Truck accidents can have life-altering consequences, causing severe injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. If you were injured in a truck accident in Gallatin, you are entitled to justice and compensation.
Truck accident lawsuits are known for being more challenging than the average case. This is because every truck collision lawsuit requires navigating complex trucking regulations, determining liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and evaluating significant damages. Being prepared and taking the appropriate steps after a truck accident can make all the difference when the unthinkable occurs.
Reach out to Howe Law today by calling (844) 876-4357 for a free review of your case with our truck accident attorneys.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Gallatin, TN
In truck accident cases, there are a multitude of factors that need to be considered, making these cases complex and challenging. Fortunately, our experienced truck accident lawyers have in-depth knowledge of these regulations and their application so that your case is built on a solid legal foundation. These regulations cover various aspects of the trucking industry, including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, hours of service, and cargo securement. By carefully examining the details of the accident, we can determine if any of these regulations were violated, which can prove liability.
Determining liability often requires conducting a detailed investigation. Multiple parties might be involved, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance personnel, and others. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, one or more of these parties may be responsible for the incident.
We can conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for their negligence or wrongdoing. We will work meticulously to gather evidence, including witness statements, accident reports, maintenance records, and more, to build the strongest case possible.
What to Do Following a Gallatin, TN Truck Accident
The immediate aftermath of such an incident is crucial, as the actions you take can greatly impact your safety, well-being, and legal rights. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the aftermath of a truck accident with confidence and increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Ensure Your Safety and Contact Law Enforcement
In the unfortunate event of a truck accident, ensuring the safety of all parties involved should be the topmost priority. The first step is to move to a secure location away from any potential hazards or traffic. Once you have reached a safe place, check yourself and others for any visible injuries.
It is also important to call for medical assistance promptly, even if you think the injuries are minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a delay in seeking medical attention can lead to the worsening of the condition.
In addition to contacting medical assistance, reaching out to law enforcement is equally important. Reporting the accident to the police helps create an official record of the incident and makes it easier to file an insurance claim. Ensure that you provide accurate details about the location, the number of vehicles involved, and any injuries sustained.
Document the Accident and Gather Witness Statements
Once in a safe location, it is crucial to gather evidence. While waiting for the police to arrive, you should take photos or videos of the accident scene if it is safe to do so. Make sure you capture images of everything that could be relevant, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Also, preserve physical evidence such as damaged vehicles, debris, or road conditions. Do not make any repairs or dispose of your vehicle until it has been thoroughly documented by your lawyer or insurance company.
Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. You should note their names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. This information is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal action.
Additionally, speak to any witnesses who saw the accident. Obtain their names, phone numbers, and addresses. Ask them to provide a statement about what they saw. Collecting witness statements and preserving evidence strengthens your case and helps ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
If an ambulance is available, it is advisable to let the medical professionals assess your condition and provide any necessary treatment. In case immediate transportation to the hospital is not required, it is still important to visit an emergency room or urgent care facility without delay.
This is because proper medical documentation is essential for both your physical recovery and any potential legal claims you might have. Make sure to keep copies of all medical records, including diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and bills, as these records will be crucial evidence when seeking compensation for your injuries. By taking these steps, you are ensuring that you receive the necessary medical attention and are able to build a strong case in case of any legal proceedings.
Evidence Commonly Used to Prove a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Gallatin, TN
To substantiate your claim, you must provide relevant evidence that shows the liability and damages of the accused parties. However, in many truck accidents, a significant portion of the evidence is frequently lost during the cleanup of the accident scene. Therefore, it is crucial to take as many pictures as possible while at the scene of the accident. Your photographs might be the only evidence, aside from your testimony, that confirms the physical damage that occurred.
If any malfunction of these components caused your injuries, our firm can also inspect the truck to determine what caused the accident. Additionally, we can obtain records from the company that employed the driver to see if a safety inspection was overlooked or if the truck was consistently maintained.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, there might be a device called a “black box” in the truck that caused your injury. This device collects essential information about the truck’s operation at the time of the accident, such as its speed, braking activity, and the driver’s hours of service. This data can be crucial in supporting your case or countering the opposing party’s claims if there is a dispute over the details of the accident.
Lastly, eyewitness testimony from those who witnessed the accident and the victim’s account of what happened can be vital. In complex cases, an expert witness might be called upon to provide testimony on the root cause of the accident that a layperson could not explain.
Our Gallatin, TN Truck Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help You Prove Your Case
For a free assessment of your case with our experienced truck accident lawyers, contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 today.
