At High Stakes Injury Law, we've seen firsthand what happens when injured parties don't understand what to do after a truck accident. Often, they lose out on the vital compensation needed to move forward with their lives.
This learning resource will help injured parties understand what steps to take immediately following a collision so that they can confidently pursue a personal injury claim with the help of our award-winning truck accident lawyers in Boulder City, NV.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Table of contents
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Knowing what causes the devastating accidents won't stop you from getting into one. It will, however, help you understand that what may initially seem like your fault may actually be the result of someone else's negligent actions.
Fatigued or Impaired Driving
Federal regulations require truck drivers to adhere to strict hours-of-service rules.
Unfortunately, many still push themselves past their limits and drive while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Whether a direct violation by the driver or pressure from an unscrupulous trucking company, accidents caused by this factor are grounds for a personal injury claim.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Trucks are large, complex vehicles requiring regular maintenance to ensure safe operation.
When trucking companies fail to maintain their fleet properly, accidents can occur due to mechanical failures or malfunctions.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help identify if vehicle maintenance played a role in your collision to ensure recovery of all current and future medical expenses.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers are supposed to refrain from using any electronic devices while driving.
If it can be proven that the truck driver was distracted at the time of the accident, it could strengthen your right to compensation for damages and losses sustained.
Improper Loading or Securing of Cargo.
Incorrectly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit and cause the truck to become unbalanced or even overturn.
This type of accident could result from negligence on behalf of the trucking company or driver.
Insufficient Training or Experience
Driving a commercial truck requires specific skills and knowledge that can only be acquired through proper training and experience.
If a company hires or pushes a driver to operate a truck without the necessary qualifications, they could be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result.
Reckless Driving Behavior
No matter their time constraints, truck drivers have a responsibility to follow the same traffic laws as everyone else on the road.
When they engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or weaving through traffic, they can be liable for any accidents that occur as a result.
Poor Road Maintenance
Sometimes, it isn't the truck driver responsible for the accident but rather the entity or agency responsible for maintaining the road.
If poor road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage, contribute to a truck accident, you may be able to file a claim against them to recover all accident-related expenses.
These causes highlight the importance of not assuming fault verbally or in writing after a truck accident. Doing so could diminish your chances of receiving fair compensation for injuries and losses.
Types of Truck Accidents
Understanding the type of collision you are in can help you understand what to do after a truck accident.
Jackknife
This type of accident occurs when a truck driver brakes too hard, causing the trailer to swing out to the side and create an "L" or "V" shape with the cab.
Various factors, such as slick roads, equipment failure, or driver error can cause these accidents.
When these accidents happen, hiring an attorney to conduct a thorough investigation and determine liability is essential.
Rollover
When a truck's load is improperly distributed, or the driver turns too sharply, it can roll over onto its side or roof.
These accidents are often catastrophic, and an experienced attorney should navigate the claims process.
Rear-end
No matter the severity, it is essential not to assume fault or make fault statements at the scene.
What may initially feel like your fault could result from a distracted, fatigued, or impaired truck driver.
Underride
This occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the back or side of a semi-truck trailer, causing significant damage and injuries to the smaller vehicle's occupants.
Many states require these guards to prevent underride accidents. If they are missing or damaged, it could strengthen your case.
Head-on
These accidents can occur when a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel, crosses over into oncoming traffic, or swerves to avoid an obstacle.
Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, head-on collisions can result in severe injuries or fatalities for those involved.
If you are involved in a head-on collision, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately and consult with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Side-swipe
These accidents occur when a truck driver fails to check their blind spots and merges into another vehicle, causing damage to both vehicles.
Documenting the scene and gathering witness statements to establish fault in these accidents is essential.
Be sure to note the specific location of damage, as this can help determine which vehicle initiated the collision.
Lost load
If a truck's cargo is not properly secured, it can become detached and cause accidents or obstacles on the roadway.
These types of accidents are often preventable and may result from negligence on behalf of the trucking company or driver.
No matter the damage, contacting an attorney who can thoroughly investigate the accident and determine liability is vital.
The Do's and Don'ts of What To Do After A Truck Accident
DO call the police after an accident.
It doesn't matter the accident's severity; it is essential to contact the police every time one occurs. The police report can also serve as valuable evidence for your case.
Additionally, calling the police does more than establish a record of the accident; it also ensures that medical personnel will be dispatched to the scene if needed.
DON'T apologize or admit fault.
It's natural to want to apologize after an accident, but doing so can be used against you in a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Even if you believe you were at fault or partially responsible, do not make any statements admitting guilt until all facts have been examined and your attorney advises you on how to proceed.
DO seek medical attention immediately.
Even if you feel fine after a truck accident, getting checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible is essential.
Some injuries may not present symptoms immediately, and seeking medical attention can help prevent any potential health issues from worsening.
If you are worried about the exorbitant upfront costs of catastrophic accident injuries, contact a law firm with the ability to help find you a medical provider who will wait to get paid until your case is settled.
DON'T talk to insurance adjusters without an attorney present.
Insurance companies may do everything in their power to settle truck accident claims quickly, often for a lower amount than what your damages are worth.
It's important to consult with a truck accident attorney before speaking with any insurance adjusters to ensure a full and fair settlement.
DON'T delay in seeking legal representation.
Truck accidents can be complex, and it's essential to have an experienced attorney
on your side.
The sooner you consult with a lawyer, the better your chance of building a solid case and receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Delaying could harm your case and diminish your chances of obtaining maximum compensation.
DON'T post about the accident on social media.
Anything you post on social media can be used against you in a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
It's best to avoid discussing the accident or your injuries on social media and refrain from posting any photos or updates until your case is resolved.
This will protect your privacy and prevent any potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the events.
Do I Need A Truck Accident Lawyer To Help With My Case?
You may wonder if you need a truck accident lawyer to help with your case. The answer is a resounding yes, and here's why:
- Statute of limitations: An experienced truck accident lawyer will ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe to avoid being barred from seeking compensation.
- Thorough investigation: A truck accident attorney will have experience handling these cases, know what evidence to gather, and understand how to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiation with insurance companies: An experienced lawyer understands how to negotiate a favorable settlement, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Local laws and regulations: Truck accidents often involve multiple state and federal laws and regulations. An attorney from the area where the accident occurred will have in-depth knowledge of these laws and how they apply to your case.
- Courtroom experience: While most personal injury cases settle outside of court, having legal representation with courtroom experience can be crucial if your case goes to trial.
When considering what to do after a truck accident, contacting a lawyer should always be at the top of your list.
They can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process, allowing you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
What To Do After A Truck Accident? Contact High Stakes Law Firm To Recover Maximum Compensation.
It may not be possible to avoid the aftermath of a truck accident, but you can take steps to protect yourself and your future.
After seeking medical attention and contacting the police, the next crucial step is to contact a reputable truck accident lawyer from High Stakes Law.
We understand the complexities involved and can guide you through the legal process, fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Don't let a truck accident derail your life. Contact High Stakes Law Firm today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.