10 Tell-Tale Signals You Need To Buy A Semi Truck Case
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
On our roads, collisions with semi trucks are not uncommon. Because of their size, truck accidents can cause serious injuries.
If you've been injured in a car accident an experienced attorney will help you obtain the compensation you're entitled to. Learn about the types of truck accidents and how they could impact your case.
1. Investigate the Cause of the Accident
Evidence must be collected immediately after an accident. This is particularly important in cases involving semi trucks. There are more sources of information, including the black-box data of the truck driver's cell phone records. Other 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 essential to inform the police as soon as possible. This will ensure a full and accurate report is filed on the incident. It can be difficult to establish the truth and determine who is responsible for the crash without a thorough and proper police investigation.
Once the police arrive at your home, you should answer questions in the amount you are at ease. Do not speculate or make guesses to attempt to improve your image. These kinds of answers could later be used by the truck driver, the trucking company, or their insurance companies to sue you in court.
The officer from the police department will collect many different kinds of evidence at the scene, including photos of both vehicles and the surrounding area. The officer will also take down the names and contact numbers of any witnesses who could have witnessed the incident. It's also a good idea for you to take a photograph of the truck's plate as well as any other identifying marks on the vehicle or the trailer.
One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents are rear-end collisions. These accidents usually occur when a vehicle follows too closely. In these instances, the driver of the truck could hit the rear of the vehicle or truck in front of him, causing serious or fatal injuries.
Other reasons for semi-truck accidents include blowouts of tires shift loads, inadequate maintenance of the trailer or truck and many other. A reputable personal injury attorney can help you understand these issues and can help you prove who is accountable for your losses. In the majority of cases, a truck driver is accountable for any accident that is caused by their carelessness. There are other avenues to claim compensation if a different factor caused the accident or a manufacturing fault in the truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
Notifying the police is the first step to take when an accident involving a semi-truck occurs. They will be able to take down official statements about the accident and any injuries that were sustained. 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 in their precincts for a period of 30 days which means that if the incident happened close to where you live (or which you can easily visit in person), you should visit the location and pick up the report. You can also request a NYPD report online.
In addition to talking to the police, it's important to collect information from all involved in the incident. This includes the truck drivers, passengers and anyone else who was present. You should try to find their name, contact number, insurance information, and company name. It is also an excellent idea to take photos or videos of the scene, if you can. This will help you document the accident and can also provide a visual record the moment of impact, which may be important later on.
In a lot of cases, truck accidents are caused by the negligence or fault of the driver. This can be caused by drowsiness or distraction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or speeding. These factors are especially dangerous when driving heavy, large vehicles.
Poor road conditions or weather conditions are another major cause of semi-accidents. Trucks are difficult to maneuver and may easily be uncontrollable when driving in bad weather conditions.
Improper maintenance of the trailer or truck is the third leading reason for truck accidents. A vehicle that is not properly maintained can be dangerous since it is more likely to roll over or experience mechanical issues. This could be caused by bad weather, driver fatigue, or inattention on the part the trucking company.
A truck accident lawyer will investigate the accident, determine all responsible parties and gather evidence to prove your case. They will also handle all communication with the insurance company for the trucking company, so you do not need to worry about them trying to convince you to admit that you were at fault, or to reduce the amount of compensation you're entitled to.
3. Gather Information
Photograph everything you see while 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 passengers and driver of the truck, and any witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. This will avoid having to find them in the future, and will help your lawyer determine who's responsible for the accident.
When talking to any witnesses, make sure that they're willing to be under oath. This will ensure that their testimony remain accurate and are not affected by other people's interpretations 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.
In addition to eyewitness accounts It is also important to gather as much detail about the trucking company as well as the driver. This can include a copy of the commercial driver's licence of the driver, their personnel qualification and their training file. It may also include a history check, drug screening results and safety performance records. Your attorney may subpoena this information should it be required.
Another important piece of evidence is the trucker's phone records. This will show whether the trucker was on the phone at the time of the accident, and could be a basis for a lawsuit. The phone records of the trucking business can be used to determine if they have any guidelines regarding texting while driving.
In the end, it is crucial to get medical records and bills. This will help you establish the severity of your injury and the amount you must be compensated for financial losses. Economic damages include medical expenses as well as lost earnings and earning potential. Non-economic damages include intangible losses such as mental anguish and loss of consortium.
An experienced attorney can help you gather all the data you need and negotiate on behalf of the insurance company if you want to file an insurance claim for a semi-truck.
4. Contact a lawyer
Although it's natural to be upset after collisions with semi-truck, it's crucial to stay calm. If you're injured or even if you're not, don't leave the scene of the collision. Not only does this look unprofessional, but it's also unlawful. Instead, stay there until the authorities allow you to leave.
Once you are at the scene document any damage to your vehicle or personal property and any injuries you may have sustained. If you can, it's recommended to document the incident using images or video. However notes are also sufficient. You should also note down the name of the driver as well as the company they work for, as this information will help later in the event of a case. Contact witnesses and collect their contact information as quickly as you can. It's also helpful to take photos of the scene prior to any cleanup, as this can be used as evidence should it be needed.
If you've been hurt in a semi-truck crash It is essential to seek medical attention immediately and contact the police right away. It's also essential not to admit guilt, as this could hinder your chances of getting an adequate settlement for your claim. If a trucking company calls you with a proposal to settle you should politely decline and contact an attorney.
You may be able recover damages from the party at the fault in a semi-truck crash. The most straightforward is economic compensatory damage, which is intended to pay for any monetary expenses you might have suffered in the aftermath of the crash. This can include emergency room visits, hospital charges continuing treatments, and any loss of income as a result of the injuries you suffered.
pleasanton semi truck accident lawyer may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to economic damages. These are meant to punish the defendant for their negligent actions and deter similar behavior in the future. It can be challenging to prove this type of compensation in court, but certain factors can help establish an appropriate amount. These can include records from the trucker's driver's log electronic driving records and evidence of cell phone use, and reports or opinions from forensic or financial experts.