There are several important actions that you should take after being involved in an accident with a semi-truck to ensure your health and legal rights are protected. Depending on the circumstances you may be able to pursue legal action and compensation for your associated expenses. Continue reading and speak with a skillful New Jersey truck accident lawyer for experienced representation.
Who is Responsible for a Semi-Truck Accident?
Many different parties can be found responsible for an accident depending on how it occurred. The liable party in a semi-truck accident can be one or more of the following entities.
- The truck driver if their reckless or negligent behavior caused or contributed to the collision
- The passenger vehicle driver if their reckless or negligent behavior caused or contributed to the collision
- The trucking company if poor vehicle maintenance, inadequate training, or some other failure on their part caused or contributed to the collision
- The manufacturer if a defective part or design flaw caused or contributed to the collision
- The local or state government if poor road conditions, signage, or street design caused or contributed to the collision
One or more of the above parties can be found liable for the damages associated with the accident. If another party’s actions caused your accident and injuries you may be able to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income due to recovery time, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
What to Do After an Accident with a Semi-Truck
- Ensure your safety: The first thing you should do is ensure the safety of yourself and anyone else involved. If possible, move to a safe location out of the way of traffic and call 911 to report the accident.
- Gather evidence: Document the scene by taking photos of the damage to all vehicles, conditions of the road, skid marks, traffic signs, and other relevant details. Exchange contact information with the truck driver and give your statement for the police report.
- See a medical professional: Get medically evaluated to ensure your injuries are identified and treated. This will also help ensure you have a record of your associated medical issues and expenses.
- Contact a lawyer: After the accident, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Having legal representation is crucial when navigating the legal process of insurance claims and lawsuits.
- Notify your insurance: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, giving them the evidence you collected. In New Jersey, you must file a claim with your own insurance first after an accident for compensation for your medical expenses.
If your insurance claim does not cover the entirety of your costs or you want to seek compensation for property damage or other expenses, consider filing a claim or lawsuit against the truck driver or another negligent party. Reach out to a skilled attorney for more information about the process.
