Are you wondering whether a truck driver is always at fault in a semi-truck crash? Each year in the United States, more than 400,000 accidents involve semis or other large trucks.
The sheer size of these vehicles may make it seem like the driver is always responsible for an accident. That’s not the case. in all accidents. There are different things to think about when attributing fault to each party after a crash.
Read on to learn more about a semi-truck crash and how to decide who is at fault in one!
Other Parties In An Accident
Some accidents are single-vehicle, most crashes will involve at least one other vehicle. Sometimes, accidents will include many different vehicles and drivers. This can make deciding fault a harder thing to do.
Although a truck driver will be behind the wheel of the biggest vehicle, it does not mean they caused the crash. Other drivers may have been speeding or failed to yield the right-of-way.
You should review the facts of your accident to learn about it. You should not forget to speak to witnesses about what they saw. Don’t make any statement about the crash or take responsibility for any fault at the scene.
Potential Responsible Parties Not Behind The Wheel
In today’s fast-paced world, you may not think about other parties who may bear responsibility for an accident that was not driving that day.
For example, if a semi-truck driver loses control of his rig because the brakes fail, other parties that may share some blame are the brake manufacturer, the company that sold the brakes, or the mechanic that failed to install them properly.
During your investigation after a semi-truck crash, you need to review the parts of the vehicles that are damaged. You should also speak to witnesses and take notes about what they saw before, during, and after the crash.
Hire An Attorney to Guide You Through a Lawsuit
If you have been in a crash with a semi or been driving one yourself, you should speak with an attorney before you discuss the accident with anyone else.
Your attorney can guide you on the traffic laws in the state where the accident happened and give you the legal assistance you need. Consider doing an initial consultation with David W. Starnes Attorney At Law, an attorney with lots of experience with 18 wheel accidents and car crashes.
The advice you get from an attorney will be based on the applicable law where your accident took place and the facts that work for and against your position.
How to Handle a Semi-Truck Crash
A semi-truck crash can be a life-changing event for everyone involved.
Before you jump to conclusions about the cause and who is at fault in the crash, take time to gather all of the facts and ensure that everyone is okay after the crash. This will help you have a better understanding of what took place and be able to explain it to a car accident attorney later.
Check out our blog section for other posts with tips and tricks to begin putting into action in your life today!