After a collision with a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, those involved may be unsure of how to proceed. For one, injuries could take weeks or even months to recover from, preventing a patient from seeking compensation on their own. Furthermore, pursuing effective civil action also requires legal knowledge that most people do not have.
As such, if you were severely hurt in a tractor-trailer wreck, it is recommended that you reach out to an experienced attorney at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy. Our lawyers can walk you through what to do after a truck accident lawyer in Columbus to maximize your chances of receiving adequate compensation for your losses.
Establishing the Cause after a Columbus Semi-Truck Crash
Truck collisions in Columbus are caused by a variety of factors. The majority of trucking crashes are due to driver error, such as distracted driving, inexperience operating the particular vehicle, or unfamiliarity with the area. Other contributing causes could include:
- Adverse weather conditions
- Poor road conditions
- Improper maintenance of the vehicle
- Mechanical failures
- Improper load distribution
Regardless of the specific cause of a tractor-trailer accident, the general approach in the immediate aftermath is the same. After attending to injuries, contacting a proactive legal team in the vicinity is the best step to take after a truck crash. Particularly in cases involving driver error, it is important to retain a dedicated lawyer who can secure evidence that establishes the trucker’s liability for the traffic wreck.
Steps to Take Following a Tractor-Trailer Collision
After a Columbus truck crash, there are three important steps to take at the scene of the accident. If anyone requires immediate medical care, contacting emergency personnel is always the first step. However, if possible, you should also try to get various forms of information from the truck driver, including:
- Their contact information
- Their insurance information
- Details about their employer
- Information about the truck owner, if it is not the driver their employer
Next, it is important to document evidence from the crash site that a skilled lawyer could use in pursuing compensation on your behalf. This could include photos or videos of the scene and impacted vehicles.
Finally, it is always recommended that you seek medical advice for any bodily harm after a trucking accident. It is crucial that your injuries are assessed and documented if you decide to bring a civil claim with the help of a Columbus attorney.
Should I Contact a Lawyer after a Truck Crash?
Truck crashes are more complex than typical auto accidents. To establish a trucker’s liability, various forms of evidence and information must be obtained and preserved as quickly as possible. However, this can be challenging when a traffic collision involves a semi or tractor-trailer.
For one, it is often much more difficult to get a chance to evaluate a commercial truck after an accident than a passenger vehicle. Additionally, crashes with large semis or 18-wheelers are usually catastrophic, leaving victims in no state to investigate the scene on their own. It is necessary to get legal assistance as soon as possible after a tractor-trailer crash in Columbus to protect an injured person’s right to pursue compensation.
Ask a Columbus Attorney What to Do after a Truck Accident
No one expects to be hit by a tractor-trailer, and as such, many victims are left unsure of what to do after a truck accident in Columbus. If you find yourself in this situation, it is best to call an attorney for supportive legal guidance.
By consulting a seasoned Columbus personal injury lawyer at our firm, you can better focus on your injuries and return to your normal life as quickly as possible. The lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy are well-practiced in preserving, pursuing, and protecting truck accident cases. Call us today to set up a free consultation about your circumstances.
