Accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as tractor trailers, trucks and delivery vans, can be particularly devastating due to the size and weight of these vehicles. The consequences of such collisions are often severe, leading to significant injuries, property damage, and death. At the Halperin Law Center, we are experienced in truck litigation, understand the complexities involved in these cases, and are here to guide you through the steps you need to take to secure the full compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Complexity of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle crashes are often more complex than those involving only passenger cars. Statistically, collisions involving commercial vehicles result in more serious injuries and have a higher frequency of deaths. Naturally, the vast discrepancy between the weight and size of a truck (from 10,000 pounds to almost 80,000 pounds if the trailer is loaded) and most passenger cars (about 3,500 or 4,0500 pounds) accounts for this increase in severity. Due to the mass of the truck or bus, the forces involved in such a collision are high, increasing the likelihood of harm.
Immediately following the collision, the trucking company will likely start investigating. Many trucking companies have emergency response teams, comprised of lawyers, claims adjusters, investigators, and trucking experts, to gather evidence. Often, this begins within hours of the accident. The job of these field teams is to prevent your financial recovery. As such, when there are serious injuries or death resulting from a truck accident, the victims should ensure that they immediately seek out an attorney who is experienced in tractor-trailer and commercial truck accidents. This is because time is of the essence in ensuring evidence is preserved. An experienced trucking accident attorney will be able to investigate promptly and navigate the hundreds of laws and regulations involved in commercial trucking (such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, or FMCSR). They can ensure all possible theories of liability and defendants are pursued, and that your recovery for your damages is maximized.
With a trucking accident, it is critical for your attorney to begin gathering and preserving evidence as soon as possible after the crash. The attorneys at the Halperin Law Center work with many leading tractor-trailer experts, and accident reconstructionists who can combat the insurance company and trucking company defenses.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
The moments following a commercial vehicle accident are critical. Here’s what you should do to ensure your safety and preserve important evidence:
- Ensure Safety First: Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Health and safety are the top priority.
- Move to Safety: If possible and safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call the Police: Always report an accident with a commercial vehicle to the police, even if it seems relatively minor. A police report is a crucial piece of evidence in any accident claim involving a commercial vehicle, to fully identify the driver, the owner of the vehicle, and any applicable insurance.
- Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation is evidence and can be invaluable in building your case.
- Collect Information: If you are able, gather contact information from the commercial vehicle driver, any witnesses, and responding police officers. Be sure to note the company’s name and the vehicle’s identifying information, such as license plate and company logos.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you are injured at all in the collision, it is critical to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident to be evaluated and treated. This medical evaluation will also document any injuries related to the accident. If you don’t’ document your injuries, the insurance company will not consider your injuries as part of your claim.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Understanding the common causes of commercial vehicle accidents can help in building a strong case. Some of the leading causes include:
– Driver Fatigue: Commercial drivers often work long hours, and fatigue can significantly impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely. This is one of the most common factors contributing to commercial vehicle accidents.
– Distracted Driving: Like any other driver, commercial vehicle operators can become distracted by phones, GPS devices, or other in-cab technologies.
– Speeding: Commercial vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds take a much greater distance to stop, requiring that commercial drivers keep a safe cushion of distance between their vehicle and other vehicles on the road.
– Improper Maintenance or Defective Equipment: Commercial vehicles require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. Failure to maintain brakes, tires, and other critical systems often leads to accidents.
– Overloading and Improper Loading: Commercial vehicles that are overloaded or improperly loaded can be difficult to control, increasing the risk of accidents.
Protecting Your Rights After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your rights. The sooner you contact the Halperin Law Center, the sooner we can begin working on your case. We will handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles are complex and often overwhelming for the victims. The legal landscape can be challenging to navigate, especially when dealing with trucking companies and their insurance providers. At the Halperin Law Center, we are committed to helping you through this difficult time and fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.
