Semi-Truck Accidents
Accidents Involving Semi-Trucks
Semi-truck accidents are often more destructive than the average accident. They can wreak havoc on the lives of their victims. Almost half a million accidents occur each year involving 18-wheelers. The laws of physics demand that extremely heavy objects moving at great speeds require large forces to produce a controlled and safe stop. Simply put, heavy trucks and trailers traveling at accelerated speeds cause high-impact crashes if they can not stop safely. The resulting injuries are often very severe. These high impact crashes cause devastating injuries and are often fatal. The Accident Recovery Team has represented many clients injured by big trucks. With experience on our side, we’re here to help you recover after an accident.
Professional drivers of big rigs are legally required to meet certain qualifications and comply with safety protocols. This is also true for any large commercial vehicle, including public buses. More people are using buses and public transportation as an effective means of commuting, and as a result, the number of injuries has also been increasing. Bus accidents and collisions involving buses can have a devastating impact on lives and property, due to the size and weight of the vehicle. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident with a semi-truck or large commercial vehicle, reach out to the Accident Recovery Team immediately.
What to Do After an Accident
After an accident with a large truck or semi, there are a few steps that need to be taken quickly. Following these steps ensures that the crash victim receives the necessary medical attention, as well as lays the foundation for a strong legal case. Detailed information can be found on our “After an Accident” page, but here is a quick outline.
Call the Police:
Even if the accident seems minor, you need the case number provided by local police. Call the police and properly document the accident with authorities.
Seek Medical Attention:
While it may seem reasonable to wait a few days and see how you feel, don’t let too much time go by. Delayed treatment gives the insurance adjuster an excuse for your injuries.
Document Everything:
The impartial, third-party account taken by an officer is critical, so don’t forget to call the police as soon as the accident happens. Take pictures and videos of the scene if you are medically able. After the accident, be careful to document medical appointments, vehicle repairs, expenses, and other related details.
Notify Auto Insurance:
Your insurance company may recommend a Direct Repair Facility (DRP) to repair your car. This is a shop the insurance company has a contractual relationship with, one that will save the insurance company money. This often leads to overlooking expensive repairs and skimping on parts. You are not obligated to use the DRP and may want to shop around instead.
Talk to an Attorney:
The Accident Recovery Team has represented many clients injured by semi-trucks and large commercial vehicles. With experience on our side, we’re here to help you recover after an accident.
Investigating the Cause of a Crash
Documentation is key and evidence must be preserved when investigating the cause of a crash with a semi-truck. As your attorneys, the Accident Recovery Team collects and keeps careful records about the details of the crash. By law, truck drivers are required to rest and record their day’s drive. There are limits on the amount of time and miles they can travel in a 24-hour period. Much of this documentation is recorded digitally and accessing those records is an important part of the discovery process. The Accident Recovery Team knows what you need and where to find it. Working with you, we build a strong case and help rebuild your life.
Semi-trucks and the companies that use them are fully insured and backed by big company money to hire big industry attorneys. The Accident Recovery Team is staffed by former insurance company trial attorneys, giving you the strength and experience to go toe to toe with the big truck industry. Unintimidated by insurance and trucking companies, the attorneys in our office have the expertise you need to recover from damages caused by big trucks.
Accident Recovery Team is Here for You
The attorneys at Accident Recovery Team understand that you might be overwhelmed by your legal problems. As the paperwork and bills continue rolling in, we understand that you may also develop stress about financial problems as well. We can take these burdens off your hands.
Our attorneys only get paid after your case is successful. When you hire an attorney to write your will, defend you in criminal court or represent you in some other way, you generally pay an hourly rate for their time. The fee structure is entirely different at Accident Recovery Team. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we get paid when we settle or win the case. No legal fees, no hidden fees, no fine print. We never ask you to write a check--not for attorney or staff time and not for expenses like records requests or administrative fees.
Please reach out if you have questions after an accident with semi-trucks, commercial vehicles, public transportation, motorcycles and other nontraditional vehicles. You need a committed and experienced attorney on your side. Contact any of the attorneys at Accident Recovery Team by calling 316.276.TEAM. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide a transparent examination of your case. The consultation is free and you never pay a fee until we win.