WAS YOUR LARGE TRUCK INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
In the United States, there are over 5.5 million car accidents annually, with 40,000 resulting in fatalities. Out of these 5.5 million accidents, 500,000 involve large trucks. Large truck accidents have the potential to be exceptionally dangerous, and they can result in hefty lawsuits depending on who is to blame. If you are a truck driver involved in an accident, here is what you need to know in order to increase your chances of winning your case and avoiding fault.
WHO IS LIABLE FOR TRUCK ACCIDENTS?
Liability concerning injury and damages is one of the major concerns surrounding truck accidents. A trucking accident lawyer can help investigate the case and determine who was truly at fault for the incident.
There are several different parties that could be potentially liable for the accident. For instance, the truck manufacturer may be liable if the accident was caused due to a defect or known malfunction that led to the incident. Additionally, the trucking agency may be found to be at fault if it is shown that they cut corners or performed inspections incorrectly resulting in circumstances that caused the accident.
Similarly, it could be shown that a third party was at fault for the accident due to either reckless driving or negligence. If this is the case and you, as the truck driver, were injured as a result, you could then seek compensation due to their fault.
A lawyer well-versed in truck accidents will consider all of the factors and evidence in order to determine the most probable cause of the incident so that the party that was not at fault can get the compensation they need.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO AS A TRUCK DRIVER
As a truck driver, there are few things you can do to increase the likelihood that you are found to be not at fault. This can include:
Calling the police immediately after the accident.
Seeking medical attention and keeping any records of treatment.
Taking pictures of the accident. This should include images of both your truck and the other vehicles involved.
Contact your insurance company to file a report; you should also immediately contact the company you work for so that they can begin dealing with the situation.
Contacts an attorney who primarily deals with truck accidents so that you can get started on building your defense.
If you take all of these necessary steps as soon as the accident occurs, you will have a much better chance of proving you are not at fault.
DON’T WAIT
If you have been involved in a truck accident don't wait to call an attorney and get started on building your case. An attorney will be able to analyze the scene to determine both who is at fault and who is most liable for the accident. In cases like this is important not to try to defend yourself and instead leave the case to a professional who knows the laws.