The presence of tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles on Milford’s roads is a good sign. These large trucks are necessary for manufacturing, construction, and the transportation of goods—all things that a bustling economy needs.
But these vehicles also carry an element of risk. If a collision occurs, the weight of commercial trucks compared to average passenger vehicles means severe injuries are more likely.
When you have been injured, a Milford truck accident lawyer can help. After a collision, an experienced personal injury attorney from Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya can seek to hold the appropriate parties legally and financially responsible for the harm you sustained.
Potential Responsible Parties in a Truck Wreck Claim
One of the difficulties in wrecks involving commercial vehicles is that determining who was at fault can be challenging. Not only is there the difficulty of untangling what happened on the road, but the collision’s true cause may have happened much earlier. For example, parties that might ultimately be responsible for a crash involving a commercial vehicle include:
- The truck driver – if the driver was driving distracted or intoxicated, or otherwise was not exhibiting due care in operating the vehicle
- The trucking company – if the company had inappropriate policies in place such that the driver did not receive adequate training, or was encouraged to speed or drive fatigued to make a delivery on time
- The company responsible for loading the truck – if a tractor trailer’s cargo is too heavy, it can cause the vehicle to have trouble braking appropriately; similarly, if the cargo is loaded incorrectly, it can shift in transit and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle
- The truck’s manufacturer – if the manufacturer designed or assembled the truck incorrectly or in a manner that caused a safety issue
Most of these issues will not be readily observable at the scene of a crash. A Milford attorney who has experience handling truck wrecks can investigate the crash and the events leading up to it to determine who truly caused the wreck.
What to Do After a Wreck With a Commercial Vehicle
The aftermath of any car crash is confusing and stressful; it can be hard to know what steps to take next. An attorney who regularly handles tractor-trailer wrecks in Milford can provide advice after the collision, but some steps will need to be taken immediately. These include:
- Determine whether anyone involved in the wreck is injured or needs immediate medical attention
- If possible, move all people and vehicles involved in the crash out of the flow of traffic to prevent further damage; however, do not attempt to move anyone with a serious injury, especially to the neck or back areas
- Report the wreck to the proper authorities
- Document the scene of the wreck by taking photos of the vehicles and immediately surrounding area if able; determine whether there were any eyewitnesses nearby who were not involved in the crash and ask for their contact information
- Obtain the other driver’s information, including the company that employs them; be polite and courteous, but do not apologize or admit fault for the wreck
As soon as possible after leaving the scene of the collision, seek out medical attention. Even if no symptoms appeared immediately after the crash, issues may arise after the adrenaline from the incident subsides. It is important to become aware of any injuries as soon as possible, both to receive appropriate treatment and to establish a reliable record as to which injuries are related to the crash.
Call a Milford Truck Accident Attorney Today
Dealing with the aftermath of a serious collision with an 18-wheeler can be overwhelming. An attorney can help you manage and negotiate with the trucking company’s legal team and insurance company. An attorney can also help you investigate the cause of the wreck and determine who is at fault. Most importantly, an attorney from Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya can help you protect your legal rights and receive fair compensation for the injuries you received in the collision.
Schedule an initial consultation with a Milford truck accident lawyer to learn more.