The most dangerous cause of great destruction are the truck accidents that occur on the highways.
Because they are so big and heavy, these types of vehicles can create a lot of devastation and injure people really badly.
It is no surprise that people often want to get answers to questions about these accidents and the legal support that they need. Reviewing truck accident statistics can provide valuable insights and help individuals understand the prevalence and common causes of these incidents, guiding them to seek appropriate legal assistance.
Here we will take in the common queries about commercial truck accidents to help you understand and clarify.
Q1. What do I have to do if I have been in a truck accident?
- Analyze the state which includes your feelings and that of the others, and get medical attention immediately.
- Call the police to file the report of the accident, and if you can, write down any information you remember.
- If your vehicle is blocking movement of the traffic, move it if you are able but take photos from various angles beforehand.
- Get the needed information from the trucker, such as his name, home address, cell phone number, and the number of his driver’s license.
- For an easy and smooth claim process, make sure you have a valid insurance company and policy number handy. Figure out about the trucking company as well.
- Contact available witnesses at the scene and put down the testimonies in writing.
Q2) What are the Reasons for The 18-wheeler Vehicle accident?
Let’s look at some of the reasons behind truck accidents:
● Driver fatigue:
Working long shifts and not having enough sleep can deteriorate the drivers’ reaction time and make the decision-making process more difficult.
● Distracted driving:
The smartphone is one of the most dangerous distractions to drivers, who, while using it, look away from the road, and this increases the risk of accidents.
● Speeding:
Driving beyond the speed limit or driving fast on roads with inadequate peculiarities will prevent you from having the ability to manage the vehicle, and respond to any unforeseen situation effectively.
● Poor vehicle maintenance:
Not performing periodical maintenance checks may result in mechanical problems such as brake failure and tire blow-outs which will in turn increase the likelihood of accidents.
Q3) How much time is allotted for me to pursue legal action or to file an insurance claim?
Each state has its own statute of limitations in filing a personal injury lawsuit for an accident committed either by a truck or a car. The period is most often for two years. You should contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer near you as soon as possible.
Your attorney would be assigned a number of duties, such as investigation and discovery. Consequently, you would have to involve legal help sooner rather than later.
Many insurers observe shorter deadlines. As soon as possible, call your insurance company to find out your insurance company about any deadlines. It is best to act now, thus, you will increase the probability of winning your claim.
Q4) Who Can Be Made Legally Responsible for an 18-wheeler Truck Accident?
There are various stakeholders involved in a truck accident.
The Truck Driver:
When speaking about the individual that drives the truck, it is possible that the driver may be held accountable for negligence if their actions, like speeding or distracted driving, cause the accident.
The Trucking Company:
The responsibility may be ascribed to the company that employs the driver if the latter is poorly trained, supervised, or monitored, or if unsafe practices like excessive delivery time are encouraged.
The Owner of the Truck:
In the event the trucker or trailer is rented or owned by a distinct entity from the trucking company, the owner may be held responsible for the failure to keep the unit in good condition or for allowing an unqualified driver to operate it.
Manufacturers of Defective Truck Parts or Equipment:
If the truck crash is a result of a faulty part or equipment, which may include the tire brakes, the manufacturer of the part or the distributor of such part may be subject to product liability laws.
Q5) What Compensation Can I Pursue in a Truck Accident Case Where an 18-wheeler Truck Was Involved?
Medical expenses (current and future):
The truck accident victims are compensated for the cost of the medical treatment they undergo immediately after the accident and also for the cost of any ongoing medical treatment,
Lost wages and income:
People involved in crashes with 18-wheeler trucks can not work for a certain time period according to the severity of their injuries and lose money during that time.
It is possible to demand both the wages which will not be available during the recovery period and any further income that will be lost if the injuries result in a permanent disability, and as a result, the victim will not have the ability to work.
Property damage:
If in an accident, a damage to the victim’s vehicle or other property, there is no doubt that the victim is entitled to appropriate compensation for repair or replacement costs.
For instance, this may include victimizing the cars, personal property or any other property that is destroyed at the time of the accident.
Pain and suffering:
The 18-wheeler truck crash victims are commonly suffering from physical pain and psychological problems due to the injuries and mental trauma of the accident.
The second purpose of damages for pain and suffering is to offer financial support to the victims who are dealing with physical discomfort, psychological damage, and degradation of the living standards as a result of the accident and injuries.
