With all of its cargo, tractor-trailers are 25-30 times heavier and five times longer than the typical family vehicle. When a truck is involved in an accident, the damage is frequently rather large because of the large size disparity between the semi and smaller passenger cars. Recent statistics show that over 5,000 people die and another 100,000 are injured every year in collisions with trucks. It is the legal obligation of commercial truck drivers to adhere to traffic regulations and drive semi-trucks properly so as not to put other cars at risk. So, here are some important tips every driver should know in case of a truck-related accident.
Call 911
If an accident happens, call emergency services right away. Anyone present at the scene might sustain injuries. The adrenaline rush that follows a traumatic event may make it difficult, if not impossible, for a driver to recognize serious injuries. Remain calm and call for an ambulance if you have any discomfort or are unable to move.
Gather evidence
Try to collect as much evidence as you can by doing the following, if you can do so, of course:
- Take photos and videos
- Collect details on witnesses
- Gather truck driver and business information
- Ask for the police report
- See if there are any street cameras
The proof of your case will not be found overnight, but every detail will assist your attorney in constructing a solid case against the responsible person.
Hire a lawyer
The outcome of your lawsuit will depend on the wise choice of who will represent you in court. An attorney can help you find reliable medical providers, handle all of the necessary paperwork, mediate communications between the parties involved, and fight for the compensation you deserve after such a traumatic event. As an experienced Alpharetta Truck Accident Attorney explains, you are entitled to pursue damages that the truck accident caused, including property damage, pain and suffering, lost wages, medical costs, and punitive damages. In most cases, when you hire a lawyer to represent you, they will deduct their fee from any money you end up winning in court. So, if you are a truck accident victim, you should definitely retain the services of an attorney with extensive experience who will successfully defend you in court.
Beware of insurance companies
Insurance companies usually offer lowball settlements, especially in the case of a truck accident. However, you should be careful and seek the advice of your attorney before accepting any offer. Your injuries, lost income, and long-term medical bills can exceed what a settlement can provide. An attorney can help you determine if the offer is reasonable and may negotiate on your behalf to get a better deal.
Seek medical help
After a truck accident, get medical help right away, no matter how small your injuries may seem at first. Getting the proper care and keeping detailed medical records can ensure a successful personal injury claim. If you put off or skip necessary medical treatment, it can hurt your case and your chances of covering your losses.
Safety tips for truck drivers
Keep electronic data
Contemporary trucking operations rely on recording systems and electronic logging devices (ELDs). So, keep all data safe in case of an accident. This can provide important details about what happened before the crash. This information is crucial in determining fault or countering allegations of wrongdoing.
Cooperate with police
Help the police with their investigation the moment they arrive at the scene of the accident. Provide the facts without drawing any conclusions or blaming other drivers. Answer any question honestly, but don’t give out too much information, as you can say something that can be easily used against you.
More time for stopping
Slick roads make it much more difficult for semi-trucks to come to a full stop. Accidents involving truck drivers are more likely to occur when these drivers tailgate other cars. So, truck drivers should maintain a minimum of three seconds of space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. To ensure there is enough space to stop on slippery roads, truck drivers should maintain at least 5 to 10 seconds of distance.
Handling fatigue
Fatigue is the state of being emotionally or physically drained to the point of no return. The long hours at work and the many long trips put transporters at higher risk of fatigue. They need to be sure they take breaks and adhere to their help hours. Regulations prevent drivers from exceeding their safe limits to ensure that everyone gets enough sleep while driving. The best thing to do is to pay attention to your body’s signs of exhaustion and rest when necessary. These small pauses are perfect for stretching, taking small walks to refresh your mind and body, or even just lying down for a little nap. Technology solutions can also help with tiredness management. These days, devices can keep track of drivers and alert them when they start to show signs of fatigue. By notifying users when to stop and giving them notifications regularly, these solutions enhance security.
Avoiding distractions
One of the biggest risks to your safety when driving is distractions. There is a substantially higher likelihood of a collision, near-crash, or any other issue for drivers who are texting while driving. Also, the typical human diverts their attention from the road for 4.6 seconds which translates to 371 feet at 55 miles per hour. This is enough time for a kid to run out on the road or a car to pull in front of your truck, and if you are not paying attention to the road, many unfortunate events can happen in the blink of an eye.
Whether it’s a little automobile accident or a major truck crash, accidents are never fun. If you are well informed about your rights, have your insurance details on hand, and have competent legal representation, the procedure should go more smoothly. Remember to remain calm, collect all necessary contact information, and seek medical care if necessary after any vehicle accident. Make sure you drive safely!
