Experiencing any accident with a sizable truck or semi can be extremely scary and overwhelming. There are some basic legal tips which are helpful whenever a typical auto accident occurs, but truck accidents are different than a typical car accident.
Large trucking companies now employ rapid-response teams of lawyers, investigators and accident reconstructionists. These rapid response teams start planning for the defense of a case immediately after a significant truck accident that's caused a significant injury or fatality. These teams of lawyers and experts may sometimes arrive at the scene of a dreadful truck crash before the police do. The stakes in a catastrophic truck injury or death case are very good, and experienced truck accident lawyers can tell you why these rapid response teams is going to be very aggressive in pushing the bounds in order to avoid liability for crashes they've caused.
Serious truck accident cases are different, and it is vital to talk about the case having an experienced Lowell Truck Accident Lawyer. Critical evidence that could have proved violation of important safety regulations could be destroyed. For example, log books that may prove speeding or driving over hours in a dangerously fatigued state can legally be destroyed by the trucking company shortly after a crash if they do not receive notice to preserve the evidence. Black boxes, or electronic data recorders, that may also prove critical facts can be swiped and erased if the trucking company is not wear notice to preserve it.
Below are a few additional ideas to be better prepared:
1. Stay calm and assist injured passengers.
If anyone is hurt or injured, call an ambulance for anyone who's injured. Do not move injured passengers unless it's necessary in order to avoid further injury.
2. Call the police.
Even though the truck driver says he will probably pay for the damage or if the injuries appear to be minor, call the police immediately to be able to file a report.
3. Document ALL injuries.
Create a detailed list of most injuries and pain you're experiencing, even when it appears to be minor at the time. That is important because many serious personal injuries that don't seem severe can worsen as time passes, or they be totally masked by more apparent injuries, such as for example bleeding. Auto insurance companies need notice of most injuries, otherwise, they could not cover benefits.
4. Take note of the maximum amount of information as you can.
Document the maximum amount of information that you can at the truck accident scene, because it's common for the driver who caused the crash to improve his story afterwards once the attorneys for the trucking company meet with him. Errors might also appear in the police report, so documentation by the accident victim could be instrumental in correcting mistakes. When you can, pay attention to these information:
All injuries that you have from the truck accident.
The precise location of the accident.
The names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses.
The time, weather conditions and direction other vehicles were traveling at the time of the accident.
An explanation of the way the truck crash happened.
License plate numbers of all vehicles involved.
Any injury to vehicles that occurred consequently of the accident.
Statements by other drivers admitting responsibility, and/or saying they certainly were not injured
Name of most police officers who arrive at the scene.
Name, address, telephone number, driver's license number and insurance information of most other drivers involved.
Whether you believe any drugs or alcohol contributed to the accident (and insist on a breath test if you suspect alcohol is involved).
5. Photograph the scene.
Take pictures of the accident scene, if you can do so safely. Remember, most good law firms also have private investigators which can be provided for the accident scene as well. Make sure you photograph:
Vehicle damage.
Injured truck accident victims.
Skid marks on the roadway close to a measuring stick, shoe and other object in order that how big is the marks could be estimated.
6. Cooperate with police, but speak having an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Avoid talking to anyone, besides police, about your truck accident. Do not talk to investigators from the insurance company or accident lawyers that represent the trucking company that caused the crash. Do not accept "cash" in trade for the suggestion you blame others in case a representative of the insurance company tries to meet up with you in a medical facility or at home shortly after the crash.
7. Do not leave the scene of the accident.
If you are now being transported to the er by ambulance, please remain at the truck accident scene until other drivers and police have left.