Commercial truckers tend to be far more experienced behind the wheel than the average motorist, but no driver is immune to accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 3,850 people lost their lives in truck crashes in 2015. The vast majority of these fatalities were passenger vehicle occupants.
If you were injured by a negligent truck driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages; however, the claims process is riddled with legal hurdles, and recovering fair compensation is rarely a straightforward process. The at-fault driver or the insurance company might dispute your claim, and one small mistake could significantly reduce your payout.
The success of your claim will hinge on the strength of your evidence. You or your truck accident lawyer will need evidence to prove negligence, liability, and the value of your damages
6 Steps to Take after a Commercial Truck Accident
It may seem impossible to remain calm after a serious collision, but your statements and actions at the crash scene can have a profound impact on the success of your claim. Here are six steps you should take immediately after an accident with a tractor-trailer:
- Check yourself and other people for injuries;
- Call the police, and if necessary, request emergency medical assistance;
- Take photos that show the positions of vehicles, traffic signs, skid marks, injuries, and property damage;
- Record the insurance information and contact details of all drivers involved;
- Record the truck’s DOT number; and
- Write down the contact information of any eyewitnesses.
For a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 777-7777
What Is “Black Box” Data?
Most commercial vehicles carry an Electronic Data Recorder (EDR), also known as a “black box.” This device records information about a truck driver’s performance such as:
- Number of hours on the road;
- Average speeding;
- High speed;
- Sudden braking; and
- Seat belt use.
EDR data may help your attorney prove negligence and liability. For example, it may show that the trucker was speeding immediately before your accident or that he or she violated the Hours of Service Regulations.
If you wait too long to take legal action, though, EDR data may be erased or otherwise become unavailable. As such, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your collision.
Lafayette Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today
A Lafayette truck accident attorney from Laborde Earles Law Firm can help you navigate the claims process and avoid costly mistakes. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 800-522-6733.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
