A single large truck can be responsible for causing a pile-up crash that involves numerous vehicles and causes fatalities. The typical truck weighs over 100,000 pounds, and this weight makes it virtually impossible for a driver to walk away from an accident without injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 380,000 large truck traffic accidents in the U.S. with 4,229 fatalities.
Car drivers should be aware of how truck accidents are typically handled in the event that they are ever involved in one. Commercial trucking companies frequently have numerous resources at their disposal, so they are able to thoroughly investigate a trucking accident. The problem with this is that a trucking company may know how to evade responsibility and hire trained investigators who record their own perceptions of the accident with the sole purpose to minimize the trucking company’s liability. The investigators may have unlimited time to interview witnesses on the accident scene and also take photos. This fact gathering process may be used to provide a foundation for the trucking company’s own case before trial or settlement negotiations begin.
After the trucking accident occurs, it is in your best interest to get medical help, call the police and also speak with a truck accident attorney. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers can assess your case and may also help you prepare for a call to your insurance company. An adjuster from your insurance company may question you about the accident and may also try to get you to admit liability. The S.E. Farris Law Firm knows that an insurance company does this so that it does not have to pay extensive compensation to a victim and we are here to help you with your claim.
You should file a truck accident claim, even if you don’t think you should, and take these steps at the time of the accident:
- Call 911.
- Take photos of all vehicles involved and the entire accident scene.
- Take the full contact information of witnesses.
- Identify the drivers and their insurance information.
- Speak to a St. Louis truck accident lawyer before any insurance company.
- Seek medical attention.