Recovering From Your Accident

Accidents still occur despite the extensive training, experience, and regulations surrounding the operation of semi-trucks. Many of these accidents are due to truck drivers failing to account for road and weather conditions. As a motorist, understanding this issue and knowing how to take legal action can help increase your odds of winning a semi-truck accident case. 

Why Some Accidents Occur

The trucking industry is highly regulated. However, they are also under significant pressure to meet delivery deadlines, sometimes leading to risky driving behaviors.

Pressure to Meet Deadlines 

Trucking companies often impose tight delivery schedules on drivers. This can result in drivers pushing beyond safety limits, continuing to drive when road or weather conditions are unsafe.

Lack of Adequate Training

While regulations require truck drivers to have a certain level of training, not all training programs are created equal. Drivers may not be adequately prepared to handle challenging road or weather conditions.

After the accident, it's crucial to follow the right steps to increase your chances of winning your case.

Gather Evidence

Collect as much evidence from the accident scene as possible. If possible, document the weather.

See a Doctor

Even if you don't feel injured immediately after the accident, seek medical attention. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. Having a record of medical treatment will help substantiate your claim of damages.

Hire a Specialized Lawyer

A lawyer who specializes in truck accidents will be familiar with the specific regulations governing the trucking industry and will know how to build a strong case.

Proving Negligence

To win a semi-truck accident case, you must prove the driver or the trucking company was negligent. This often involves showing they failed to account for road and weather conditions.

Violation of Regulations

If the driver or the trucking company violated industry regulations, such as those relating to rest periods or vehicle maintenance, this can be used as evidence of negligence. Also, expert witnesses can testify how the driver should have adjusted their driving to the road and weather conditions. Driver logbooks and black box data can also provide evidence of driver fatigue or other unsafe behaviors.

Understanding why some semi-truck drivers fail to account for road and weather conditions, and knowing how to take legal action, can increase your odds of winning a semi-truck accident case. If you find yourself in such a situation, ensure you gather evidence, seek medical attention, and hire a specialized lawyer to help navigate the complex legal landscape. Reach out to a semi-truck accident attorney near you to learn more.