What Happens When a Company Truck Hits You?

If you get hit by a company truck, it’s natural to wonder what happens next. Is there a specific commercial vehicle accident procedure you should follow? Is compensation possible? Where should you start? Getting answers to these questions is critical for accident victims, but they depend on the unique circumstances of the crash. An experienced truck accident attorney from Stokes Stemle, LLC can review your case and advise you on your legal options. 

Who is Responsible?

Company vehicle accidents could involve multiple responsible parties, such as:

• The truck driver – The trucker may bear primary responsibility for the crash if their negligence caused or contributed to it. Examples of negligence include distracted driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws.
• The trucking company – The company that owns or operates the truck and employs the driver could also bear responsibility for the accident. Under the principle of vicarious liability, an employer is liable for their employee’s actions when those actions occur within the scope of their employment. The trucking company could also be liable if they engaged in careless hiring practices or pressured their drivers to ignore state or federal regulations to make better time and more money.
• Other parties – In some accidents, other parties could also be responsible. For example, the truck manufacturer could be liable if a vehicle defect causes the accident. 

Documenting Evidence

Evidence is crucial for building a solid case against the at-fault party after a company truck accident. Examples of evidence include:

• Photographs and videos – Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any relevant environmental factors. Capture the position of vehicles, injuries sustained, and any visible hazards.
• Contact information – Obtain the contact information of the truck driver, their employer, and any other parties involved. Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information.
• Witnesses – If eyewitnesses saw the accident, collect their contact information and statements in writing or on a recording on your phone. Their testimony can provide valuable support for your version of events.
• Medical records – Seek medical attention promptly and retain all copies of your medical records. This evidence helps establish the connection between your injuries, the accident, and the economic losses you suffered due to your medical expenses.

Don’t worry if you could not collect evidence due to your injuries. At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we always hire truck accident experts to examine the truck and retrieve data from the vehicle’s event data recorder to understand what went wrong and why.  

Contacting Local Police at the Accident Scene

In Alabama, drivers must report accidents to the local police after an accident involving an injury or death. The responding officer will use proper commercial vehicle accident procedure to document the scene and file a crash report, which will be crucial evidence in your case against the truck driver and their company.

Contact Stokes Stemle, LLC After a Truck Accident

The attorneys at Stokes Stemle, LLC can help you seek accountability and compensation after you suffered injuries in an accident with a company vehicle. Contact our experienced truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.