Drivers often move to a different lane on the road when they encounter an 18-wheeler. They do everything possible to avoid these oversized vehicles, even if they trust the driver of the semi to know how to handle the vehicle. Nevertheless, they take evasive action, often with their hands gripping the steering wheel, and hope to move away as quickly as possible.
Following an Accident Involving an 18-Wheeler
The federal government has strict guidelines when it comes to the operation of tractor-trailers. For instance, they limit the number of hours a person can spend behind the wheel of one of these vehicles. They impose other restrictions to keep all drivers safe, as they recognize the size of these vehicles put others at a disadvantage.
The trailer of these vehicles can span 53 feet from front to back and weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This is before it is hooked to the cab, which adds to the weight of the semi out on the open road. Compare this to the average passenger vehicle which weighs approximately 4,000 pounds. It’s no wonder the injuries sustained by passengers in a car tend to be very severe when they are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer.
Individuals who have been involved in an accident of this type need to seek legal guidance immediately. Doing so ensures their rights are protected as they seek compensation for their injuries. Those who have lost a loved one in an accident with a semi also need to hire an attorney before proceeding with a wrongful death suit.
However, victims and their loved ones need to ensure they work with a truck accident attorney, such as those found at Uvalle Law Firm, as they recognize the intricacies of a case of this kind and seek compensation from all responsible parties. Often, this involves more than the driver. The attorney may also pursue compensation from the trucking company, the manufacturer of the vehicle, and more. What steps should a person take when they have an accident with a semi?
Call for Assistance
Immediately following the accident, call for assistance. Provide as much information as possible to the dispatcher about the location so first responders can know where to go. In addition, tell the dispatcher about any known injuries and other concerns. However, don’t share information about who may be responsible for the accident or things of that nature. Allow law enforcement to investigate the accident. Anything said during the emergency call could come up in court and hurt the victim’s case when they are seeking compensation.
Undergo an Evaluation by Emergency Personnel
People often experience a rush of adrenaline following an accident. They may not realize they have been injured right away, so it’s best to allow emergency personnel to do an on-site evaluation. If they recommend visiting the emergency room, follow their advice. They may see something the victim can’t. Furthermore, certain injuries don’t appear right away. It’s best to let a doctor determine whether additional care is needed.
A person might make their injuries worse if they don’t get checked and continue with their regular activities. Furthermore, an insurance adjuster might deny a victim’s claim if they didn’t seek medical care right away or try to minimize the severity of the accident, saying it couldn’t be that bad if the victim didn’t get medical help right after the accident.
Gather Information from the Scene
A person might not be able to take photos or get information about the other driver when they are in a tractor-trailer accident. Often, their injuries prevent them from taking these steps. However, if a person cannot do this, they should see if another person, possibly a family member who came to the accident site, can take photos, collect information about witnesses to the collision, and get the semi driver’s information.
In addition, request a copy of the police report. Law enforcement officers on the scene document details related to the crash. In addition to photographing the scene, they obtain information about the other driver. This will include their name along with their license, registration, and insurance information. The officers speak to any witnesses to the accident and take note of things such as weather and road conditions. They may have played a role in the accident, which becomes of importance as the case moves forward.
In the event, law enforcement does not arrive at the scene, document everything. A solid case relies on details, so never assume you are taking information that won’t be needed. More is better in this case.
Furthermore, try to get contact information for every person who witnessed the accident. They may be called as the case progresses to share information about what they saw.
Write down the name of any business in the area of the collision. Many business owners invest in surveillance cameras, and the video could help to show who was at fault in the accident. This video needs to be collected quickly to ensure it is preserved. The business may only keep the video for a few days, and no driver wants to know they waited too long to request it and it’s no longer available.
Avoid Speaking to Anyone Other Than Your Attorney
Avoid speaking to others about the accident. Any statement made by the victim may come up in court and hurt their case. Sadly, insurance companies often call the victim and ask how they are doing. When the victim instinctively responds fine, the insurance company uses this response to claim the injuries weren’t that bad. This is only one tactic they use to limit the financial award they must pay.
They record the statement of the victim and look for inconsistencies. This becomes of great concern, as a person might be on prescription medications to deal with the pain of their injuries. They may make inaccurate statements as a result, and the insurance companies use this to their advantage. Let an attorney speak on your behalf so you don’t accidentally say the wrong thing.
Conclusion | Following an Accident Involving an 18-Wheeler
Any person injured in a tractor-trailer accident should seek legal help immediately. Doing so helps to protect their rights and ensure they get fair compensation. Attorneys taking on these types of cases typically offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis. They only get paid if they win the case for the client. As a result, every person can get legal advice and know-how to proceed as they recover from the accident. This provides them with peace of mind when it is needed.