Big Rig Accident Attorneys

Big Rig Accident Attorneys: Protecting Your Rights After a Truck Crash

Understanding the Severity of Big Rig Accidents
Big rig accidents are among the most catastrophic incidents on the road, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. In 2019 alone, over 4,110 people lost their lives in accidents involving large trucks. Tragically, nearly 66% of these victims were occupants of smaller passenger vehicles that collided with big rigs. This highlights the disproportionate risk that passenger vehicles face when involved in crashes with these massive trucks.

Rising Fatalities in Truck Crashes: A Growing Concern
The alarming trend in large truck accidents doesn’t stop there. Over the past decade, the number of fatalities from big rig crashes has surged by an astonishing 31%. This increase underscores the urgent need for experienced legal representation for victims and their families. At Heidari Law Group, we understand the complexities and challenges associated with big rig accident cases and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Did You Know?
According to recent statistics, a large percentage of big rig accidents occur due to driver fatigue, improper vehicle maintenance, and negligence. Knowing your rights and seeking the right legal guidance can be crucial in building a strong case.

Why Are Big Rig Accidents So Deadly?

1. Size and Weight Disparity
The sheer size and weight of big rigs make them significantly more dangerous than passenger vehicles. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it difficult for them to stop quickly or maneuver effectively in emergency situations. When a collision occurs, the impact is often catastrophic for occupants of smaller vehicles.

2. Driver Fatigue and Negligence
Truck drivers are often required to meet tight deadlines, leading to long hours on the road. Despite regulations, driver fatigue remains a leading cause of accidents. In addition, some drivers may engage in negligent behavior such as speeding or driving while distracted, further increasing the risk of a crash.

3. Improper Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for the safety of big rigs. Unfortunately, not all trucking companies follow safety protocols. Worn-out brakes, tire blowouts, and mechanical failures can lead to devastating accidents. If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident, understanding the maintenance records and compliance history of the vehicle involved can be a crucial aspect of your case.

Seeking Justice After a Big Rig Accident
If you’ve been involved in a big rig accident, it’s essential to seek legal guidance immediately. The team at Heidari Law Group specializes in handling complex truck accident cases, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Despite how often these accidents occur, most people don’t know what to do if they’re in a crash.

Keep reading to discover everything you need to do if you’re hit by a semi-truck. With these tips, you’ll have the evidence you need to build your case. Then, you can take your evidence to a big rig accident injury attorney.

Your big rig accident injury lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. With their help, you can cover your medical bills and losses.

Prepare yourself in case you’re ever in a semi truck accident. Read on to learn more. 

What to Do After a Big Rig Accident

An average of six million car accidents occurs every year. About 90 people die every day as a result.

It’s important to know how to react if you’re ever in a big rig semi truck accident. How you react could impact your case. Your big rig accident injury lawyer might struggle to build your lawsuit as a result.

Here are the six steps you need to follow if you’re ever in a semi truck accident. 

1. Move to a Safe Space

It’s normal to feel disoriented after a crash, especially if you’re hit by a semi-truck. Try to take a breath and remain calm. Remember, how you react immediately after a crash can impact your case.

It’s normal to experience an adrenaline rush. Taking a deep breath can help you focus.

First, turn on your hazard lights. Try to determine whether or not your car is safe to drive. For example, it’s not safe if fluid is dripping from your car.

Don’t move your car if you notice damage to the tires or brakes, either.

If your car is safe to drive, try to move your vehicle away from oncoming traffic. It’s important to remain near the crash site. The police will want to know where the crash occurred.

It’s also important not to leave the scene of the crash. If either driver leaves before police arrive, they could get a hit-and-run charge. 

Was anyone else in the car with you? Make sure they’re okay.

2. Assess Your Injuries

Once you’re in a safe space, take a moment to assess everyone’s injuries.

Remember, you’ll likely experience an adrenaline rush after you’re in a crash. Adrenaline could mask any pain you experience. You might not realize you’ve sustained serious injuries until complications arise.

With that in mind, take the time to visit a doctor after the police clear the scene.

Only a professional expert can assess your injuries. You’ll also need their official report when filing your injury claim.

If someone sustained severe injuries, call an ambulance right away.

Otherwise, visit a doctor. They might refer you to a specialist, such as a chiropractor. It’s possible you sustained whiplash if your car was hit by a big rig semi truck from behind. 

It’s important to track any symptoms you experience in the weeks after you’re hit by a semi-truck. Let your big rig accident injury lawyer if there are any changes in your health. 

Potential whiplash injury symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Low back pain
• Dizziness
• Shoulder pain
• Pain in the arm or hand
• Ringing in your ears
• Numbness in the arm or hand
• Blurred vision
• Tiredness
• Sleeplessness
• Irritability
• Concentration or memory issues

Internal bleeding and spinal cord injuries are potential problems as well. Make sure to visit a doctor right away. Keep track of any medications, treatments, or procedures you receive. 

3. File a Police Report

Make sure to call the police immediately after you’re hit by a semi-truck. The official police report will become a part of your injury claim. 

Write down the name and badge number of the police officer who arrives to take your statement. Stick to the facts and avoid embellishing. 

In some states, you’re legally obligated to file an official police report. Don’t leave the scene of the crash without calling the police. The police will keep a record of:

• Physical injuries
• Property damage
• Deaths

Make sure to ask them for a copy of the police report.

4. Gather Evidence

While you wait for the police to arrive, try to keep small talk to a minimum. You don’t want to say anything that might impact your injury claim.

Don’t apologize. Someone might view an apology as an admission of guilt.

Instead, use that time to gather evidence.

First, gather information about the big rig semi truck driver, including their:

• Name
• Phone number
• Address
• Insurance information
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number

Gather physical evidence, too. For example, you can take photo and video evidence with your phone. Get photos of the vehicles as well as where you’re located.

It’s normal to forget small details in the weeks after the crash. Write down a record of what happened while you wait for the police to arrive. Taking notes will help keep the details fresh. 

5. File an Insurance Claim

Consider calling your insurance company while you’re still at the scene of the crash. Some insurance companies require you to use a phone app to file your claim. You can use the app to take photos while at the scene of the crash. 

Your insurance agent will let you know how to proceed.

6. Find a Good Lawyer

Make sure to find a licensed big rig accident injury lawyer in your area. Look for a personal injury lawyer who specializes in these crashes. Their experience and expertise can strengthen your case. 

Check your local bar association website to make sure they’re licensed to practice in your area. Then, determine how long they’ve practiced law. Consider choosing someone with years of experience in this specialty, too.

Then, ask each lawyer on your list for references. You can also find reviews online.

Reading reviews will help you narrow down your options. 

Why Hire a Big Rig Accident Lawyer?

Why should you hire a big rig accident injury attorney for your case? Here are a few reasons you shouldn’t hesitate to call a lawyer. The sooner you find representation, the sooner you can receive injury compensation. 

1. Cover Medical Expenses

Most people sustain serious injuries after they’re in a semi truck accident. You shouldn’t have to cover your medical bills alone. In many cases, your injuries could cause you to miss work.

You’ll have to consider your lost wages among your losses, too.

Your injury compensation can help cover your losses. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Hire a lawyer and file an injury claim right away. With their help, you can receive compensation to cover your medical bill.

2. Determine Liability

In some cases, liability isn’t always clear. The truck driver might try to blame you for the accident.

Different factors can help determine liability, including:

• The photo and video evidence you gather
• The official police report
• Witness statements

Make sure to hire a big rig accident injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can gather the necessary evidence to determine liability.

Look for a lawyer with a strong professional network. For example, they might know someone who can reconstruct the accident. They could call a medical expert to testify, too.

Their network could help prove you weren’t liable for the crash. 

3. Cover Your Losses

A big rig semi truck accident can have a big impact on your bank account. You’ll need to consider:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Property damages
• Pain and suffering

Filing an injury claim can help you receive the compensation you deserve. You can use your injury compensation to cover your losses.

Otherwise, you’ll need to pay for these expenses on your own. 

4. Handle the Insurance Company

The insurance company will want to pay you as little as possible after an accident. They’ll also use anything you say against you.

Don’t try to negotiate with an insurance company alone. Instead, call an injury attorney. They can help handle these negotiations for you.

They’ll ensure the insurance company doesn’t trick you into accepting a reduced offer. Instead, your lawyer will calculate your losses. They’ll fight for the compensation you’re due. 

5. Build Your Case

Someone will likely clean up the crash site after the fact. It’s important to gather evidence before you leave the scene. Otherwise, you might not have the evidence you need to build your case.

Your lawyer can help gather the evidence you need to strengthen your claim.

6. Get Legal Advice

You might feel uncertain about how to proceed after a semi truck accident. You can rely on your lawyer’s experience and expertise. They can offer you legal advice to help you make an informed decision moving forward.