What You Need To Know After A Bad Run In With A Big Rig Truck
Car accidents are always rough, but there is next to nothing quite as scary as getting into an incident with a big rig truck. If you were hit or otherwise involved in an accident with a large vehicle, you may have the right to financial compensation for any sustained property damage or injuries. Here are some things to keep in mind following an accident with a big rig truck.
Start with the Basics
First things first, you should treat any run in with a large truck exactly as you would any other vehicle. The driver of the truck still needs to give you their information including their name and insurance information. You'll want to document the accident scene, taking photos or creating a diagram of what happened. Contact the police if needed and get a report filed.
Who is Responsible?
You might already know the truck driver is at fault, but when going after a trucking company for financial compensation, it might not be as simple as suing the driver. There are a wide variety of things that could cause a big rig to get into an accident. Yes, perhaps the driver fell asleep at the wheel, but it could just as easily have occurred due to a faulty part provided by the truck's manufacturer or a failure to perform regular maintenance on the vehicle.
What If I'm at Fault?
It's possible that you bear at least some responsibility for the accident yourself, but that doesn't mean you won't get a payout. You may be able to prove that the driver or the trucking company was negligent in some fashion. Your payout will likely take your own fault in the matter into consideration, and this could reduce the final judgment against the trucking company, but the point is that a payout is still possible if negligence can be proved.
Contact an Attorney
For best results, hire a trucking accident law firm as soon as possible after the crash. Your lawyer will be able to investigate the wreck for you and might be able to find signs of negligence or pin point a specific cause. A good attorney will also be able to talk to the insurance companies for you and may be able to negotiate a settlement that is to everyone's satisfaction while helping you and the trucking company avoid a costly trial.
Reach out to a local trucking attorney today for more information.