Commercial trucks and transportation companies must comply with frequently changing laws and regulations regarding hours of service, maintenance, inspections required, and other safety protocols. This is to protect them as well as the victims of any collisions. Unfortunately, liability can be placed upon multiple parties depending on several factors. Being involved in a trucking accident is one of the scariest things to have to go through as it can be an extremely complicated process. However, if you are aware of your rights, follow the steps set out after an accident, and get in touch with a trucking accident lawyer as soon as possible, your case can and should be that much simpler.
First Things First
Following an accident, you need to seek medical attention. Some life-threatening injuries are not immediately apparent and a thorough medical examination needs to be conducted to ensure nothing is left undetected or untreated. The accident must be reported to the police and you must find a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. One of the most serious threats to road users is falling cargo. If this is the cause of your particular accident, then you need to seek representation from a specialized unsecured cargo truck accident attorney. Trucking collision claims need to be investigated thoroughly and promptly. Every claim has unique circumstances and hiring the right trucking lawyer will aid you in getting the compensation you need and deserve.
What Not to Do
Do not make any statements or sign any forms sent or requested by the trucking company or their insurance carriers. Rather seek advice from your lawyer who will assist in submitting any required paperwork. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters will attempt to get information from you and resolve the claim as soon as possible with little or no payout involved. Let the experts handle your case. The sooner a lawyer is on your case, the better. Trucking lawyers know how to preserve vital evidence and secure the scene of a collision. They can take the necessary photographs and witness statements. They also know how to obtain the vital ‘black box’ data regarding the truck involved. This holds technical vehicle data as well as details about the operator’s behavior at the time of the accident. Critical evidence can be lost, misplaced, and even destroyed should you not have an experienced team behind you.
Allow the Team to Take the Lead
Through thorough information and the opinions of expert witnesses, your lawyer can get to work on making sure your case is successful and just. Trucking lawyers know that each case is unique and blame often lies in multiple areas: the truck driver, the transportation company, the owner of the truck, the facility responsible for loading the truck, or the entity responsible for the contents of the truck. Allow them to utilize their expert team of engineers, medical professionals, and economists to wade through the frequently changing laws and regulations with regards to trucking. The traumatic events of the accident can have long-reaching effects on your physical and mental well-being.
The monetary, emotional, and physical damages related to trucking accidents can be exorbitant and, for this reason, it is best to make sure you have the best support possible when it comes to your legal representation.
