Statistics have shown that almost half of trucking accidents are caused by fatigue driving. Since truck drivers are paid by the hour, some drivers cheat their work logs to be able to drive longer than the allowed hours and be take home more money. Unfortunately, anyone who drives over 18 hours a day has reflexes equivalent to a person with 0.08% blood-alcohol concentration. This is why 7 out of 10 truck crashes are caused by fatigue driving.
If you, a loved one or anyone you know has suffered from a trucking accident, here are 5 things you’ll need to win the case:
1) No Liability – If you have nothing to do with the accident, and can prove that the total fault goes to the truck driver, you have a better chance at winning the case. The percentage of your involvement in the trucking accident directly affects the compensation awarded to you, so if the court finds you 20% at fault in the incident, 20% is deducted from your settlement amount.
2) Police Accident Report – The police report includes important information that could support your case, if you decide on pursuing a personal injury claim. The report is written by the police officer taking notes of your statements, and statements of the truck driver (so it will not be your account of the accident word-by-word). The relevant piece of the police report lies in witness statements, particularly if these would prove that you really are not at fault.
3) Medical Treatment – If you are lucky enough to have survived the trucking crash, it is still ideal that you go to the emergency room and get checked up. Even if you only have bruises, internal injuries are possible (and may not even show symptoms). A record from the hospital provides a link between the accident and your need for medical assistance, which in turn, can be very useful for your case.
4) Knowledge of Trucking Insurance – Insurance companies rarely settle trucking accident claims without a fight. They will open lines of communication with the victim, but would try to confuse you into settling for a lower amount of settlement, or even leave you without a chance of a payout. Here’s where #5 is important.
5) An Aggressive Lawyer – A personal injury lawyer knows the ins and outs of accident insurance, your rights as a trucking accident victim, and how to determine if the case is in your favor.
If you recently had a truck-related accident in the Winnebago County, Boone County, Ogle County or Stephenson County, and is looking for a Dekalb trucking accident lawyer to guide you through the process, call Fisk & Monteleone LTD at 815-516-5739 for a free case consultation.
Fisk & Monteleone LTD have decades-long of experience winning car and truck-related accident cases. The firm is home to the best pair of Dekalb Trucking Accident Lawyer you can find in northeast Illinois.
