While the auto industry has been making great strides in the safety department, it hasn’t been enough to cause a dent in the frequency of accidents that happen every day around the world. All car accidents are dangerous, but things can get quite problematic when there are semi-trucks and trucks involved; the sheer weight and momentum of these vehicles are simply too destructive. Accidents on the road are expected to be the fifth most fatal cause of death in the US by 2030. It’s important to explore your legal options in a semi-truck accident to have an informed legal retaliation to get the rights and compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Cause of Semi-Truck Accidents
Naturally, truck and semi-truck drivers are careful by default while they are on the road because the slightest accident can cause irreparable damages, unlike fender benders with small cars. Whatever the reason behind the accident is, the damages are going to be quite serious, whether they’re financial or physical. The main causes that you’ll be able to observe are the difference in weight between the two vehicles; a semi-truck weighs more than ten times the average car, crashing into a speeding car is a recipe for disaster.
Finding Accurate Logbooks
If the semi-truck belongs to a truck company, this company is required by the law to keep a logbook that contains accurate and true information regarding the drivers, such as hours spent on the road, car conditions, and much other important information for your case. As mentioned on https://www.davidblackwelllaw.com/truck-accident-lawyer/, a motor carrier is responsible for its trucks on the road, which means they could be financially obligated to you in the case of an accident. Falsifying records is not unheard of when it comes to accidents with trucks and semi-trucks. A lawyer at truck accident law firms should be able to precisely tackle such an issue and find out whether the trucking company should be held liable or not.
What To Do Right After a Collision?
The first thing you should do after being involved in a semi-truck accident is to ensure that you’re physically safe and that there is no danger in your life. This is done by getting medical help from the nearest hospital, which can be also recommended to you by certain insurance agencies. You’ll want to start preserving important evidence that can aid you in your settlement claim, but always put your health as the priority when you’re doing this. If you’re able to move freely while waiting for the police/ambulance, you should start taking photos of the accident scene. Try to include as many details as possible that could provide you with leverage in your claims, such as skid marks, damages to both vehicles, and any debris resulting from the accident.
Contacting an Attorney
You don’t want to fight an insurance company while being in the dark regarding their strategies and tactics. Unfortunately, they are going to try to persuade you through various methods to either ask for lower settlements or reject the claim altogether. Having a Truck wreck attorney that specializes in truck accidents can provide you with the information and steps you need to take to get the settlement you deserve. They will also help you in collecting evidence by gathering important paperwork like police and medical reports. The negotiation process between you and the insurance company is completely handled by your lawyer, giving you room to breathe and set your mind at ease.
Factors That Affect the Settlement
In semi-truck accidents and vehicle accidents, in general, the case is analyzed according to a few different factors. The lifestyle, profession, and activities of an individual may have a say in defining the settlement. For example, an actor who suffers scarring injuries may request a settlement that’s far higher than usual. But it’s important to understand that standard settlements are the quickest to be settled, but the higher the amount and circumstantial factors, the longer it will take to reach a satisfying settlement.
Exploring the Insurance Policy
A lot of insurance companies provide semi-truckers with insurance policies that include more benefits than usual to make up for the damages that are expected when an accident occurs. This helps them remain compliant with certain governmental or state regulations while providing the damaged victim with substantial compensation. Your lawyer will know how to leave no room for the insurance company to wiggle out of paying the full settlement that you deserve.
Sadly, a sobering percentage of fatalities on the road are caused by large vehicles like semi-trucks. Getting into an accident with a semi-truck is a harrowing experience; the shock alone without any injuries can delay your legal response. You should always heed to the advice or consultation of your attorney as soon as possible.
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