What Should I Do After Getting Rear-ended by a Commercial Truck?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are around 60,000 rear-end crashes every year that involve heavy vehicles like commercial trucks crashing into smaller cars. Unfortunately, many of these collisions result in minor to major injuries, significant property damage, and even loss of life. 

If you have recently been involved in a rear-end commercial trucking accident, you might wonder about your rights and options. During this difficult time, it is best to get help from a Nampa truck accident attorney from a reputable law firm like Andrew Injury Law. 

What Should I Do After Getting Rear-ended?

After getting rear-ended by a commercial truck, there are a few things you need to do to ensure your safety and preserve your chances of obtaining compensation:

• Immediately check for injuries. Checking for injuries is the first thing you must do. You need to assess how hurt you are and call 911 so that they can send an ambulance and a police unit to the scene of the accident. You also need to ensure you see a doctor to document your injuries and have proof that your injuries were caused by the rear-end accident involving a semi-truck. 
• Obtain your police report. If you called 911, the police likely reported to the scene of your rear-end collision and made a report about what happened, including who they believe to be at fault. You will need this report if you want to prove liability and obtain compensation. 
• Seek a free legal consultation. Never wait to seek help from a truck accident attorney, keeping the statute of limitations at the forefront of your mind. If you don’t, you could end up with a case that is not viable for compensation. 

In addition, hiring a truck accident lawyer will likely help you determine when a semi-truck driver would not be at fault, as this could affect the outcome of your case. 

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When Are Semi-Truck Drivers at Fault for a Rear-end Accident?

After an accident with a truck, you must determine who is at fault. Below are some scenarios where semi-truck drivers are at fault for a rear-end accident

• Distracted driving: If a truck driver was even remotely distracted by a phone, radio, or other device and this distraction caused a collision, they may be at fault.
• Failure to maintain equipment: Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for vehicle maintenance. Neglect on the part of the company or driver can lead to liability.
• Following too closely: Trucks need longer stopping distances than normal passenger vehicles. If a truck driver follows too closely and causes a collision, they may be found at fault.
• Speeding: Speed is dangerous, especially when it involves commercial trucks like semi-trucks. Excessive speed can cause rear-end collisions, making the truck driver liable for the accident.
• Improper load: Many don’t realize the extreme dangers of improper loads. Often, unsecured cargo can affect a truck driver and vehicle’s stopping ability, leading to collisions. This can make a truck driver and/or their company liable for an accident. 
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence impairs judgment and reaction times. If a truck driver has driven while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time the accident occurred, they can be held liable for it. 
• Ignoring traffic conditions: Failing to adjust driving to weather, road conditions, or traffic flow can result in collisions and lead to a truck driver being at fault for the collision.
• Aggressive driving: Actions like tailgating and frequent lane changes can lead to fault in collisions. These actions are labeled as aggressive driving. Truck drivers can often be held responsible for dangerous and negligent driving. 

How Much is My Rear-end Truck Settlement Worth?

The value of a rear-end truck settlement in Idaho depends on various factors, including: 

• The severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering. 

Your lawyer can accurately evaluate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with various insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Get Legal Guidance from a Nampa Truck Accident Attorney

Never wait to contact our team at Andrew Injury Law. We have experience handling semi-trucks and other commercial trucking accidents and can guide you toward the right path to securing compensation. 

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4 months ago

Matt was very helpful in explaining the law and setting realistic expectations about my mothers case. He listened to the facts and gave solid advice about what to do next. I know his time is valuable and limited so I appreciated his complementary consultation and advice. I will definitely turn to him in the future.

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