What do I need to know if I have been involved in a truck accident?
Accidents involving tractor-trailers and other semis are unlike any other motor vehicle accident you may encounter. This is due to the numerous bodies of law and regulation surrounding commercial trucking, as well as the numerous types of investigations that all happen at the same time. It is important for you to gain a basic understanding of what happens after a commercial truck accident so you are prepared to best protect yourself and your claim.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
In addition to state motor vehicle and traffic laws, commercial truckers must also comply with federal rules and regulations. These rules relate to everything ranging from the number of hours a trucker can drive during any given time period, the types of logs each trucker must keep, and the routine maintenance that the company must perform on each vehicle. Multiple layers of complication arise if a trucker or trucking company violates any one of these regulations, and that violation leads to your accident.
Connect with The Rooth Law Firm at (847) 869-9100 or through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case.
Multiple Investigations of Your Accident
Depending on the severity and location of your trucking accident, you may find yourself on the receiving end of question after question from numerous investigators from different teams. The commercial truck company will send out its own investigator to review the accident scene and seek out statements from you and any witnesses. Additionally, the National Transportation Safety Board may send out an investigator to perform its own review of the accident. Not to mention any state or local police officers that may also come to scene.
The most important thing you can do in is to politely decline to give a statement to any investigator or police officer until after you have spoken with your attorney. This is crucial. You do not want to say anything that may have a negative effect on your attempt to recover compensation for any injuries or property damage sustained in the accident.
Put Our Knowledge of the Trucking Industry to Use After Your Accident
At The Rooth Law Firm, we have more than 28 years of experience representing injured parties after motor vehicle accidents. We are extremely familiar with state and federal trucking regulations, as well as the habits and customs of truck drivers and their employers. Additionally, we know the likely outcomes that result when these rules are broken or ignored.
Following a serious truck accident, you are likely to be faced with high medical bills, the loss of a vehicle and a host of life-altering complications. Do not face all of this alone. Call upon our experienced legal team at The Rooth law Firm. We will sit with you in your free consultation, listen to your situation and offer you our opinion on your claim. Learn more by emailing our Chicago law offices or by calling us at (847) 869-9100 .
Contact us at (847) 869-9100 to make arrangements to discuss your case with our attorney today.