planediving93

How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal Accidents involving semi trucks are commonplace on the nation's highways. Due to their size truck accidents can cause serious injuries. If you've been injured in a truck accident an experienced attorney will help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Learn about the kinds of truck accidents and how they can impact your case. 1. Investigate the accident Evidence must be collected immediately following an accident. This is particularly important when it comes to semi-trucks. This is because there are many more potential sources of information and evidence including the black box used by the truck driver data and cellphone records. It is also possible for other technological devices to be used to prove the case, such as crash data recorders or even a truck's “nanny cam.” All of this information will help determine what caused the accident and who's responsible. In any semi-truck accident it is imperative to involve the police as soon as you can. This will ensure an accurate and complete report is filed on the incident. Without a thorough and accurate police investigation, it will be difficult to establish what actually happened and who is at fault in the crash. If the police show up and you are questioned, it is recommended to respond to any questions only in the manner that you feel at ease. You should not make up your mind or guess at anything to attempt to improve your image. These kinds of answers could later be used by the truck driver, trucking company, or their insurance companies to sue you in court. The officer of the police will collect various kinds of evidence from the scene, including pictures of both vehicles and the surrounding area. They will also take note of the names and contact numbers of any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur. Also, glendale semi truck accident law firm to take a picture of the truck's license plate and any other markings which are found on the vehicle or trailer. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common causes for semi-truck accidents. These accidents usually occur when a vehicle follows too closely. In these instances the driver of the truck is more likely to slam into the back of the vehicle ahead of them, and often will cause serious or fatal injuries to the passengers of the vehicle or truck. Other causes of semi-truck crashes include blowouts of tires shift loads, inadequate maintenance of the trailer or truck, and many other. An experienced personal injury lawyer can be a great resource for these issues and can help you determine who is liable for your damages. In most cases, a trucker is responsible for any incident caused due to their negligence. However there are other avenues to redress that can be pursued if the cause of the accident was something else, such as a manufacturing defect in the truck or trailer. 2. Contact the Police Contacting the police is the first step to take if an accident involving a semi-truck occurs. They will attend the scene and record official statements on what transpired 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-site at their precincts permanently, so if you are near the site of the accident (or can visit there easily) then you should get one. You can also request the NYPD report online. Besides speaking to the police, it's essential to gather information from everyone involved in the incident. This includes the truck drivers, passengers and everyone else who was there. Be sure to collect their names, phone numbers, insurance policy information, and the name of the company they work for. If possible, you should also take pictures or videos of the scene. This will help you record the accident, and also provide an image of the moment of the impact. The majority of accidents involving trucks are caused by driver carelessness or a mistake. This could result from drowsiness inattention, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or speeding. These factors are especially dangerous when driving large, heavy vehicles. Another common cause of semi-accidents is bad roads or conditions. Trucks aren't easy to maneuver, and when they're driven in bad conditions, they may be uncontrollable, and even collide with smaller vehicles. Unprofessional maintenance of the truck or its trailer is the third most common cause of truck accidents. A vehicle that is not properly maintained can be dangerous since it is more likely to tip over or experience mechanical issues. This could be due to inclement weather, driver fatigue or simply neglect from the trucking company. A reputable truck accident attorney will investigate the accident, determine all liable parties and gather evidence to strengthen your case. They will also handle all communication with the insurance company for the trucking company, so you don't need to worry about them trying to convince you to admit 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. This includes the damage to the vehicles involved, skid marks, and any other evidence that could aid your case. It's important to capture the driver of the truck as well as their passengers and witnesses who may have seen the accident. It will be less time-consuming to look for them later on, and your lawyer will be able to determine who is responsible. Make sure to inquire with eyewitnesses whether they'll testify under oath. This will ensure that their accounts are accurate and not affected by other people's interpretations of events. Witness statements are essential for determining the reason for the accident. They can be used to prove negligence, which is one of the ways you can seek compensation from the trucking company. It is important to collect as much information about the trucking company, the driver, and their background. This can include an image of the commercial driver's licence of the driver along with their qualification for employment and their training file. It could also include a background check, drug screening results and safety performance records. This can be subpoenaed by your attorney if needed. The trucker's phone logs are a different important piece of evidence. This could reveal whether the driver was on the phone when the accident occurred and could provide the basis for lawsuit. The phone records of the trucking firm can be used to determine if they have guidelines regarding texting while driving. It is crucial to keep all medical records and bills. This will allow you to establish the severity of your injuries as well as the amount of compensation that you must be awarded for your financial losses. Economic damages cover things like medical expenses, loss 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. An experienced lawyer can help you gather all the necessary information and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company when you are looking to file a claim for an accident for a semi-truck. 4. Contact a Lawyer While it's understandable to be upset following a collision with a semi truck, it's important to stay calm. If you're hurt, 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, stay on the scene until authorities allow you to leave. Record any damage to your car or personal property, as also any injuries you've suffered. If you can, it's ideal to document the incident with video or pictures. However notes are also sufficient. This information can prove useful in the future. Contact witnesses and collect their contact information as soon as you can. Before you do any cleanup it's a good idea take photographs of the crash site. They can be used as evidence should you require them. If you have been injured in a semi-truck crash, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and call the police. It's also vital not to acknowledge fault, as this will hinder your chances of obtaining an adequate settlement for your claim. If the trucking company contacts you with a proposal to settle, it's best to respectfully decline and call a lawyer. There are a variety of damages that you may be able to recover from the party at fault in a semi truck crash. The most basic of these is economic compensation damages, that are designed to reimburse the victim for any financial loss caused by the accident. These can include emergency room visits, hospital charges, ongoing treatments, and any loss of income due to the injuries you sustained. You may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to the economic damages. These are intended to penalize the defendant and discourage similar behaviour in future. It isn't easy to prove this kind of compensation in court, but certain factors can help you determine the proper amount. This includes the log of the trucker electronic driving record and evidence of cell phone use, as well as statements or opinions of financial or forensic experts.