Car accidents are never easy to deal with, but they are much more complex when a semi-truck is involved. The insurance process is more demanding since multiples parties are often involved with the semi-truck: the trucking company, the cargo company, the driver, and more. We highly recommend that you involve a qualified auto accident lawyer as early as possible in the process. Here are three other steps to follow that are essential after an accident with a semi-truck:
- Determine who is involved. Find out what parties are involved in the ownership and operation of the truck. Get insurance information for the truck driver, the truck manufacturer, the owner of the truck and its many parts, and the company that rented the truck and hired the driver. While you may not need all of this information, it pays to be cautious. If one of these parties tries to skirt their responsibility, having their insurance information gives the victim power to seek a solution.
- Determine the reason for the accident. Because so many parties are responsible for the truck, each one may try to pass the blame to another party. Oftentimes the truck driver is left with the blame, even when it may have been a manufacturer’s error. Whether the wreck was caused by driver negligence or the trucking company failing regulations, there is a good chance multiple parties are at fault.
- Understand the scope of the accident. The trucking industry is federally regulated, so an accident involving a semi-truck will involve a serious amount of investigation. By being compliant and patient with federal officers, traffic officers, and insurance agents, you will receive the recompense you are due and can be sure the guilty parties will suffer the consequences of their irresponsibility.
Once these steps have been followed, get in contact with an auto accident attorney right away.
For more information about semi-truck accidents and how to deal with the legal side of an accident, contact us at Sinclair Law, your auto accident lawyer in Florida.