Every year in the US, over 500,000 tractor-trailer accidents occur, with more than 5000 involving fatalities. Most of these deaths are passengers in vehicles struck by large trucks, and some of the most common accident causes include tire blowouts, poor loading, drunk or sleepy driving, traffic violations and inclement weather. In this article, readers can learn more about proving liability in a Semi Accident in Terre Haute IN.
Proving Liability in Tractor-Trailer Accident Cases
The FMCSR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) code establishes liability in trucking accidents, and it demonstrates where a driver’s negligence is to blame. Important parts of the code stipulate that:
• Plaintiffs must show that they belong to a group protected under the code
• Plaintiffs must prove that their injuries were of the type preventable by the code
• Truckers and companies are liable for violations of the code
Documenting a Trucker’s Liability
In trucking accidents, it is important to collect evidence right away to prevent it from being lost or destroyed. An attorney may ask for the driver’s service logs, which document how long they’ve been on duty. Items such as cell phones and medication bottles may provide valuable evidence, as can a copy of the company’s background check. By hiring an attorney as soon as possible, the victim can have the truck inspected for evidence before it’s destroyed, sold or repaired.
Legal Remedies for Trucking Accidents
Tractor-trailer accidents often bring legal claims that result in damages being awarded to the plaintiff. Calculation of damages depends on various factors such as the extent of the injuries, the severity of property damage, and the truck driver’s behavior at the time of the accident. Costs can include those for hospital bills and insurance deductibles, and the trucking company’s vicarious liability may come into play.
Does a Person Need to Call an Attorney After a Trucking Accident?
If a person is involved in a Semi Accident in Terre Haute IN, they should call a personal injury lawyer. A local attorney with can help clients understand the law’s effects on their case, and they can provide courtroom representation when needed. By hiring an attorney as soon as possible after an accident, victims can protect their rights and avail themselves of all possible legal remedies.
