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Experts should examine the tractor-trailer involved in the collision for evidence. This should be done without delay as the insurance company covering the tractor-trailer may repair or dispose of it quickly. Once an attorney has requested an expert examination of the truck, the owner and the insurance company will be prevented from performing any activity that could destroy evidence.
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Evidence to Preserve
To fully protect your rights, you should immediately hire an attorney if you’ve been involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer. It’s essential that you are represented by a law firm experienced in tractor-trailer accidents so that they can ensure that the following very important items are obtained and preserved.
Tractor Trailer
Daily Logs
Significant evidence may be contained in Daily Logs required to be kept by commercial drivers. Requesting and obtaining the Daily Logs for the tractor-trailer involved in the collision for both the day of the collision as well as the six months preceding the collision will be handled by your attorney.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports
Federal regulations require a truck driver, at the end of each day’s work, to prepare a written report on each vehicle operated that day. Your attorney will obtain the Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports, required under 49 C.F.R. 396.11, for the truck involved in the collision.
Driver Qualification File
Federal rule 49 C.F.R. 391-51 requires that all carriers maintain Driver Qualification Files for each driver they employ. Your attorney will obtain a complete copy of the Driver Qualification File for the operator of the tractor-trailer involved in the collision.
Onboard Recording Devices
Important evidence may be found in data and printouts from onboard recording devices including the Electronic Control Module (ECM), Event Data Recorder Eaton VORAD collision warning system, and other similar systems. As part of your case, your attorney will obtain this information for the day of the collision and the six months preceding the collision.
Systems Data
Critical information may be contained in various systems data devices including OmniTRAC, Qualcomm, MVPc, QTRACS, OmniExpress, TruckMail, TrailerTRACS, SensorTRACS, JTRACS, and other similar systems. Your attorney will obtain this potentially critical data for the day of the collision as well as the six months before the collision.
About Our Firm
The lawyers with our firm are committed to making sure that the victims of truck accidents are fairly compensated for their injuries. Our firm possesses expertise in a wide array of plaintiff litigation matters, especially in the areas of motor vehicle accidents and truck accidents.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, please contact one of our experienced truck accident lawyers by filling out our online form or calling 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) to explore the legal remedies available to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an attorney if I've been in a truck accident?
Yes, it’s highly advisable to consult with a qualified truck accident attorney if you’ve been in a truck accident. An attorney can help protect your rights, assess your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
What damages can I potentially recover in a truck accident case?
In a truck accident case, you may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, lost wages, future medical costs, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the truck driver’s actions were particularly reckless.
How are truck accident cases different from car accident cases?
Truck accident cases differ from car accident cases due to potential severity of injuries, the complexity of regulations governing commercial trucks that can include federal as well as local laws, and multiple parties involved.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
It’s impossible to determine early on what a case is worth. Some factors, however, that will determine what a case may be worth include severity of injuries, pain and suffering, medical treatment, lost income and available insurance coverage.
When do I need a truck accident attorney?
A truck accident attorney can help you go up against big insurance companies and their team of lawyers. Your attorney already knows the truck accident laws and procedural rules and can effectively handle all the legal work for you. He or she will act as your advocate throughout the entire case. Because an insurance company’s lawyers have the knowledge to reduce compensation and even deny the claim altogether, hiring a truck accident attorney is the best option for people who have sustained injuries, are faced with expensive medical bills or have experienced lost wages due to their injuries.