Although every motor vehicle accident is an incredibly dangerous occurrence. Typically, trucking accidents are more damaging. The government estimates that there are hundreds of thousands of trucking accidents every single year in the US, causing a significant portion of all motor vehicle deaths and billions of dollars in damages.
Regardless of whether you are a driver, a pedestrian, or a passenger. It is essential to know exactly what happens in a trucking accident and what you can expect. As well as the immediate steps to take afterward. Whether you drive a semi-truck cross-country or take public transport, read this essential guide to what happens after a trucking accident.
1. Immediate Steps After A Trucking Accident
Seek Medical Help
No matter which party you belong to. It is essential that you call emergency services and seek medical help immediately following a truck accident. Truck operation accidents are significantly more likely to cause life-changing injuries than other types of motor accidents. Even an injury that you think is minor could become serious. Seek medical treatment before doing anything else.
Document Everything
If you are able to, you should be collecting a proper record of every aspect of the accident. This will significantly boost your case if you decide to take legal action. This means, first and foremost, getting the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident. As well as, compiling photos of the accident and your injuries. And, retaining a record of all interactions with insurers. It also, crucially, means getting a police report in the aftermath of the accident.
Report the Accident
If you are involved in a trucking accident, always report it to the authorities. Doing so will allow the police to file a comprehensive report. This report will be available to help your case if you take legal action against the liable party. You should also report the accident to the trucking company. Because this may force the company to take measures to prevent future accidents from occurring. It may also be your legal responsibility to report an accident.
Consult an Attorney
While your first priority should be your health and safety, it is also important to get in touch with an attorney shortly after the incident has occurred. A qualified trucking accident attorney will be able to explain your legal options and help you put together a strong case to help get you any compensation you might be entitled to. Always consult an attorney after an accident, regardless of whether or not someone else is obviously at fault.
2. Determining the Cause of the Trucking Accident
There are many causes of trucking accidents, some of which are not always the fault of the truck driver themself, such as a poorly-placed roadblock. When preparing your truck accident lawsuit, here are the main causes of trucking accidents in America that you should be aware of.
Driver Fatigue
It is no secret that truck drivers are encouraged to work brutally long shifts in order to meet tight delivery deadlines, with many drivers eschewing proper rest in order to meet these deadlines. Driver fatigue is endemic to the trucking industry, which is why there is a wealth of rigorous legislation and regulations aimed at ensuring truck drivers are properly rested. If a driver was suffering from fatigue at the time of an accident, it may be the fault of the trucking company.
Drug and Alcohol Impairment
Unfortunately, countless numbers of Americans continue to recklessly endanger themselves and others by driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This remains true within the trucking industry, where alcoholism and drug addiction have been identified as being major problems within the industry. Regardless, there is no excuse for driving an 80,000-pound truck under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Lack of Proper Training
Many trucking accident lawsuits have revealed that the cause of an accident has been a lack of training. Many trucking companies have been found guilty of cutting corners when it comes to training their drivers how to operate their equipment, endangering the public as a result. A trucking accident lawsuit may reveal that a trucking company is guilty of negligence and is therefore liable to pay damages.
Driver Distraction
Driver distraction is another common cause of trucking accidents. Truck drivers can spend 12 hours at a time on the road, making them prone to distraction. This is why there are so many laws governing how often truck drivers should rest. A simple glance at a text message or a moment of daydreaming can have absolutely catastrophic consequences and cost lives. Driver distraction is negligence no matter which way you cut it.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Another surprisingly common cause of trucking accidents is poor vehicle maintenance. The maintenance needs of an 18-wheeler are very different from those of a Prius. Typically, it is the trucking company that is responsible for maintenance, meaning that the company is liable when a lack of maintenance causes a truck to crash. Poor maintenance can quickly cause a massive truck to break down on the road, causing unimaginable damages.
3. Recoverable Damages from a Trucking Accident
If you have decided to take a trucking accident to court, a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you have suffered damages as a result of a trucking accident that is not your fault, there is a wide variety of truck accident claims that you can be eligible for. Here are some of the most frequently recovered damages from trucking accidents in America.
- Funeral and burial expenses for a loved one who lost their life in a trucking accident.
- Medical bills for yourself and any family members that require medical treatment of any kind.
- Lost earnings and income as a result of being incapacitated by the accident.
- Lifetime lost earnings based on how many years a person would have worked if they had not been killed in the accident.
- The value of household services that were previously completed by the deceased.
- Emotional and trauma damage as a result of psychological pain.
- Expenses occurred through the administration of a deceased person’s estate.
Hire an Experienced Trucking Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been involved in a trucking accident, it is time to explore your legal options and pursue any compensation and damages that you might be owed. For this, do not hesitate to call the professional and friendly team at RHINO Lawyers to find out how we can fight your case for you.
CONTACT A TAMPA TRUCKING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a trucking accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
