For any country’s economy, the trucking industry is an integral part due to the dependency on moving cargo. The majority of the truck routes are targeted towards motorways and highways to ensure they meet minimum traffic. Theoretically, this reduces the accident risks.
However, the frequency of accidents has only gone up in recent years. For this reason, both truck drivers and other drivers need to identify the different types of truck accidents and try to avoid them. Moreover, many people are unaware of their rights if they’ve been involved in an accident. To change this, we have developed a detailed guide for the aftermath of a truck accident.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents occur due to basic negligence from either of the drivers. Let’s go over the most common types of heavy vehicle crashes.
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Blind Spot Accidents
These crashes occur when the driver is unable to see another driver approaching from the side. This can result in a horrifying crash and cause multiple injuries.
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Jackknife Accidents
Trucks braking suddenly can cause this type of crash where the attached trailer swings out to a ninety-degree angle. This can cause the heavy vehicle to overturn or rollover.
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Roll-Over Accidents
Upon losing control of the heavy vehicle, the tractor-trailer can overturn in the middle of the highway. This results in other incoming vehicles crashing in the rolled-over heavy vehicle.
What Steps Should You Take After a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents are inevitable. Even if you are cautious when driving near a truck, minor negligence from the truck driver can result in a crash. This is why practicality suggests that everyone should be aware of what they should do if they’ve been involved in an accident.
1) Report the Crash
The first thing that you should do after a crash is to report to the local police. This will document the crash and provide you with proof if you wish to claim any potential damages in the future.
2) Approach a Hospital for Medical Treatment
Medical treatment holds great importance after you’ve been in a heavy vehicle crash. Moreover, delaying a visit to the hospital can worsen any possible injuries which should be avoided at all costs.
3) Identify Witnesses
Identify any witnesses of the crash to document proof regarding its authenticity. You can use the witness’ statements to prove who was at fault at the time of the accident.
4) Inquire About the Other Party’s Information
Always ask for the name, driver’s license, or any other forms of identification from the other party to ensure you have proof to track them down.
5) Gather Evidence
Gathering evidence is key in the event of a heavy vehicle crash. This develops your case and provides you backing to claim compensation for your damages.
6) Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
After gathering sufficient evidence and ensuring that your medical care is taken care of, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to initiate the process of claiming for compensation against your damages. This needs to be done as soon as possible to ensure the other party has no grounds to invalidate your claim.
The Northern side of the United States of America has been witnessing an increase in the yearly rate of truck accidents. For this reason, people need to develop self-awareness to ensure they know a reputable semi-trailer truck accident lawyer in Ann Arbor, MI that can help them deal with heavy vehicle crash cases. This will provide the people of Michigan with a sense of relief and surety that they won’t be misrepresented by any average lawyer.
How to Prevent a Truck Accident?
Since these types of crashes occur due to the negligence of either of the parties involved, it is possible to identify the causes and try to avoid them to decrease the overall rate of accidents.
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Motorists Should Stay Out of a Truck’s Blind Spot
Since motorists are minuscule in stature in comparison to the mighty trucks, it is recommended for motorists to steer clear of a truck’s blind spot. This will prevent any possible side-on collision that cannot be anticipated by the tractor-trailer driver.
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Truck Drivers Should Drive at a Reasonable Speed
Speed management holds key importance when driving a heavy vehicle on a highway. The speed limit on the highway should be maintained to make sure other drivers are not at risk due to overspeeding.
Truck accidents can be horrifying to be involved in. Due to the ratio of fatality and severe injuries incurred from tractor-trailer accidents, it is recommended for motorists to be cautious when driving around trucks and likewise. While this precaution has helped decrease the overall ratio of tractor-trailer accidents, it is important to be aware of your rights if you’ve been involved in a heavy vehicle crash.