Most accidents, especially if you’re a careful driver, are inevitable and are surely true to the word’s meaning. Unforeseen events and situations can cause such. Others, however, are a result of negligence by irresponsible drivers and faulty vehicle engine and parts.
Accidents between a car and a truck are not as common as car collisions. While these two pose threat to the safety of people involved, one can cause greater damage and injuries and can, therefore, face bigger consequences.
Key Legal Things To Remember In Car and Truck Accidents
Some rules that apply to cars are different from the of rules imposed for truck drivers, manufacturers, and companies. Click here to learn more about the differences between car accidents and those that involve a truck.
- Licensing Requirements
Depending on the law of the state or country, licensing requirements for cars and trucks vary. Usually, drivers are required to pass a series of tests and training to be granted a license for truck driving. Driving regulations also differ between cars and trucks. Truck drivers need to follow a more strict and complicated set of road regulations.
- The Cause of Collision and Severity of Damage
Obviously, trucks are bigger and heavier than your average cars, which means they can cause bigger, more severe damage. Because they have, in essence, a greater responsibility, most truck drivers are careful drivers. If you plan to file a case in court, the evidence to be shown to prove your claim that involves truck accidents is also extensive.
Common causes of accidents among trucks include manufacturing defects and mechanical failures. On the other hand, car accidents are usually caused by negligence on the part of the driver, such as distraction and inattention.
- Insurance Policies
Cars and trucks are both subject to the policies of the insurance providers. With cars, only the insurance companies of the injured party and responsible party are involved. When a truck is involved in a collision, there are usually several parties involved to discuss the accident. These include the truck manufacturers, company, and owners.
- Liabilities
While the driver at fault can only be the sole person responsible for a car accident, the same doesn’t apply in truck crashes. The company of the driver and the truck manufacturer can also be held liable.
An Attorney’s Presence At the Scene of the Accident
If a car and truck accident occurs, the driver of the truck can call his company. The company, in turn, can call an expert lawyer who can go to the scene and evaluate the accident damage and its severity. The attorney can also take photos and gather information, which can be used as evidence when the situation proceeds to the court.
Key Considerations If You’re Involved In Car and Truck Accidents
Safety is the priority in accidents; however, if you’ve been injured and are planning to file a legal case against the person at fault, other important things should also be considered. Unless you’re unconscious, try to keep your eye out to see what happens after the accident.
Call The Police And Ask For Emergency Help
As much as possible, stay at the scene of the accident.
- If you or someone has sustained an injury, call for emergency help immediately. If you’re qualified to provide first aid, do it while waiting for professional help to arrive.
- Get in touch with the police. If your car or truck has been damaged or an injury is present, remember to ask a copy of the police report. This will be beneficial should you pursue a suit. If you’re a truck driver, you can call your company.
Collect Evidence And Information
In the event of a car and truck collision, it is important to secure as many information related to the accident as possible. Relevant information, such as name, address, insurance details, contact number, and license number, should be collected from and exchanged with the drivers of all the vehicles involved. If you want to file a legal case, the information you gathered will add to your evidence that will be presented in court.
Another thing you can do is to take photos. Pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved and their plate numbers, the damage caused and the injury sustained will provide you with tangible evidence for getting insurance claims and legal claim against those liable.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Aside from the police and the emergency hotline, another party you need to get a hold of is your insurance provider. For a less hassle processing of the insurance, you should cooperate with your provider and share all the information relevant to the accident. This is where the police report and the photos and information collected come into play; they will prove that your claim is valid and will, therefore, quicken the process.
Get Advice From An Expert Lawyer
If the accident has caused an injury to you or a loved one, you may consider filing a suit against the responsible party. If you decide to, you can ask the assistance of an attorney who has experience in handling car-truck accidents. A lawyer can help you get compensation for the damages and injuries sustained. If you’re at fault for the accident and you’re being sued, an attorney can extend assistance and defend you in court.
Getting into an accident is never a pleasant experience; they can cause injuries and trauma that may affect and haunt you for the rest of your life. However, there are a lot of ways to at least keep the event less unfortunate. If you’ve been involved in a car and truck accident, these are the vital legal things to remember, especially if you or someone has been harmed or injured. Click here to have yourself assisted by an experienced attorney.