16 Facebook Pages You Must Follow For Semi Truck Case-Related Businesses
How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal
Accidents involving semi trucks are common on the nation's highways. Due to their size, the injuries suffered when a collision occurs with a truck could be serious.
If you've been injured caused by a collision with a truck, an experienced lawyer can help you recover the compensation you're due. Learn about the various types of truck accidents that occur and how they impact your case.
1. Investigate the Accident
Evidence must be collected immediately following an accident. That is especially important when it comes to semi-truck accidents. There are more sources of information, including the black box data from the truck driver and his cell phone records. Other technological devices such as crash recorders or the "nanny camera" on a truck, could also be used as evidence.
It is also vital to involve the police whenever possible in any semi truck accident. This will guarantee a complete and accurate report of the incident. Without a thorough and accurate police investigation, it will be difficult to establish the facts of what occurred and who is at fault in the crash.
It is recommended that you only respond to questions as much as you are comfortable after the police arrive.
bridgeport semi truck accident settlement 's not recommended to think or speculate on any information in order to impress the police. These answers could be used against you by the trucking company or the driver in court.
The officer from the police department will collect a number of different kinds of evidence on the scene, including photos of both vehicles as well as the surrounding area. They will also write down the names and contact information of any witnesses that may have seen the accident occur. It's also an excellent idea to take a photo of the truck's plate and any other identifying marks on the trailer or the vehicle.
One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents are rear-end collisions. These kinds of accidents typically occur when a vehicle is following too closely. In these instances the driver of the truck could smash the back of the car or truck in the direction of him, causing serious or fatal injuries.
Other reasons for semi-truck accidents include tire blowouts, shifting loads, improper maintenance of trailers or trucks, and more. An experienced personal injury lawyer will understand these issues, and can help you determine who is responsible for your injuries. In the majority of instances, a truck driver is the sole responsible party for any accident caused due to their negligence. However there are other avenues to compensation that can be pursued if the cause of the accident was a different cause like a manufacturing defect in the trailer or truck.
2. Contact the Police
Notifying the police is the first step you should take after an accident with a semi-truck occurs. They will arrive at the scene and make official statements regarding what happened, including any injuries. You will also receive a formal police report you can use to back your claim for damages. The NYPD keeps reports on-site at their precincts, for 30 days, so if the accident happened close to where you live (or in a location that you are able to visit in person) it is recommended that you visit the location and pick up an original copy. Alternatively, you can use the NYPD's online portal to request the report.
Besides speaking to the police, it's important to collect information from all involved in the incident. This includes passengers, truck drivers, and anyone else who was present. Try to get their names, contact numbers and insurance policy information and the name of the company they work for. It is also a good idea to capture photos or videos of your scene, if it's possible. This will allow you to document the accident, and will also give an image record of the moment of impact.
The majority of accidents involving trucks are result from driver negligence or a mistake. This can be due to drowsiness, distraction, driving under influence of alcohol or drugs or speeding. These are all risky when driving heavy, big vehicles.

Another reason for semi-accidents is bad roads or weather conditions. Trucks are difficult to maneuver and could easily be uncontrollable when driving in poor conditions.
Unprofessional maintenance of the truck or its trailer is the third major reason for truck accidents. A truck that isn't maintained well can be dangerous since it is more likely to overturn or have mechanical failures. This could be due to bad weather, driver fatigue or carelessness on the part the trucking company.
A lawyer who handles a truck accident will investigate the incident and determine the responsible parties and gather evidence to support your claim. They will also handle all communication with the insurance company for the trucking company, so you do not need to be concerned about them trying to trick you into admitting guilt or reducing the amount of compensation you deserve.
3. Gather Information
Photograph everything as you wait for the police. This includes the damages to all vehicles involved, skid marks and any other evidence that could aid your case. It's important to photograph the driver of the truck as well as their passengers and witnesses who may have witnessed the crash. You won't need to find them later, and your lawyer will be competent to determine who was responsible.
When speaking to any witnesses, ensure that they're willing to be under an oath. This will ensure that their testimony remain accurate and are not influenced by other people’s versions of the events. Witness statements are crucial in determining the root of an accident, and may be used to demonstrate the negligence of the trucking company.
It is crucial to collect as much information as you can about the trucking company, the driver, and their background. This could include their personnel qualifications and training files as well as a copy of their commercial driver's licence, history checks, drug screening results and safety performance documents. Your attorney can request this information if necessary.
Another important piece of evidence is the trucker's telephone records. It can be used to determine whether the trucker was actually on the phone at the time of the accident and it could be grounds for an action. The phone records of the trucking company could be used to determine if they have any policies regarding texting while driving.
It is essential to gather all medical records and bills. This will allow you to prove the severity of your injuries and the amount of compensation that you must receive for your monetary losses. Economic damages cover things like medical expenses loss of earnings, and future earning potential. Non-economic damages include intangible losses such as pain and suffering, mental distress and loss of consortium.
An experienced lawyer can help you gather all the necessary information and negotiate on behalf of you with the insurance company should you decide to file a claim for a semi truck.
4. Contact a Lawyer
Although it's natural to be upset after an accident with a semi truck, it's important to remain calm. Don't leave the accident site, regardless of whether you're injured or not. This not only looks unprofessional, but it's also illegal. Stay on the scene until you're permitted by the authorities.
Once at the scene, note any damage to your vehicle or personal property and any injuries that you sustained. If you can, it's recommended to document the incident using photographs or video. However notes will suffice. You should also note down the name of the driver and the company they work for, as this information will help later in your case. Speak to witnesses and obtain their contact details as soon as you can. It's also helpful to have photos of the scene before you begin cleaning up because they can be used as evidence in the event of a need.
If you have been injured in a semi truck accident it is imperative to seek medical attention right away and call the police. It is also important not to acknowledge fault, since this could impede your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your claim. If a trucking company calls you with a proposal to settle, it's best to be polite and decline the offer and consult a lawyer.
There are various kinds of damages that you might be able to claim from the responsible party in a semi truck crash. The most basic is the economic compensatory damages that are designed to reimburse you for any monetary losses caused by the accident. These can include hospital bills, ongoing treatment, and any income loss resulting from the injuries you sustained.
You may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the economic damages. They are designed to punish the defendant for their wrong actions and prevent similar actions in the future. This kind of compensation can be difficult to prove in court, but there are certain aspects that can help you establish a fair amount. These could include data from the trucker's driver's log, electronic driving data and evidence of mobile phone use, and reports or opinions from financial or forensic experts.