Trucking accidents that involve large trucks, rigs, 18 wheelers, dump trucks or semi-trucks are different from your typical car accident case. Semi-trucks are much larger, heavier, and travel at a much higher velocity, therefore also causing more severe injuries when an accident occurs. Trucking crash injuries are catastrophic in nature and require significant life-long medical treatment. Trucking crash injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, fractured arms, legs, pelvis, loss of a limb, loss of vision, surgeries and permanent scarring. Semi-truck drivers drive long hours and late night hours, making them more susceptible to fall tired at the wheel and have a greater chance of being involved in an accident. Many of the semi-trucks on the road are also not always properly maintained – in fact, one of every four semi-trucks that are driving on the road right now, are found to have a mechanical defect upon inspection. If you have been injured in an accident that involves a semi-truck, whether you were hit by a semi or you are a truck driver yourself, call one of your experienced trucking lawyers at Borkovic Law Group today for a free consultation. You can reach us at (727)798-5291.

As previously stated, trucking accidents are different from car accidents, and as such, there are special laws that govern the operation of large trucks. Truck drivers are required to keep logs of their trips, there are certain weight limitations on loads, and time limits on how long a driver is allowed to drive. If you are a truck driver and get injured in a crash, it is very important you follow the proper regulations and have them documented in order to avoid any type of liability for the crash. However, even if you feel like the crash is partially your fault, never admit liability to anyone and make sure you always consult with a personal injury attorney to find out if you may have a viable claim for your injuries. Trucking companies also usually send out one of their investigators to the scene of the crash to conduct a report. The downside of this is that trucking company investigators are only going to try to minimize the accident as much as possible and look over significant evidence that may be helpful to your injury claim. So make sure that you document all aspects of the accident yourself in order to preserve essential evidence for your injury claim.

1. Remain calm and stop your vehicle. Make sure yourself and all other parties involved are ok. Never admit liability and never admit you are not injured.
2. Call 911 and wait for police and/or medical personnel to arrive. Seek medical attention immediately if you are injured.
3. Collect as much information as you can from the accident. Take photos and videos of all vehicles involved and any injuries sustained. Take down contact information and insurance information from all drivers involved. Take down contact information of any witnesses present.
4. Do not move your vehicle until the police tell you it is ok to move your car. You should only move your car if it is in an unsafe place such as blocking a busy road.
5. Call your personal injury attorney as soon as you can after an accident! Make sure you do not talk to any insurance company alone after an accident, and remember that their intention is to minimize and devalue your case as much as possible. Call one of your experienced trucking attorneys at Borkovic Law Group to help guide you through this process. You can reach us at (727)798-5291.