Have you been in a truck accident? Then you know that these vehicles carry a lot of weight and force, and they are difficult to maneuver.
When someone’s driving a semi-truck and makes a mistake, there’s a huge chance that they’ll get into an accident. In fact, there were 107,000 truck accidents in the U.S. in 2020.
Everyone wants to avoid being in an accident. But if it does happen, you need to know what to do about the aftermath. Read on to learn what you can do if you ever have to use your semi truck accident claims.
Who Is Liable in a Semi-Truck Accident
It is important to identify who was driving the truck at the time of the accident to determine who is liable for a truck accident. If the truck was being operated by an independent contractor, the company that hired the contractor may be liable. If the truck was being operated by an employee of the company, the company may be liable.
It is also important to consider whether a mechanical failure caused the accident. If so, the company that manufactured the truck may be liable.
Finally, consider whether a defective road caused the accident. If the accident was caused by a defective road, the government may be liable.
The Claim Process for Semi-Truck Accidents
When you’re involved in a semi-truck accident, the process for filing a claim can be different than a regular car accident. Here are some tips on what to expect and how to navigate the process:
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer
The first thing you should do after a commercial truck accident is to find a personal injury lawyer. Speak with an experienced attorney like the Valley Accident Attorneys as they can help you navigate the complicated process and get the compensation you deserve.
File a Police Report
The next thing you should do is file a police report. This will document the accident and can be used as evidence in your case.
Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. These will also be helpful in building your case.
Get Medical Treatment
Get medical treatment for your injuries. This will not only help you recover but will also create a record of your injuries, which can be evidence in your case.
File a Claim
After you have gathered all of this evidence, your lawyer will help you file a claim with the trucking company’s insurance company. The insurance company will then investigate the accident and determine whether to offer you a truck accident settlement.
If they do not offer you a fair truck accident settlement, your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit.
The Cost of Settling Semi Truck Accident Claims
Semi-truck accidents can be extremely costly, both for the victims and for the trucking company.
There are factors that will affect the cost of truck accident claims, including the severity of the injuries, the amount of property damage, and whether the trucking company was at fault.Â
Know What to Do in the Event of a Semi-Truck Accident
If you or a loved one have been involved in a trucking accident, it is important to know what to do in order to ensure that you are best protected. This means understanding the ins and outs of semi-truck accident claims. Do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney to help you through this process.
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