Being involved in any auto accident can be a terrifying experience, but when one of the vehicles is a large truck, devastation is almost guaranteed. The size and weight of commercial trucks mean that everything is dialed up when an accident happens. Truck accidents and subsequent lawsuits can also be far more complicated than other accidents due to a variety of different factors, so working with a truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville is essential. Let’s take a look at what needs to happen following a truck accident.
Federal Trucking Regulations
One of the significant differences in accidents involving trucks is that federal regulations play a critical role in the aftermath. Every single 18-wheeler or other commercial truck is strictly regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is because operating such a large vehicle requires extensive training in order to not only obtain a trucking license but also to operate the vehicle safely and protect other road users. Truck drivers and trucking companies are both regulated by the FMCSA, and they must adhere to strict regulations regarding how long truckers can be on the road, how long they must rest, how the trucks are loaded, and how often they undergo routine maintenance and safety inspections. Unfortunately, these regulations are often broken, with trucking companies pressuring drivers to make deliveries according to tight deadlines. Any breach of the FMCSA regulations could be a contributing factor in an accident, and your truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville must look at the available evidence to determine who bears the responsibility. As noted, this can be a complex process as liability may be split between a driver and a trucking company and can extend beyond that to the manufacturer of failed parts or the service provider who maintains the fleet if important maintenance has been skipped.
What To Do Following a Truck Accident
When you are involved in a truck accident, it is natural to feel a little overwhelmed. There is also a possibility that you could be in shock. Knowing the steps that you need to take may be useful in keeping you focused.
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Call 911
As with any accident, the first thing you, or someone else at the scene, must do after a truck is call 911 and report the accident. Never assume someone else has done so; if you are unsure, make the call to get police and ambulance on the scene. It’s better that there are multiple calls than none! When the police arrive at the scene, they will prepare an official report documenting the accident. Your truck accident injury lawyer will want a copy of this to use as evidence in your lawsuit.
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Get Medical Treatment
Once the authorities have been contacted, the next step is to have your injuries assessed by medical professionals. Even if you don’t feel that your injuries are too serious, you need to get checked out by a paramedic. Some injuries, including TBIs and spinal cord injuries, can take time to manifest, as can internal injuries. Failing to get medical attention could mean something serious is missed. You will also need your injuries to be documented in your medical records as evidence for your truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville to use when presenting your lawsuit.
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Collect Evidence
If it is safe for you to do so, collecting evidence in the form of photographs and videos is useful. You will want to capture images of the scene, what the vehicles look like, where they are positioned, the road conditions, and anything else that could be used as evidence for your truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville.
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Swap Contact Information
It is required that you exchange contact information with the other driver when you are involved in an accident. This is no different just because a truck is involved. If you are unable to collect it at the time of the accident due to the severity of your injuries, you should be able to obtain this information from the police report. In addition to the truck driver’s details, you should also obtain the details of the trucking company they are employed by.
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Inform Your Insurance Provider
While handling your injuries will take precedence, it is also important that you inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as you can. If you have already engaged the services of a truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville, they can step in and handle this type of communication, allowing you to focus on healing.
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Contact a Truck Accident Injury Lawyer in Knoxville
If you are pursuing a lawsuit following your accident, it is important that you work with a qualified truck accident injury lawyer in Knoxville. Truck accident lawsuits can be complicated due to federal regulations and the various parties that may hold liability, from the truck driver and trucking company to manufacturers and maintenance crews. Choosing the right attorney will help you to navigate your lawsuit successfully.
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Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law, Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.
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