A Good Rant About Semi Truck Case
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal On the roads of America collisions with semi trucks are not common. Because of their intimidating size, the injuries suffered when a collision occurs with a truck could be serious. If you have been injured in a collision with a truck an experienced attorney will help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Find out about the various types of truck accidents and how they may affect your case. 1. Examine the incident The evidence must be collected as soon as it is available following an accident. This is especially important when it comes to semi-trucks. There are a variety of sources of information, including 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 can also be used as evidence. It is also crucial to notify the police whenever possible in the event of a semi-truck accident. This will ensure an accurate and complete report is prepared of the incident. Without a proper and thorough investigation by the police, it could be extremely difficult to prove what actually happened and who was responsible in the crash. It is best to answer questions as long as it feels comfortable once the police arrive. It is not recommended to speculate or make up your mind about anything in an attempt to appear more professional. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or driver in court. The police officer will gather a number of different kinds of evidence at the scene, such as photographs of both vehicles and the surrounding area. The police officer will also note down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who could have witnessed the incident. Also, it's an excellent idea to take photos of the license plate of the truck and any other markings that are visible on the trailer or vehicle. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common causes for semi-truck accidents. These kinds of accidents typically occur when a vehicle is following too closely. In these instances, the driver of the truck may slam the back of the car or truck in front of him, causing severe or fatal injuries. Tire blowouts, shifting loads, poor maintenance of trailers or trucks, and others are also causes for semi-truck accidents. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand these issues and will help you establish who is responsible for your losses. In the majority of cases, the truck driver will be liable for any injury caused by their negligence. There are other options to seek compensation if a different factor caused the accident like an error in manufacturing on the truck or the trailer. 2. Contact the Police If an accident involving semi-trucks occurs, the first thing you should take is to notify the police. They will be at the scene and make official reports on what happened including any injuries. You will also receive a formal police report you can use to support your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps their reports on the premises in their precincts forever which means that if you live near the site of the accident (or can visit there easily) You should go take one. Or, you can go to the NYPD's online portal to make a request for reports. In addition to talking to the police, it's also important to collect information from all involved in the incident. This includes the truck driver, passengers, and any other witnesses. You should try to get their name, phone number as well as insurance information and company name. If possible, you should also capture photos or videos of the scene. This will help you to record the accident, and also provide an image recording of the moment of impact. In many cases, truck accidents are the result of driver error or negligence. This could be due to drowsiness distraction, driving under influence of alcohol or drugs, or speeding. These are all risky when driving large, heavy vehicles. Another cause of semi-accidents is poor road or weather conditions. Trucks can be difficult to maneuver, so when they're driven in bad conditions, they could be uncontrollable, and even collide with smaller vehicles. Unprofessional maintenance of the truck or its trailer is the third most common reason for truck accidents. Trucks that are not maintained properly are more likely to crash or have mechanical issues. This could be due to bad weather, driver fatigue, or negligence on the part of the trucking company. A truck accident lawyer will investigate the incident, determine all responsible parties, and collect evidence to prove your case. They will also handle any communication with the trucking firm's insurance business, so you don't have to worry that they attempt to convince you into accepting the blame or cutting your compensation. 3. Gather Information While you are waiting for the police to arrive, it's essential to take photos of everything. This includes the damaged vehicles involved, skid marks, and anything else that could help your case. You should also take photographs of the driver and passengers of the truck, along with any witnesses who may have witnessed the crash. This will avoid having to track people down in the future, and will help your lawyer determine who is accountable for the accident. If you are talking to eyewitnesses, ensure that they're willing to testify under oath. This will ensure that their testimony are true and not influenced by other people’s versions of the events. Witness statements can be vital in determining the reason for an accident. They may also be used to establish the negligence of the trucking firm. It is essential to gather as much information about the trucking company, the driver and their background. This can include their personnel qualification and training file as well as a copy of their commercial driver's license, a history of checks, drug screening results, and safety performance records. Your attorney can request this information, if required. The trucker's phone logs are another crucial piece of evidence. This will reveal if the driver was on the phone when the accident happened, and could be the basis for lawsuit. The records of the trucking company's phones can be used to determine what kind of policies they have in place for texting and driving. In the end, it is crucial to gather medical records and bills. This will enable you to prove the severity of the injury and the amount you need to be compensated for your financial losses. Economic damages include medical expenses along with lost earnings and future earning potential. hammond semi truck accident lawsuit -economic damages deal with intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of consortium. An experienced attorney can assist you in gathering all the necessary information and negotiate on behalf of the insurance company if you want to file a claim for an accident for a semi-truck. 4. Contact a Lawyer While it's normal to be upset after an accident with a semi-truck, it's essential to remain calm. Do not leave the accident scene, whether you are injured or not. This is not only unprofessional, but also illegal. Instead, remain at the scene until authorities allow you to leave. Once you are at the scene note any damage to your vehicle or personal property, as well as any injuries you may have sustained. If possible, it is recommended to document the incident using photos or videos. However notes can also be used. Also, you should note the names of the driver and company they work for as this information could help later in your case. Speak to witnesses and get their contact information as quickly as you can. It's also beneficial to take photos of the crash site before you begin cleaning up as they could be used as evidence if required. If you've been hurt by a semi truck accident It is essential to seek medical attention immediately and call the police immediately. It is also important to not admit fault since this can hinder your chances of getting an acceptable settlement. If the trucking firm contacts you and offers to settle but you decline, please consult an attorney. There are various kinds of damages you may be able to recover from the person at fault involved in a semi truck accident. The most common is compensatory damage, which is designed to reimburse any monetary losses that you may have suffered due to the accident. This can include emergency hospital visits, medical bills, ongoing treatments, and any loss of income resulting from the injuries you sustained. You could also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to economic damages. They are designed to punish the defendant for their wrongful actions and prevent similar actions in the future. It isn't easy to prove this kind of compensation in court, but certain aspects can help determine the right amount. This includes the trucker's log electronic driving records, evidence of cell phone use, as well as reports or opinions from forensic or financial experts.