What to Do after a Truck Accident

                                                                                         

If you have an accident involving a truck, there are special steps that must be taken, some of which must be followed immediately after the accident occurs. Due to the extensive laws that govern the trucking industry, accidents involving trucks are considered different than typical accidents involving automobiles or motorcycles. Due to federal regulations, some of the evidence must be maintained at the scene of the accident for a limited amount of time. For instance, a truck driver’s logbook, which may contain information about an accident in which the driver was involved, must be preserved and cannot be destroyed for a specific amount of time. Depending on what the driver is hauling, truck drivers require special kinds of insurance while they are over the road. This can often make it necessary for a person involved in an accident with a truck to obtain professional legal services, in order to handle assigning the appropriate blame to the involved insurance companies, and all in a reasonable amount of time.

If you are involved in an accident with a truck, it is imperative to contact the appropriate investigating authorities immediately to handle the details of the accident. These authorities not only handle the reconstruction of the accident (should it be necessary), but they also preserve the evidence (such as fresh skid or gauge marks), that may be critical in a future legal case. Evidence such as a driver’s logbook may further be critical in proving liability or extenuating circumstances. These may include things like written and recorded information regarding timely maintenance and replacement of critical or failing parts, and maybe more importantly, the driving schedule of the person operating the truck, which may in fact establish that federal regulations (that limit the time one may drive on the road), have been broken. Truck drivers (and oftentimes, the companies who hire them), are often held liable for whatever damages (personal or property-related) that may occur due to negligence. This may include driving schedules, or failure to insure the safe operation of their vehicles properly.

Involved parties may find that hiring an attorney to handle critical details is crucial, as oftentimes it becomes necessary to obtain court orders for the preservation of evidence. It is also imperative to locate any potential witnesses, and to record their version of events. As with any accident, involved parties should call emergency services, especially if medical attention is required. Further, one should do whatever is necessary to get out of the way of more potential danger. Parties should exchange all relevant information, including names, driver’s license numbers and contact information. Any involved witnesses should be questioned for contact information and their version of the event. Make sure to record, as clearly and thoroughly as possible, any details of the accident, including location, weather conditions, date, time and a description of the event.

About the author:
Consult with a Minnesota area truck accident lawyer if you have been injured in an accident or harmed as a result of truck driver negligence. Backed by an experienced truck accident attorney, you can be sure your legal rights will be protected.

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