We all know how important safety on the roads is, especially involving large commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers or other heavy equipment trucks. Unfortunately, these kinds of accidents happen every day due to driver error or negligence, and they often result in serious injuries or even death. It’s essential that anyone who has been involved in such an incident knows exactly how to handle it appropriately. This article will provide helpful advice on what actions need to be taken right away following an accident with a semi-truck so that everyone remains safe and uninjured.
Accidents between passenger vehicles and semi-trucks can be complex because of the sheer size discrepancy between them, not only does this make it difficult for those involved to assess damages at first glance; but also means that additional precautions must be taken by law enforcement officers as well as medical personnel once they arrive at the scene of the crash.
Keep reading to learn what to do if you get in a semi-truck accident.
Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents can have serious consequences, both physically and financially. Common causes of these accidents include driver error, vehicle malfunction, and environmental conditions.
Driver error is the most frequent cause of semi-truck crashes. This can include improper speed or lane changes, fatigue due to long hours on the road, or lack of training. Vehicle malfunctions like brakes not working correctly or tires that aren’t adequately inflated can also contribute. Weather-related issues such as icy roads, high winds, or poor visibility can create dangerous conditions.
Liability in Semi-Truck Accidents
Generally, in a crash between two passenger vehicles, liability falls on the driver whose negligence caused the accident. In cases involving a large commercial vehicle like a semi-truck, however, additional factors may affect who will be found responsible.
The driver can be held accountable if they were negligent or violating traffic laws at the time of the collision. The employer may also bear responsibility if their actions contributed to the crash. This could include inadequate training and oversight of drivers or failing to provide proper maintenance for their trucks. In certain circumstances, even third parties, such as manufacturers of defective auto parts can be brought into legal action if those components played a role in causing an accident.
To determine which party should be assigned fault in a semi-truck accident case requires an extensive investigation by law enforcement and insurance companies involved. It is essential that anyone injured in this type of collision contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away to protect their rights and ensure justice is served.
How to File a Claim After a Semi-Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a semi-truck accident, it’s important to take certain steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.
The first and most important step is to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident. Even if you feel fine, it’s still a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Next, call the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene. The police will create an accident report that documents the details of the accident, which can be important if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Gather information from the truck driver, including their name, contact information, and insurance information. Take pictures of the scene of the accident and any damage to your vehicle. This can also be useful if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Your insurance company can provide guidance on how to proceed and may also be able to assist you with getting your vehicle repaired or replaced.
Finally, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney with experience in truck accidents. An experienced attorney can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damages resulting from the accident.
Contact Injury.io Today
Being involved in a semi-truck accident can be a traumatic experience, but knowing what steps to take afterward can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Seeking medical attention, calling the police, gathering information, notifying your insurance company, and contacting a personal injury attorney are all important steps to take in the aftermath of a truck accident. At Injury.io, we understand the challenges that come with being involved in a truck accident, and we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options and how we can assist you.
Emily Wilson is a writer who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English studies from Ball State University in 2021. Since graduating, Emily has started her career in content writing, and she hopes to continue helping her audience learn and grow from her works.
