How to Make a Semi Truck Accident Legal Collisions involving semi-trucks are commonplace on the nation's highways Due to their size, the injuries suffered in a collision with a truck may be serious If you've suffered an injury due to a collision with trucks, a skilled lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're entitled to Find out about the various types of truck accidents and how they could impact your case 1 Investigate the Accident In any accident, the evidence must be taken and preserved immediately This is especially crucial when it comes to semi-truck accidents This is due to the fact that there are many more potential sources of information and evidence like the black box that is used by the truck driver data and cell phone records It is also possible for other technological devices to be used for evidence, including crash data recorders or a truck's "nanny camera" All of this data can be used to determine the cause of the accident, and who's responsible It is also important to notify the police whenever possible in the event of a semi-truck accident This will ensure an accurate and complete report is filed of the incident It is difficult to establish the truth and determine who was at fault for a crash without a thorough and thorough police investigation It is best to only respond to questions as much as you are comfortable after the police arrive Don't speculate or make assumptions to enhance your image These types of answers can later be used by the truck driver, trucking company, or their insurance companies against you in court The police officer will take many different kinds of evidence on the scene, such as photographs of both vehicles and the surrounding area The officer will also take down the names and phone numbers of anyone who may have witnessed the incident It's also an excellent idea to take a picture of the truck's plate and any other markings that identify the trailer or vehicle One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents are rear-end collisions These accidents usually occur when a vehicle follows too closely In these instances the truck driver will likely hit the rear of the car or truck in the direction of him, causing severe or fatal injuries Other causes of semi-truck accidents are tire blowouts shifting loads, poor truck or trailer maintenance, and many other An experienced personal injury lawyer will understand these issues, and can help you determine who is accountable for your injuries In most situations, the truck driver is responsible for any accident caused by their negligence There are other avenues to seek compensation in the event that a different cause of the accident was to blame like a manufacturing fault in the truck or the trailer 2 Contact the Police Contacting the police is the first step to take after an accident involving semi-trucks happens They will be able to make official statements about the accident including any injuries that occurred This will also give you an official police report to use in your claim for damages The NYPD keeps their reports on file in their precincts forever, so if you are near the site of the incident or is able to go there easily, you should take one You can also request a NYPD report online Apart from talking to the police, it's essential to collect information from all involved in the accident This includes the truck drivers, passengers as well as anyone else who was there Be sure to collect their names, phone numbers as well as insurance policy details, and the name of the company they work for It is also a good idea to capture photos or videos of the scene, if possible This will help you to record the accident and also provide an image of the moment of the impact Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver error or a mistake This could result from drowsiness distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or speeding These dangers are particularly pronounced when driving heavy, large vehicles Conditions on the road or in the weather are another frequent cause of semi-accidents Trucks are difficult to maneuver and may easily become uncontrollable if driven in bad conditions The third most frequent cause of truck accidents is the insufficient maintenance of the truck or its trailer A truck that is not maintained properly is a risk because it is more likely to tip over or suffer mechanical failures This could be caused by poor weather, driver fatigue, or carelessness on the part the trucking company A reputable attorney for truck accidents will investigate the crash and identify all the parties responsible, and gather evidence to back your case They will also handle all communications with the insurance company for the trucking company, so you don't need to be concerned about them trying get you to admit to the responsibility or reducing the amount of compensation you deserve 3 Gather Information Photograph everything you see while you wait for the police Included in this are the damages to any vehicles involved, as well as skid marks or any other thing that could help your case It is important to photograph the driver of the truck and their passengers, as well as any witnesses that may have witnessed the accident This will avoid having to find them in the future, and will help your lawyer determine who might be liable for the crash Be sure to ask eyewitnesses whether they will be willing to testify under an oath This will ensure that their assertions are truthful and do not get affected by other people's interpretations of the events Witness statements are crucial in determining the root of an accident and can also be used to establish the negligence of the trucking firm In addition to eyewitness accounts In addition, it is crucial to collect as much information regarding the trucking company and the driver This could include a copy of the driver's commercial driver's licence, their personnel qualification and their training file It may also include a history check, drug screening results and safety performance records Your attorney can subpoena this information if necessary Another crucial piece of evidence is the trucker's phone records This could reveal if the driver was on the phone when the accident occurred and could be the basis for an action The phone records of the trucking company can be used to determine if they have any policies regarding texting while driving It is also essential to collect medical documents and bills This will help you establish the severity of the injury as well as the amount you will be paid for financial losses Economic damages are medical expenses loss of earnings, as well as future earning potential Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, mental distress and loss of consortium An experienced attorney can assist you in gathering all the information you require and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company if you wish to file a claim for an accident for a semi-truck 4 Contact a lawyer Although it's natural to be upset following collisions with semi truck, it's vital to remain calm Don't leave the accident site, regardless of whether you're injured or not This is not only unprofessional, but also illegal Instead, remain at the scene until authorities allow you to leave Once you are at the scene note any damage to your vehicle or personal property and any injuries you sustained It is best to do this using pictures or videos but notes are fine as well https//vimeocom/709779513 will be useful in the future Contact witnesses and get their contact information as soon as you can It's also beneficial to take photographs of the site prior to any cleanup, as this can be used as evidence in the event of a need If you have been injured in a semi-truck crash it is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible and call the police It's also vital not to admit fault, as this could hinder the chances of receiving a fair settlement for your claim If a trucking firm contacts you with a proposal to settle and you're not sure how to respond, it's best to be polite and decline the offer and consult a lawyer You could be able to recover damages from the party at fault in a semi-truck accident The most straightforward is economic compensatory damage, which is intended to cover any financial expenses you might have suffered due to the crash These can include hospital bills or ongoing treatment as well as any income loss resulting from the injuries you sustained In addition, to the economic compensatory damages, you may also be eligible to receive punitive damages from the at-fault party They are designed to punish the defendant and prevent similar actions in the future It isn't easy to prove this type of compensation in court, but certain factors can help you determine the proper amount This could include evidence from the driver log of the trucker electronic driving records and evidence of cell phone usage, reports or opinions from forensic or financial experts