What happens if you’re in an accident involving a large truck, bus, 18-wheeler, etc.? Well, for one thing, there’s going to be some pretty severe damage to your vehicle. Aside from that, you could experience physical injuries as well. It’s important that truck accident lawyers are contacted following a motor vehicle accident with a big rig or other large vehicle. Only a lawyer experienced in truck and traffic accidents will serve you completely and expertly.
Later, we’ll tell you the best accident lawyer to contact if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with the truck. In the meantime, let’s talk about truck accidents and what to do if you’re in one.
Trucking Accidents
Every year, in the United States, there are almost 450,000 crashes involving buses and big trucks. They can happen on residential streets, rural roads, interstates, highways – anywhere. Though it may not seem so, accidents are rarely straightforward when they involve big trucks. In commercial truck accident cases, special considerations apply. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
A Police Report Should Be Obtained
Whether it’s the Highway Patrol, County Sheriff, city police, or what have you, the responding law enforcement agency’s accident report must be obtained. There may be multiple reports in an accident of great significance or if a fatality was involved as a result of the wreck. Accident reports can and should be obtained by a legal representative. A separate report may be issued, as well, with accident data, measurements, etc.
Liability Theories Will Be Examined
Proving negligence becomes crucial in a typical automobile accident case. Negligence, depending on the circumstances, is defined as one person’s failure to act in a reasonable manner. Driving responsibly is the job of all truck drivers. Where the operation of their commercial vehicle is concerned, they are supposed to follow very specific federal regulations. Additionally, their vehicles are inspected for a number of regulated factors.
Every aspect will be inspected by a legal representative to see if the trucker or their vehicle was in violation of any codes, regulations, laws, etc.
Critical Evidence Should Be Collected/Protected
Without evidence, it’s hard to win an accident case. A thorough investigation of the accident should be conducted by an attorney, particularly when handling a truck accident case. This is going to include the prevention of evidence loss or spoliation and obtaining the necessary evidence. In a timely manner, all steps must be taken so evidence is not destroyed or lost.
Relevant evidence in a truck accident case could include the following:
- Any available video footage
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the scene
- Medical reports
- ECM data – black box – from the truck involved
- Maintenance records
- The application, personnel file, etc., of the defendant truck driver
Have You Been Involved in a Truck Accident?
When you’re involved in a truck accident, so your rights are protected, legal advice should be obtained ASAP. An experienced lawyer can immediately take steps to guide you through the legal process. The sooner you and your lawyer get the ball rolling, the better chance you stand of things moving along smoothly.
If you’ve been in an accident involving a truck or some other vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Corradino & Papa, LLC. Don’t let the recklessness or negligence of someone else disrupt your life. Count on our team of legal practitioners for help.
We get justice and fair compensation for those who have been injured.
Contact us today.