The Most Negative Advice We've Ever Received On Semi Truck Case
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal On our roads collisions with semi-trucks are not common. Due to their size, the injuries suffered when a collision occurs with a truck can be severe. If you have suffered injuries caused by a collision with trucks, an experienced lawyer can help you recover the compensation you're entitled to. Learn about the different types of truck accidents that can occur and how they can impact your case. 1. Investigate the cause of the accident Evidence must be collected immediately following an accident. This is especially important in cases involving semi-trucks. There are other sources of information, including the black-box data of the truck driver and his cell phone records. Other devices that are technological, such as crash recorders, or the “nanny camera” on a truck, can also be used to provide evidence. In the event of a semi-truck crash It is crucial to involve the police as quickly as you can. This will ensure 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 police investigation. It is best to respond to questions as much as feels comfortable once the police arrive. You should not speculate or make assumptions to try 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 police officer will collect a variety of evidence on the scene, such as photographs of the vehicles as well as the surrounding area. The police officer will record the names and contact details of anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Additionally, it is recommended to take pictures of the license plate of the truck and any other identifying marks which are found on the trailer or vehicle. Rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent causes for semi-truck accidents. These types of accidents usually occur when a vehicle is following too closely. In these instances the driver of the truck is more likely to slam into the back of the vehicle ahead of them. This can be dangerous and may cause fatal or serious injuries to the passengers of the car or truck. Tire blowouts, shifting loads, improper maintenance of trailers or trucks and other issues are all factors in semi-truck accidents. A personal injury lawyer who can address these issues can help establish the liability for your injuries. In the majority of cases, a trucker is the sole responsible party for any accident caused by their negligence. There are other avenues to claim compensation if a different reason for the accident occurred or 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 with semi-trucks takes place. They will be able to make official statements about the accident, including any injuries that may have occurred. You will also receive a formal police report that you can use to back your claim for damages. The NYPD keep reports on site at their precincts for 30 days which means that if the incident occurred close to your home (or an area that you can easily visit in person) then you should visit the precinct and pick up the report. You can also request a NYPD report online. In addition to talking to the police, it's essential to gather information from everyone involved in the accident. This includes the truck drivers, passengers, and anyone else who was there. You should try to find their name, contact number along with insurance information, as well as the company name. If you can, also take photos or video of the scene. This will allow you to document the accident, and also provide a visual recording of the moment of impact. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver error or a mistake. This could be due to drowsiness, distraction, driving while under the 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 major cause of semi-accidents. Trucks are not easy to maneuver, so when they're driven under poor conditions, they could become uncontrollable and collide with smaller vehicles. The third most frequent cause of accidents involving trucks is the lack of maintenance on the trailer or the truck. Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to crash or have mechanical problems. This could be caused by poor weather, driver fatigue or inattention on the part the trucking company. An experienced truck accident lawyer will investigate the accident and determine the responsible parties and gather evidence to back your case. They will also handle any communication with the insurance company, so you won't have to worry that they attempt to convince you into accepting blame or reducing your compensation. 3. Gather Information Photograph everything as you wait for the police. Included in this are damages to any vehicles involved and skid marks, or any other evidence which could aid in your case. Also, you should take photos of the driver and passengers of the truck, as well as witnesses who may have witnessed the crash. east orange semi truck accident attorney will not have to find them later, and your lawyer will be capable of determining who is responsible. When speaking to any witnesses, make sure that they're willing to give a statement under oath. This will ensure that their claims remain true and aren't altered by other people's accounts of the events. Witness statements are essential for determining the cause of the accident. They can be used to prove negligence which is one way you can get compensation from the trucking company. It is important to gather all the information you can about the trucking company, the driver and their background. This can include a copy of the driver's commercial driver's license along with their qualification for employment and their training file. It can also include a past check, results of a drug screening and safety performance records. The information could be requested by your attorney in the event of a need. The phone records of the trucker are another significant evidence. This could reveal whether the driver was on the phone when the accident occurred and could form the basis for an action. The phone records of the trucking company could be used to determine if they have policies regarding texting while driving. It is essential to keep all medical records and bills. This will help you establish the severity of the injury and the amount you will be compensated for financial losses. Economic damages cover medical expenses as well as lost earnings and earning potential. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, mental distress and loss of consortium. If you're interested in filing an insurance claim against a semi truck an experienced attorney can assist you put all this information together and negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of you. 4. Contact a Lawyer Although it's natural to be upset after the collision with a semi-truck, it's crucial to remain calm. Don't leave the crash scene, whether injured or not. This is not only unprofessional, but also illegal. Keep your eyes on the scene for as long as you are authorized by the authorities. Once at the scene, note any damage that has occurred to your vehicle or personal property as well as any injuries you may have sustained. If possible, it's ideal to document the incident with video or pictures. However notes will suffice. This information will be useful in the future. In addition, speak with any witnesses you have and get their contact numbers as soon as possible. Before you do any cleanup, it's a good idea take photos of the crash scene. These are a great source of evidence in case you need them. If you have been injured in a semi-truck collision it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible and contact the police. It's also essential not to acknowledge fault, since this could impede the chances of receiving an adequate settlement for your claim. If a trucking firm contacts you with an offer to settle but you're not comfortable, you should respectfully decline and call an attorney. You could be able to recover damages from the party who is at fault in a semi-truck collision. The most straightforward of these is economic compensation damages, which are designed to compensate the victim for any financial loss due to the wreck. This could include emergency room visits, hospital charges ongoing treatments, as well as any loss of income resulting from the injuries you sustained. You could also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the economic damages. These are meant to punish the defendant and prevent similar actions in future. This type of compensation could be difficult to prove in court, but there are certain elements which can help you determine an appropriate amount. These include the trucker's log as well as electronic data from the driver's seat and evidence of cell phone use as well as reports or opinions by financial or forensic experts.