Trucking Accident
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In the course of our lives, the majority of us will experience a car accident. A semi-truck accident, however, almost always results in devastating consequences. After such a collision, enlisting the help of an experienced trucking accident lawyer is one of your best options.
Our goal is to keep you from making the mistake of speaking to an inexperienced lawyer. Attorneys are experienced in helping clients during these difficult times, as we handle over 95% of cases involving large trucks and commercial vehicles. Legal representation can make a world of difference to you and your family.
Steps to take if you have been in a truck accident
Maintain safety at all times. Your responsibility is always to keep yourself, your family, and others safe. Take medical care if you are injured.
Avoid discussing fault with the truck driver or apologizing. In your lawsuit against truck companies and insurers, any statements you made can and will work against you. In the case of a highway accident, contact your local police department or the California Highway Patrol.
Inquire about the truck driver's license, truck registration, and insurance. If another driver is at fault, do not argue with them about it.
Talk to witnesses. Seek out the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident so you can contact them later.
Compile Evidence: Take pictures with your camera or cellphone of the accident site, including the intersection where the collision occurred, street lights, and the damages to your vehicle and the other vehicle.
When an insurance adjuster contacts you, it is best to consult with a truck accident injury attorney so he can speak with the other party's insurance agents on your behalf. In this case, you should contact a truck accident injury lawyer and ask him to get the other party's insurance company.
Leading causes of truck accidents
First, you must determine who is responsible for the truck accident before seeking compensation. Several incidents could have caused the accident, but they can generally be separated into three types.
Driver error
There is responsibility for all drivers, irrespective of whether they are driving semi-trucks, cars, or any other type of vehicle.
Here are some examples, but they are not limited to:
Excessive speed
A tailgating event
Underage drinking
Drunk driving
Too fast of a turn.
Equipment Failure
Commercial vehicles must always be in safe and proper operating conditions, according to a government agency (FMCSA). There is an excellent probability of an accident if the trucking company's trucks are not maintained properly.
Improperly loaded cargo
Even semi trucks' cargo can cause accidents, which is why they are so necessary. An unbalanced, overweight, or unsecured load will affect how a vehicle performs on the road. For example, a jackknifed or broken trailer may cause the truck to overturn, jackknife, or crash.
Why an experienced truck accident lawyer is important
The complexity of a truck accident case (and the amount at stake) requires a dedicated attorney. Unfortunately, when handling a truck accident case for the first time, the average personal injury or car accident attorney won't know what steps to take.
Interstate trucks, for instance, must have a $1 million insurance policy. Car accident attorneys unfamiliar with this requirement could prevent you from obtaining valuable compensation.
There is no doubt that the adage holds in the legal industry and any other industry: You don't know what you don't know. Truck accident lawyers know.
Their questions are well-prepared.
Fast evidence collection is vital to them.
Accident reconstruction experts are available to them.
Creating a compelling argument is what they do best.
There have been many instances where insurance companies, trucking companies, and other at-fault parties have taken advantage of the inexperience of injured victims. Without the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney, it can be challenging to fight against the undervaluing and outright denial of truck accident claims.
To schedule a free case evaluation, please contact our legal team 24/7 by calling 818-539-7969.