piece of evidence. This will reveal whether the driver was on the phone at the time the accident took place and could be the basis for a lawsuit. The records of the trucking company's phones can be used to determine the type of policies they have in place for texting and driving.
Finally, it is essential to collect medical records and bills. This will help you prove the extent of the injury and the amount you must be paid for your financial loss. Economic damages include things like medical expenses losses of earnings and future earning potential. Non-economic damages include intangible losses like pain and suffering mental distress, and loss of consortium.
An experienced attorney can assist you in gathering all the data you need and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company when you are looking to file an insurance claim for a semi-truck.
4. Contact a Lawyer
It's normal for people to feel anxious after a collision with semi-trucks however, it's important to remain calm. If you've been injured, or even if you're not, don't leave the scene of the collision. It's not just unprofessional, but it's also unlawful. You should remain at the scene until you're allowed by authorities.
When you arrive at the scene, take note of any damage to your vehicle or personal property as well as any injuries you sustained. If possible, it is best to document this with video or pictures. However notes can also be used. This information can be very useful in the future. In addition, speak with witnesses you can find and get their contact numbers immediately if you can. Before any cleanup is done, it's a good idea take photographs of the wreckage scene. These could be used as evidence in the event that you need them.
If you have 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 to not admit guilt as it could impede your chances of getting an acceptable settlement. If a trucking firm contacts you with a proposal to settle but you're not comfortable, you should respectfully decline and call a lawyer.
There are many different kinds of damages that you might be able to recover from the party at fault in a semi-truck accident. The most basic is the economic compensatory damages which are meant to reimburse you for any financial losses associated with the wreck. This could include hospital expenses and ongoing treatments, as well as any loss of income resulting from your injuries.
In addition to the economic compensation damages, you may also be able to receive punitive damages from the responsible party. These are meant to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in future. It can be difficult to prove this type of compensation in court, but certain factors can help you establish an appropriate amount. This could include evidence from the trucker's driver's log as well as electronic driving data and evidence of cell phone use, and reports or opinions of forensic or financial experts.