Where Will Semi Truck Case 1 Year From In The Near Future?
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
Collisions involving semi trucks are commonplace on the nation's highways. Due to their size truck accidents can cause serious injuries.
If you've suffered injuries from a crash with trucks, a skilled lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're entitled to. Learn about the kinds of truck accidents and how they might impact your case.
1. Investigate the Accident
Evidence must be collected immediately following an accident. This is especially important in cases involving semi-trucks. There are many sources of information available, including the black box records of the truck driver and his cell phone records. It is also possible for other devices to be used for evidence, including crash data recorders or even a truck's "nanny cam." All of this information will help determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault.
In the event of a semi-truck crash, it is important to involve the police as quickly as you can. This will guarantee an accurate and complete report of the incident. Without a thorough and proper police investigation, it will be very difficult to prove what really happened and who was the culprit in the crash.
It is recommended that you only respond to questions as much as you feel comfortable once the police arrive. It is not recommended to speculate or make guesses about any information in order to make yourself appear better. georgia semi truck accident lawsuit could be used against you by the trucking company or the driver in court.
The police officer will collect different evidence at the scene, including photographs of the vehicles and the area around. The police officer will also take down the names and phone numbers of anyone who may have witnessed the incident. It's also an excellent idea to take a photograph of the truck's plate as well as any other markings that identify the trailer or vehicle.
One of the most frequent causes of semi-truck accidents is rear-end collisions. These accidents typically occur when a vehicle is following too closely. In these instances the truck driver will likely hit the back of the car or truck in front of him, inflicting serious or fatal injuries.
Other causes of semi-truck crashes include tire blowouts, shifting loads, improper truck or trailer maintenance, and more. A personal injury lawyer who understands these issues can assist you to prove the responsibility for your injuries. In most situations, a driver of a truck is responsible for any accident that is caused by their negligence. However there are other avenues to compensation that can be pursued if the source of the accident was different, such as a manufacturing defect in the truck or trailer.
2. Contact the Police
Notifying the police is the first step to take after an accident with semi-trucks takes place. They will attend and record official statements regarding 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 their reports on-site at their precincts for a long time so if you're close to the location of the incident (or could easily visit the area) then you should pick one up. You can also request the NYPD report online.
It's crucial to speak to everyone involved in the crash, including the truck driver and passengers. This includes the truck drivers, passengers as well as anyone other person who was. Be sure to collect their names, contact numbers and insurance policy information and the name of the company they work for. It is also a good idea to take photos or videos of the scene, if possible. This will allow you to record the accident, and also provide an image recording of the moment of the impact.
Truck accidents are often result from driver negligence or error. This could result from drowsiness, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or speeding. These issues can be particularly risky when driving a big, heavy vehicle.
Bad road or weather conditions are another common cause of semi-accidents. Trucks aren't easy to control, so when they're driving in poor conditions, they may become unstable and cause collisions with smaller vehicles.
Incorrect maintenance of the truck or its trailer is the third most common reason for truck accidents. A poorly maintained truck is more likely to roll over or have mechanical problems. This could be due to bad weather, driver fatigue, or simply neglect from the trucking company.
A lawyer for a truck accident will investigate the incident and determine who is responsible, and collect evidence to strengthen your claim. They will also manage all communications with the insurance company for the trucking company, so you do not have to worry about them trying to trick you into admitting fault or reducing the amount of compensation you deserve.
3. Gather Information
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, it's important that you take photographs of everything. Included in this are damage to any vehicles involved, as well as skid marks, or any other evidence which could aid in your case. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the driver of the truck as well as their passengers and witnesses who may have witnessed the crash. You won't have to look for them in the future, and your lawyer will be capable of determining who is responsible.
When talking to any witnesses, make sure that they are prepared to be under the oath. This will help ensure that their statements are accurate and do not get influence by other people's perceptions of the events. Witness statements are crucial in determining the root of an accident, and may also be used to demonstrate the negligence of the trucking company.
In addition to eyewitness statements, it is important to collect as much data regarding the trucking company and the driver. This can include their personnel qualification and training file, a copy of their commercial driver's licence, history checks, drug screening results and safety performance reports. Your attorney can subpoena this information if needed.
Another piece of crucial evidence is the trucker's phone records. This can show whether the trucker was on the phone at the time of the accident and could be a basis for a lawsuit. The company's phone records can be used to determine what kind of policies they have in place regarding texting and driving.
It is crucial to keep all medical records and bills. This will allow you to prove the severity of your injury and the amount you will be paid for your financial loss. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost earnings and future earning potential. Non-economic damages are for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss consortium.
An experienced lawyer 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 accident claim for a semi truck.
4. Contact a Lawyer
It's normal to be upset following a collision with semi-trucks however, it's important to remain calm. Don't leave the accident scene, regardless of whether you're injured or not. This is not only unprofessional but also illegal. Instead, stay on the scene until authorities allow you to leave.
After arriving at the scene, take note of any damage to your vehicle or personal property, and any injuries you may have sustained. It is best to do this through video/pictures if possible, although notes will do as well. You should also write down the name of the driver as well as the company they work for and this will help later in the event of a case. In addition, speak with witnesses that you know and obtain their contact details whenever you can. It's also helpful to have photos of the scene before any cleanup begins, as this could be used as evidence should it be needed.
If you have been injured in a semi-truck crash it is imperative to seek medical attention right away and contact the police. It's also vital not to admit fault, as this could hinder your chances of obtaining an equitable settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you and offers a settlement but you decline, please contact an attorney.
You could be able to recover damages from the party at fault in a semi truck accident. The most common type is economic compensatory damages, which are intended to pay for any monetary damages you could have suffered in the aftermath of the crash. This could include hospital expenses and ongoing treatments, as well as any loss of income resulting from the injuries you sustained.
You may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the economic damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future. It can be a challenge to prove this type of compensation in court, but certain factors can help you determine the proper amount. This includes the log of the trucker electronic driving records, evidence of the use of a cell phone and statements or opinions of financial or forensic experts.