Getting into an accident with a commercial vehicle might be fatal. High-speed accidents involving large trucks, such as 18-wheelers or “big rigs,” are common. When a car collides with a commercial truck, the injuries and property damage that occur can be severe. As a result, if you were wounded in a truck accident, an experienced truck accident lawyer will be extremely beneficial to you. If you were the driver of the truck though, you might need the help of a workers compensation lawyer.
In order to adequately defend you, your lawyer will need to know a lot about you, the trucking company, your vehicle, the accident, and your injuries. It’s a good idea to do some homework before your initial visit with an attorney. It is critical to acquire the five types of evidence listed below before consulting with a truck accident lawyer. Make the most of your visit with a truck accident lawyer by following these suggestions. Consult with your lawyer equipped with this list and any relevant papers, documents, or images.
Information on the trucking company and the driver
- It is critical to know the name of the transportation company.
- Do you know what the trucker’s name is?
- What is the license plate number on the truck?
- Is there any more license plates or identifying information included with the truck?
- Do you have the truck driver’s CDL number?
- Please let me know if this truck or its driver is associated with any other businesses.
- Has the driver or the trucking firm been thoroughly investigated?
Detailed Report on the Truck Crash
- What was the underlying cause of the mishap?
- Is a police report available?
- What types of traffic offenses were charged against the drivers?
- Did anyone take any photos or videos at the scene?
- Is there any media coverage on the scene?
- Do you have the names and contact information for any witnesses or others involved in the incident?
- When and where was the truck accident?
- Was the road how you expected it to be (wet, dry, smooth, potholed, etc.)?
- Is this incident involving any additional vehicles or people?
- Do you know if an ambulance has arrived on the scene?
Obtaining Medical Records Following a Truck Accident
- What are some of your typical pastimes that are now out of limits due to your injuries?
- What was your initial diagnosis following the truck collision?
- Is there a hospital where you’ve been taken? How much time did you spend in the hospital?
- How did your early treatments go?
- Was an x-ray or other type of imaging method used?
- Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.
- Is there anything bothering you at the moment?
- Have you ever been injured in a similar way before?
The Vehicle You’re Driving and a Truck Accident
- How old is your vehicle? What year, make, and model do you have?
- Is the car owned by a bank or a lien holder?
- How long have you owned the car?
- Are you pleased with the vehicle’s performance?
- How much damage did the crash do to your vehicle?
- Do you have a rough estimate of the damage?
- Were there any dings, dents, or scrapes on your vehicle prior to the accident?
- Have before-and-after photos of your vehicle.
Information about your personal and financial situation
- What is your present position, if you have one?
- What is your annual salary?
- Is there any time you’ve lost at work as a result of the accident?
- Is your driver’s license out of date? Please let me know if you have auto insurance.
- Who is your insurance company?
- Have you ever been involved in a car accident?
- What type of criminal history do you have?
Hire a Lawyer to Assist You With Your Truck Accident Case
An expert truck accident lawyer can answer any concerns you have about filing a claim against a commercial trucking company, dealing with insurance providers, or just deciding what to do next.