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Injured in a Semi-Truck Accident?
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Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
Whether you call them tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, or big rigs, it seems everyone has seen a truck venture to the shoulder or suddenly swerve into the other lane in front of you on the highway--not usually causing an accident, but often close. With Springfield's proximity to Highway 44; many residents making frequent trips to Kansas City, St. Louis and Branson; highways 60 and 65; and several trucking companies based in the area, it can be dangerous on our highways. Many trucks are overloaded, have fatigued drivers and are driven too fast to handle their limited visibility, increased braking distance and decreased maneuverability and cause an accident. There are a lot of these big trucks on the road and due to the sheer size, the accidents semi-trucks cause can be the most catastrophic of all accidents.
If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, you should be sure to consult an attorney regarding how to best position your claim and recover your medical and other expenses. Semi-truck accidents have a unique place in the law because the operation of tractor trailers is subject to numerous regulations at the state and federal level. There are requirements related to the training tractor trailer drivers receive and the amount of hours they can drive a day, among others. Truck drivers are working when they are on the road and the trucking companies they work for carry large amounts of insurance for the truck, the freight and the driver. An experienced personal injury lawyer is really needed to handle the complexity of a semi truck accident case due to the need to obtain log books, time sheets, drug test results, driving history reports, etc. Big trucking companies don't want to admit fault and pay up, but if their driver causes an accident with a company truck that results in injuries, we'll make them.
WHAT TO DO IF INJURED IN A SEMI-TRUCK ACCIDENT
The guidelines of what to do if you are injured in an accident with a semi are similar to what you would do if involved in a car accident, but the accident and injuries could be more serious and the ultimate case more complex.
Call Police and File a Report
If you are involved in a car accident, call the police immediately, even if no one was injured, and file an accident report. Truck accident reports are for insurance purposes to determine fault, so verify that the report is thorough. Additionally a semi-truck accident report is important since the driver of the truck was essentially on the job when the accident took place and their employer should be informed of the driver's mistake. The truck accident report should include interviews with all involved parties and any witnesses. Photographs and/or diagrams of accident scenes are often supplied by the police as well. You should take your own pictures of the tractor trailer accident if possible and get the names and phone numbers of anyone witnessing the accident either as a driver or pedestrian, as well as anyone involved in the accident itself.
Seek Medical Attention for Your Injuries
Most importantly, regardless of fault, semi-truck accident victims should not treat their injuries casually. Often injuries may not be apparent immediately, but the thrashing and jerking from an accident involving something as large as a semi can lead to stiffening and joint pain later. Common injuries from a crash involving a tractor trailer include whiplash, head and brain injury, paralysis, and joint, bone, and muscle injuries. Truck accident victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they believe they are injured. Claims for damages resulting from injuries in a truck accident usually depend on medical records linking the accident to the injuries received. The more time elapses between the accident and the treatment, the more difficult it is to prove a connection.
Hire A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
As mentioned, semi-truck accident cases can be very complex. Big trucking companies and the insurance companies they employ will be sure to protect their profits. If you were injured and require medical attention, you should contact a semi-truck accident lawyer about the accident immediately to prevent the insurance companies from taking advantage of you. Medical bills, the time you miss work, and other related expenses including vehicle repairs can add up quickly--even if you are not billed quickly--and you don't want to risk not being able to cover all these expenses. Read more about "How a Semi-Truck Lawyer Can Help You."
If you have been in an accident with a semi-truck, please call us today for a free initial consultation about your case with no obligation to hire us as your attorney and no fee collected unless we win compensation for you.
More information to help you if you have been in a semi-truck accident:
- What to Do if You are Injured in an Accident
- Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
- Blog Articles About Semi-Truck Accident Law in Missouri
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