Each year, hundreds and thousands of trucks crash on USA highways and streets, resulting in the destruction of property, injuries of people, and sometimes, death.

After a truck accident, the victim is in a state of confusion as the battle is not only about the physical injury, but it also involves the complex legal processes that follow the accident.

When faced with those hard situations, learning what to do on the spot and getting guidance in legal processes will bring you the deserved justice and fair compensation you seek.

Accidents involving trucks more frequently differ from those of usual car accidents because of the mass and weight discrepancies between trucks and light vehicles.

The effects of an accident where a huge truck is involved can be frightening, and most of the time, it will lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Hence, persons who were involved in an accident with a truck must be educated on the dos and don’ts, as well as to be well-informed of the available legal options after the incident.

What to Do After The Accident?

●       Ensure Safety

The first thing to do when you notice that an accident has occurred is to take steps to ensure that everyone is safe.

Such as self-checking injuries of oneself or passengers and also checking other vehicle occupants for injuries.

●       Move to a Safe Location

If the cars involved could be moved without the risk of aggravating injuries or blocking traffic flow, try to move them aside onto the shoulder or the side of the road.

Moving the vehicles to a secure place is possible to avoid additional accidents and allow emergency responders to access the scene promptly.

●       Call the Police:

No matter what the level of the case is, law enforcement should be notified, and the event should be reported in the same manner.

Police presence not only guarantees proper documentation of the incident but also assists in dealing with and controlling the situation.

While giving the authorities detailed information about the location, number of vehicles, and parties injured, be as accurate as possible.

●       Exchange Information

Communication and the exchange of information with other parties concerned with the accident are indispensable for future settlement of insurance cases and their legalization.

Acquire the following basic information from everyone who is involved and even from witnesses if you can: name, address, phone number, and insurance information.

●       Document the Scene

Smartphones have the power to act as a powerful tool for describing the place where the accident occurred.

Take pictures of both the vehicles that were involved in the crash while showcasing the degree of damage from various angles.

●       Seek Medical Attention:

If any injuries are minor or invisible immediately after the accident, it is still recommended to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.

●       Notify Your Insurance Company:

It is vital to notify your insurance company immediately after the accident to give a kick-start to your claims process.

Let them know the precise information, for example, date, location, and the circumstances of the accident.

Cooperate fully with your insurance company, providing any documentation or statement required for the issue of the claims.

Next Step: Liability Determination

Investigations into truck accidents come in all forms and can often involve multiple parties, such as law enforcement, insurance adjusters, and legal teams.

Such processes frequently involve collecting evidence from the scene of the accident, interpreting the damage to the vehicles or data from the black boxes, and interviewing witnesses.

Investigators may use specialists in accident reconstruction, engineering, and medical background to establish the chain of events that led to the accident.

Factors Considered to Determine Liability

●       Driver Negligence

Motor vehicle drivers are more likely to be negligent, as examples of such behavior include speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted driving (e.g., using a cell phone or texting), or violating hours-of-service regulations.

●       Vehicle Maintenance

The trucking business or following the truck could be the cause of accidents in a variety of ways, which may include not performing regular inspections or overlooking some other mechanical issue.

●       Improper Loading:

Overweight cargo or cargo that is not properly tied down and secured can create an imbalance or cargo slipping, thus increasing the risk of crashes, especially during a sudden stop or making a turn.

●       Traffic Violations:

Violation of traffic ordinances, such as a red-light running, failure to yield, or any other improper lane change, are the established negligence of the truck driver or other specific motorists involved in the accident.

Filing a Lawsuit

Legal Strategy

If negotiation proves unproductive in reaching a settlement, a truck accident lawyer near you can move to file the lawsuit on your behalf.

They devise a strategic legal plan to fit the specificity of your case, where legal theories, evidence, and arguments will be generated in order to support the claim.

Settlement Negotiations

Even after filing a lawsuit, there is a chance that the discussion to settle the case can continue. Your attorney’s role is not just limited to negotiations but also includes a thorough investigation of possible settlement options while simultaneously readying for trial should a resolution not be reached