Tractor Trailer Accidents
Tractor trailer accidents made up for 9% of fatal crashes in 1997 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) while only comprising 3% of all vehicles on the road in the United States. Tractor trailer accidents are often more severe than those involving just passenger cars because of the size and weight of the vehicle as well as any load being carried (such as hazardous materials) which could cause additional property damage or personal injury. Some tractor trailer accidents may result in a lawsuit being filed for civil damages by someone who believes that another party was at fault for the crash. In the event of tractor trailer accidents, it is important to know your rights and duties as a citizen so you may be able to better determine the cause of the accident and more successfully enable your attorney to recover the full damages you are entitled to.
The most crucial component of reacting to tractor trailer accidents is to never leave the scene of the accident prior to the authorities arriving and giving the all clear. Do not move the vehicles unless they are posing a direct threat to public safety, immediately call 911 or flag down a passing motorist for help if no phone is personally available, and attend to the occupants of any other cars involved as well as any of your passengers. If any one did sustain injuries it is important to not try and move them unless they are in the threat of more danger by remaining still. Tractor trailer accidents often result in very serious and often fatal injuries and proper medical care should be given to all involved before leaving the scene.
Tractor trailer accidents are legally treated in the same manner as those involving passenger cars in that each party involved is entitled to certain information from the other. If a big rig accident occurs, each party is required by law to provide the other parties with their full name, address, insurance carrier information and driver’s license number. It is important to collect all of this information yourself, either from the other individuals or from the police officers at the scene. Although it will all be included in the accident report, these documents usually take a few days to prepare and this information will be needed when you first speak with your insurance carrier.
Additionally, any evidence at the scene which can be documented or preserved will facilitate the police in issuing any necessary tickets as well as helping to prepare a case to attempt and recover damages. Evidence includes taking pictures (most cell phones are now equipped with a camera) of any skid marks, property damage or other factors which could help determine cause at a later date. Accident scenes are easily corrupted by time, weather and passing traffic, so collecting as much information immediately following the accident can be crucial.
Tractor trailer accidents can often be traced by to human error, mechanical breakdown or careless driving. If involved in an accident which could have been preventable be taking reasonable measures, consulting with a personal injury lawyer may inform you of your rights under the law and possible compensation.
|
Truck Accidents 
