Personal Injury Lawyer

Everyone has questions when they are faced with something new. Being in an accident with a big truck is probably new to you. If you find yourself in this situation, there may be some questions you have. The following are some common questions and answers to help you make sense of what just happened and what will happen in the following months.

What Constitutes a Big Truck?

When the legal world speaks of “big trucks,” what exactly does that mean? Any commercial vehicle that is large and heavy is typically considered a big truck. They have many names, so you may have heard them be referred to as something such as a big rig, a semi truck, a tanker, a long hauler, a tractor trailer and dozens of other names. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds if they are filled to capacity, whereas a typical pickup truck weighs between 5,000 and 12,000. You can see why there is a category for “big trucks.”

Who Is Liable?

Just like any other automobile accident, there are various parties that could be held liable for a big truck accident. If the truck driver failed to follow his or her guidelines, didn’t get enough sleep or was distracted, the driver could be found responsible. If a part of the truck malfunctioned resulting in an accident, the parts manufacturer could be responsible. There’s also the loader, the distributor, the truck maintenance company, and a lot of other people and entities that could be the liable party.

What Should I Do After a Big Truck Accident?

If you are involved in an accident with a big truck, you should take all the same steps you’d take after an accident involving a small vehicle. First, contact the authorities so paramedics and a police officer can be on their way. Second, check for injuries and administer first aid if necessary. Third, evaluate the scene and collect evidence. Finally, receive medical attention and give a statement once the authorities arrive.

Does My Case Require Expert Witnesses?

Because the accident involved a big truck, having expert witnesses certainly won’t hurt. There are different guidelines and laws that truck drivers have to abide by, so if an expert witness can speak to those things, it may be more beneficial to your case.

Contacting a Lawyer

When you are in an accident with a big truck, there are some things that will be different than if you were in an accident with a passenger vehicle. In any case, contact a truck accident lawyer, like a Woodland Hills trucking accident lawyer, to help you through the process of filing a claim and receiving compensation.

Thanks to the law offices of Barry P. Goldberg for their insight into some of the questions you may have after being in an accident with a big truck.