If you've been in an accident with a semi-truck, you need to contact an attorney with experience involving car accidents with trucks. Although you should always consult with an attorney when there is significant damage to your car as well as injuries, an attorney takes on greater important when you have been in an accident with a semi-truck. The following are a few reasons you need an attorney.
Semi-truck drivers have special regulations
Unlike car drivers, a trucker in a rig pulling a trailer has certain regulations regarding how many hours he can be on the road before taking time for sleep. These drivers will have log books that must be maintained. An experienced attorney will know whether a driver may have been fatigued due to lack of sleep simply from these logs. In addition, he will understand if a log book may have been doctored.
Truck drivers have many blind spots
This is the reason they have so many mirrors. But it is easy for them to forget to look, especially when changing lanes. It is easy enough to sideswipe a car, creating an accident. A common accusation will be that the car driver quickly drove up alongside the truck, attempting to get past. You may think it is your word against the trucker's word, but an attorney will be able to read the accident report and likely interpret the information differently than the trucking company.
Damages to a car can be far worse
Semi-trucks are large compared to cars, so large that a driver may not even be aware of a small fender bender. When a truck gets into a collision with a car, the damage can be extensive. Sometimes the car must be completely replaced. Getting the property damage you are entitled to is best left to an attorney. The same is true with personal injuries. Trucks can easily cause extensive injuries to car drivers and their passengers. It can take longer to rehabilitate from these injuries.
Flying debris
You don't see this too often with car accidents, but a small object can can easily fly off the trailer and hit your car. If it hits your windshield, it can cause you to have an accident. If this happens, try to remember the license plate of the truck. This, along with the time and place of the accident, will be enough for an attorney to help you. If your car can no longer be driven, then you should call the police and have a report made.
Along with the reasons listed above, in general, car drivers are blamed for the majority of these accidents. They often do not realize that it takes a truck longer to stop. Unfortunately, truck companies and their insurance carriers are quick to blame a car driver for every accident.
For more information, you will want to contact a place such as Wolfe Jones Wolfe Hancock Daniel & South LLC.
