Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys · Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers
Getting into an accident involving a semi-tractor trailer commercial truck is unlike any other kind of accident on the road. The rules and regulations governing the trucking industry mean that truck companies have a higher level of liability and they will work harder to protect their financial interests. In many cases, truck companies have independent professionals under contract in large cities, paid to arrive at the scene and start gathering evidence within an hour of a reported truck accident. Think about that. While you are still in the emergency room, the truck company is already trying to put its own spin on the evidence.
Ways to Protect Your Rights
After being involved in a truck accident, there are some common-sense actions you should take to ensure that your rights and interests are protected in the event you file a lawsuit to claim full and fair money damages.
- Log book records: Make sure the police gather the trucker's log book. Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, every truck driver is required to fill out a log book on every truck route. The information records the number of hours the trucker is behind the wheel. Hours of sleep and rest, meals and breaks. In addition to the log book, every commercial truck is required to include a so-called 'black box' computer that records technical data such as travel speed, fuel consumption and engine information. The information entered in the log book and recorded on the black box will be invaluable evidence for preparing your case.
- Who owns the vehicle: Determine whether the truck cab and the truck trailer are owned by the same company. In many cases, independent 'wildcat' truckers own their own cabs and contract to pull trailer loads owned by the transport company or product manufacturer. Assigning liability for a truck accident often requires determining whether the truck driver or cab caused the accident, or a trailer defect or unsafe load was at fault.
- Talk only to police: You won't do yourself any favors by trying to interview the truck driver at the scene. Remember, anything you say or do will be used against you. Even a small token regret that the accident occurred may be taken as an admission of guilt.
- Photograph the scene: If you have access to a camera in your car or on your cell phone, take some photographs of the truck. Pay particular attention to the trailer load. Once the trailer has been towed from the scene, it may be very difficult to prove that the load was unbalanced or improperly secured.
- See a doctor: If you weren't taken to the hospital, see a doctor immediately to get checked out. Don't assume that a minimal amount of damage to your car reflects a minimal injury. Even a slight bump on the head or twist of the back can result in a serious head or spine injury.
- Talk to an experienced truck accidents personal injury attorney: Discuss the circumstances of your truck accident with an attorney who has experience in all areas of FMCSA violations and commercial truck driver negligence. Even if you think the accident was partially or mostly your own fault, the laws regarding truck driver reactions on the road often make the driver or truck company partially liable for damages.
Free Consultation · Contingency Fees · Serving Clients Statewide
Caravona & Czack is your trusted truck accident injury litigation firm in Cleveland, representing victims of truck driver and truck company negligence throughout Ohio. We offer a free case evaluation and represent plaintiffs on a contingency-fee basis. If you don't win compensation in a settlement or jury verdict, you won't pay attorneys' fees.
