Road users who share the road with semi-trucks are at risk of suffering severe property damage and injuries if the trucks hit them. This is especially true when drivers, their employers, and other responsible parties do not observe all the necessary safety precautions. In the event that these parties are negligent, a semi-truck might hit cars or knock down pedestrians, which may result in devastating consequences. Read on to know more about reasons why semis might hit pedestrians and other drivers. Then, learn how you can seek compensation after a collision.
Some Reasons Why Semis Might Hit Other Road Users
Many crashes involving semis occur because of driving errors, including getting behind the wheel while drunk, drugged, or drowsy. Some truckers also drive above the recommended speed limit or fail to concentrate while driving. These negligent behaviors can potentially lead to catastrophic collisions, leaving victims with serious injuries. Some truckers who drive during bad weather might also cause devastating crashes that wreck passenger vehicles. This may happen because their weight makes it challenging to navigate semis on wet roads. In addition, trucks typically take time to come to a complete stop when the road is slippery. This can make them hydroplane and strike other vehicles on the road.
Mechanical problems also contribute to a significant percentage of semi-truck collisions. This generally happens if trucking firms and truckers do not inspect each truck before every shift. Semis also develop mechanical problems when some of their parts are defective. In case these issues contribute to a collision, you may have a right to bring a claim against the wrongdoers. So, you need to contact a truck injury lawyer to assist you in holding the negligent parties answerable.
How to Seek Compensation With the Assistance of an Attorney
A legal advisor can guide you in each step of the compensation process to help ensure that you get justice. They will start by getting professional investigators to investigate the crash and identify the wrongdoers. Your lawyer will then gather evidence showing each negligent party's contribution to the crash. This will enable them to hold each offender liable for their fault percentage. Significantly, your legal advisor will use the evidence obtained to negotiate a favorable settlement with the wrongdoer's legal team. The information is also likely to be useful in court if your attorney litigates the case.
If a semi-truck hits you, get in touch with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. This will enable them to gather actionable evidence before other parties can interfere with the crash scene. Your legal advisor will then prepare and file your claim within the time stipulated in your state laws. For more information, contact a truck accident lawyer near you.