Big Truck Wrecks Require Expert Investigations

When it comes to a passenger car accident, it’s not usually difficult to determine fault. Both parties own their vehicles, and the circumstances, witnesses, and a police report dictate the fault.

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When it comes to semi-truck accidents, however, there are many more potential reasons for the accident, which is why any accident claims require careful inquiry and analysis by a professional who understands the ins and outs of the legal system.

 

There Are Many Different Causes of a Big Truck Accident

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While distracted driving and alcohol are 2 of the main causes of passenger car crashes, there are a variety of potential reasons behind an accident involving a large truck.

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Mechanical Accidents

Semi-truck drivers aren’t always to blame for their accidents. Sometimes, truck wrecks occur because of a mechanical problem within the truck itself.

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Failing brakes are one of the most common truck malfunctions. The braking system in a truck is more complex than that of a car. Outdated safety technology, unsecured cargo space, and unsafe tires are other common reasons behind truck malfunctions.

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It can be at the fault of a driver if they haven’t performed the required safety checks and maintenance. It can also be at the fault of the trucking company for outdated technology or unregulated safety checks, for example.

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Driver Fatigue

Many truck drivers are under pressure from management to meet their delivery quota, regardless of unexpected issues such as traffic, detours, and weather.

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Plus, truck drivers often push themselves, driving more hours than they safely should, which inevitably leads to overtired driving. Truck drivers are required to rest for a certain number of hours every day and to take breaks between shifts.

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In addition to driver fatigue and mechanical issues, here are more examples of semi-truck accident causes:

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• Blindspot accidents

• Falling debris

• Rollovers

• Distracted driving

• Unqualified drivers

• Distracted driving

• Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol

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Many drivers are, unfortunately, under qualified for the complex demands of truck driving. More often than not, it’s as a result of corporations slacking on their provided training.

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What You Should Do During and After the Accident

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There are some very important steps you should take if you’re in an accident with a semi-truck driver.

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First and foremost, seek medical attention, especially if you’re noticeably hurt. Even if you aren’t sure if you’re hurt, it could be that you’re in shock, and your adrenaline and endorphins are preventing you from feeling immediate pain. Whether you think you’re hurt or not, you should not hesitate to seek medical attention after a big truck wreck.

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If you’re not seriously injured and you feel you’re able to wait a bit to seek medical attention, stay at the scene. Make sure you’re in a safe place away from the scene and wait for police and paramedics to arrive. Calling the police will help, not hinder, your situation. If there are any witnesses nearby, get their information and give it to your lawyer.

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Take down as much information as you can. Even though a police officer will record all the necessary information, get the name, number, and license plate numbers of cars and drivers involved, especially the semi-truck driver. Also, get the United States Department of Transportation serial number from the truck driver.

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Take photographs! Take as many photos as you can documenting the entire accident and any subsequent damage. Take a variety of photos, including up-close damage and whole picture photographs.

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Questions to Ask an Attorney

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Finding the right attorney is key when it comes to handling the aftermath of a big accident.

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Make sure the attorney you hire is an expert in car accidents and has handled big truck wrecks before.

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Ask about legal fees. Most lawyers handling accident claims will work on contingency, meaning you’ll only pay them if they obtain compensation for you. It’s not uncommon to pay court fees and investigation fees, should you receive compensation through your case.

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Ask your attorney their opinion of your case, based on their previous experience. Any expert and professional lawyer will be honest about what they believe could be potential outcomes for your case.

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Benefits of Hiring an Accident Lawyer

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When it comes to accident claims regarding big truck wrecks, there is a myriad of benefits when it comes to opting to hire an accident lawyer.

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Semi-truck accidents often require in-depth investigation and knowledgeable navigation of the legal system. A trucking attorney will make sure you stay on top of deadlines and any federal regulations that could impact your case. They’ll understand how to deal with insurance companies, truck businesses, and cargo companies.

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A Trucking Attorney Will Collect Relevant Evidence

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Your car accident attorney will coordinate an investigation following your wreck. In addition to gathering witness testimonies and investigating the scene of the accident, your attorney will also examine additional evidence, such as:

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• Property damage to your vehicle

• The truck driver’s qualifications, employment history, and drug and alcohol tests

• An inspection of the commercial vehicle

• The trucking company’s insurance carrier information

• Medical records of all injuries

• The truck’s “black box”

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No one wants to admit fault in the event of an accident. Big truck wrecks are more complicated than passenger car accidents, though, as they require careful investigation and analytics to determine fault.

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A Trucking Attorney Will Determine Liability

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Your lawyer will be able to determine liability in your accident. While it’s possible the truck driver was at-fault, in some cases, the fault is shared across multiple parties. Here are some of the parties that could be held responsible in the event of a big truck wreck:

• The truck driver

• The truck owner

• The truck manufacturer

• The company who leased the truck

• The shipper or cargo loader

Your attorney will look at your accident and claims case from every angle to determine who is liable for your injury, suffering, or loss.

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Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Semi-Truck Accident

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We’ve already gone over a slew of reasons why it’s essential to hire an attorney after a big truck wreck. Whether you were seriously injured or not, accidents are traumatizing, and pain, suffering, and property damage play an essential role in compensation seeking.

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On a state and federal level, the trucking industry is heavily regulated. The guidelines and rules are there to ensure safety on the road by enforcing things such as training standards for new drivers, the speed at which trucks are permitted to travel, limitations on the length of trips a given driver can take, the weight of cargo trucks are allowed to carry, and much more.

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Only an expert attorney will have a deep understanding and knowledge of these regulations to help determine which laws were broken and what caused your accident.

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Plus, an experienced attorney will be the best negotiator for your case. After an accident, opposing lawyers and insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize their liability.

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Only a lawyer can fight to help make sure your interests are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

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Don’t Hesitate to Hire a Lawyer If You’ve Been in a Big Truck Wreck

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You’ve got nothing to lose by hiring a lawyer, and everything to lose if you don’t. You don’t have to worry about digging into your pockets as most accident lawyers only charge fees if they win your case.

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Accident lawyers are there to protect drivers’ rights and navigate the law, and all the evidence should you find yourself in a big truck wreck.

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Don’t hesitate to call an attorney who will help you every step of the way, get you the compensation you deserve, and some peace of mind along the way.

 

Do you want to find out how we can help? Give us a call for a FREE consultation. We are here to help!

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