When a truck accident occurs, it’s often complicated because of the many parties who could be responsible. Due to their size, commercial trucks require much higher liability coverage than passenger vehicles. If you need trucker personal injury help click here.
Additionally, if the truck driver is an employee of a company, vicarious liability may apply. Do not sign any documents or give a recorded statement to anyone without your attorney present!
Medical Attention
If you are injured in a truck accident, getting medical attention immediately is important. You should tell the doctor exactly what happened in your accident and be sure to get a complete diagnosis. Documenting your injuries in this way will help you to create verifiable documentation that proves the nature and extent of your injuries for use in a personal injury or worker’s compensation claim.
If possible, take photos of the scene of your accident and any damage that was caused. Make sure to record the name of the truck driver and his or her insurance information, as well as the trucking company’s name and insurance policy number. You should also try to exchange information with any witnesses.It is a good idea to decline any requests for you to sign documents or give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance provider until you have talked to an attorney and have a truck accident consultation. These statements could be used to discredit your claim or reduce the amount of damages that you receive.
Police Reports
When truck drivers are involved in accidents, they often get pulled over and asked for a statement. It is important to decline these requests as anything said could be used against you later in a personal injury case.
A police report will likely contain the names of eyewitnesses, their contact information, and the officer’s assessment of what caused the accident. This information is critical to building your civil case.
It is also important to review the police report carefully and look for any errors. For example, if the officer wrote down your name incorrectly or misunderstood how the accident happened, call the department to have the report changed. Additionally, a police report may contain the make, model and color of the vehicles that were involved in the accident, their insurance companies, and other important identifying information. This information can be useful in building your case against the truck driver and their employer.
Documentation
In order to prove fault in a truck accident, the victim needs comprehensive evidence. This includes documents and information like a truck driver’s logbook to verify how long the trucker has been on shift and whether or not they took their required breaks. There are strict federal regulations for truck drivers regarding these kinds of issues. Other documentation that might be helpful in establishing fault include surveillance footage from nearby businesses, police reports, and the accounts of bystanders.
Truck accidents often involve complex legal matters because trucking companies typically employ skilled investigators and attorneys who will work to minimize their liability. These highly-trained professionals will have access to extensive resources and a high motivation to protect their employers’ interests.
In addition to personal injury claims, victims might file a claim for property damage as well. This type of claim seeks compensation to cover repair costs or, in the event of total loss, the value of the property that was damaged in the collision.
Talk to a Lawyer
When deciding on an attorney, make sure they have experience handling truck accidents and are familiar with the rules of the road. They should be able to explain complex issues in simple terms and show that they are willing to fight for their clients. If the case does not settle through negotiations, an attorney who has extensive courtroom experience should be prepared to take it all the way to trial.
The attorneys who work on these cases will also know that it is essential to collect all available evidence, including black box data and dashcam footage. They may even seek expert witness testimony. They will review the insurance policy, assess the damages you have suffered, and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.
Remember that you should never speak with the insurance company directly after a truck accident, especially if your injuries are severe. They will likely try to pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement and get information that can be used against you later.
