4 Things That Can Help You Win Compensation After a Big-Rig Accident

If you or a loved one is ever involved in an accident with a semi-truck (big rig), it is not unlikely that someone could suffer injuries or even death. This is because these massive trucks are much bigger than standard vehicles, and their size and weight can result in disastrous accident scenes due to things such as horrific impacts and unstable maneuvering during accidents. There are a number of things that can cause these accidents, and many times the accidents are the result of truck-driver negligence. Despite this fact, trucking companies have been known to vehemently deny allegations pertaining to liability, and this is why drivers on the roadways need to know how to protect their rights and prove their cases if they are ever in this situation. 

Witness Accounts

Tragically, sometimes there are not any witness accounts due to the only witnesses being killed in the accident. If you are in an accident, and there are witnesses, their accounts of the accident may be recorded in the accident report. It is possible that some witnesses may also be victims with less severe injuries. Courts may look favorably upon witness testimony because the accounts are those of people who watched these tragic accidents unfold before their eyes.

Inspector Reports

It is a legal requirement for big rigs to be inspected by certified inspectors. The inspection happens at the accident scene, and it aids in ensuring that important things about the semi-truck are documented. This leaves little chance for evidence tampering or cover-ups when the truck is transported from the scene. Examples of things that the inspector might note are the condition of the tires as well as anything that may seem to have contributed to the accident. Inspectors are neutral, which means that they are not at liberty to "fix" their reports to favor trucking companies or victims. 

Black-Box Recordings

The black box in semi-trucks is similar to the ones that are in airplanes. They can hold a wealth of information about things that happen prior to an accident. For example, the time between rest stops and the record of travel speeds can be obtained from the black box. The data can be used to prove negligence. For example, a driver might have been speeding at the time of the accident, or perhaps a truck driver could be proven negligent due to not taking breaks, resulting in possible fatigue. 

Accident Attorney

An auto-accident attorney, such as one from Carl L. Britt, Jr., is a good resource to use if you ever experience an accident with a big rig. They may be helpful to your case because they can negotiate settlements and prove negligence and liability.