How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
On our roads collisions between semi trucks are not uncommon. Because of their size, truck accidents can cause serious injuries.
If skokie semi truck accident claim suffered an injury from a crash with the truck, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you recover the compensation you're due. Learn about the various types of truck accidents that occur and how they could affect your case.
1. Investigate the cause of the accident
Evidence must be gathered immediately after an accident. 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 that is used by the truck driver data and cellphone records. Other technological devices like crash recorders, or the "nanny camera" on a truck, can also be used to provide evidence.
It is also important to get the police involved as quickly as possible in the event of a semi-truck accident. This will guarantee an accurate and complete report of the incident. Without a proper and thorough police investigation, it can be extremely difficult to prove the facts of what occurred and who was responsible in the crash.
After the police arrive at your home, you should answer questions in the manner that you feel comfortable. You should not speculate or make assumptions to try to improve your image. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or the driver in court.
The officer from the police department will gather various evidence from the scene, such as photographs of the vehicles as well as the area around. They will also take note of the names and contact information of any witnesses that may witness the incident. It is also recommended to take pictures of the truck's license plate and any other identifying marks that are on the vehicle or trailer.
One of the most frequent causes of semi-truck accidents are rear-end collisions. These kinds of accidents typically occur when a vehicle follows too closely. In these cases the driver of the truck is more likely to slam into the back of the vehicle ahead of them, and often may cause fatal or serious injuries to the passengers in that car or truck.
Other reasons for semi-truck accidents include tire blowouts shift loads, inadequate maintenance of the trailer or truck, and many other. A personal injury lawyer who is aware of these issues can help prove your liability for your losses. In most instances, the driver of the truck will be liable for any accident caused by their negligence. There are other options to seek compensation if another factor caused the accident, such as an error in manufacturing on the truck or the trailer.
2. Contact the Police
If you are involved in an accident that involves semi-trucks occurs the first thing to make is to contact the police. They will come and record official statements about the accident, including any injuries that occurred. You will also receive a formal police report that you can use to support your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps their reports on-site at their precincts indefinitely which means that if you live close to the location of the accident (or could easily visit the area) then you should get one. Alternatively, you can use the NYPD's website to request the report.
In addition to speaking with the police, it's important to collect information from all involved in the incident. This includes truck drivers, passengers, and anyone else who was there. Make sure you know their names, telephone 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 allow you to record the accident and also provide a visual recording of the moment of the collision.
Truck accidents are often result from driver negligence or a mishap. This could include drowsiness, distraction, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or speeding. These are all factors that can be dangerous when driving a large automobile that is heavy and large.
Another major cause of semi-accidents is bad roads or weather conditions. Trucks can be difficult to maneuver, so when they're driven under poor conditions, they can easily become unstable and cause collisions with smaller vehicles.
A third common reason for truck accidents is poor maintenance of the truck or its trailer. Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to tip over or have mechanical problems. This could be caused by poor weather, driver fatigue, or carelessness on the part the trucking company.
A lawyer for a truck accident will investigate the incident and identify the parties responsible, and collect evidence to strengthen your claim. They will also handle any correspondence with the trucking firm's insurance firm, so you don't be worried that they try to trick you into assuming blame or reduce your compensation.
3. Gather Information
While you wait for the police to arrive, it's important that you take photographs of everything. This includes the damage to the vehicles involved, skid marks and any other evidence that could aid your case. It's also a good idea to take pictures of the driver of the truck and their passengers and witnesses who might have witnessed the accident. This will prevent you from having to track people down later on, and will help your lawyer determine who might be liable for the crash.
Be sure to ask eyewitnesses if they will speak under the oath. This will ensure that their assertions are truthful and do not get altered by other people's accounts of events. Witness statements are crucial in determining the reason for an accident. They can also be used to show the negligence of the trucking company.
It is essential to gather as much information as you can about the trucking company, the driver and their background. This can include an image of the driver's commercial driver's permit as well as their personal qualification and their training file. It could also include a history check, results of a drug screening and safety performance records. The information could be requested by your attorney, if required.
The trucker's phone records are another important piece of evidence. This will reveal whether the trucker was on the phone at the time of the accident, and it could be grounds for an action. The company's phone records can be used to determine the type of policies they have in place regarding texting while driving.
It is essential to gather all medical records and bills. This will allow you to prove the severity of your injury and the amount you need to be paid for your financial loss. Economic damages include things like medical expenses losses of earnings and the potential for future earnings. Non-economic damages include intangible losses such as pain and suffering mental distress and loss of consortium.
If you're looking to file an insurance claim against a semi truck, an experienced attorney can assist you gather all this information together and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
4. Contact a Lawyer
While it's understandable to be upset following an accident with a semi truck, it's vital to stay calm. If you're injured, or even If you're not, make sure you don't leave the scene of the accident. This is not only unprofessional, but also illegal. Instead, remain on the scene until authorities allow you to leave.
Note any damage to your vehicle or personal property, as and any injuries you have sustained. It is best to do this with pictures or videos if you can but notes will work too. This information will be useful in the future. Talk to any witnesses and collect their contact information as quickly as you can. Prior to any cleanup, it's a good idea to capture photos of the crash scene. They could be used as evidence in case you need them.
If you have been injured in a semi-truck collision it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately and contact the police. It's also crucial to not admit guilt as this could hinder your chances of getting an appropriate settlement. If the trucking firm contacts you and offers to settle, politely decline it and contact an attorney.
You may be able to collect damages from the party who is at fault in a semi truck accident. One of the most common is the economic compensatory damages which are intended to reimburse you for any losses in money due to the wreck. These could include emergency hospital visits, room charges ongoing treatments, as well as any loss of income as a result of the injuries you sustained.
You could also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the economic damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in future. This type of compensation could be difficult to prove in court, but there are certain factors that can help you establish the amount you should be awarded. This includes the trucker's log electronic driving record and evidence of use of cell phones, as well as reports or opinions from financial or forensic experts.