Peabody, MA Truck Accident Lawyer

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The harm caused by a truck accident can be very debilitating and painful. Many victims incur various forms of physical pain, financial distress, and emotional suffering. Fortunately, at-fault parties may be held responsible for the crashes they cause.

However, assigning fault for your truck accident may be a difficult without help from competent legal representation. For example, your collision may have occurred because of negligent conduct exhibited by a truck driver, trucking company, or third-party motorist. In any case, the team at our firm can help review your potential lawsuit and explain the next steps you should take.

If you were injured as the result of a truck accident in Peabody, MA, seek help from our experienced truck accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident in Peabody, MA

The aftermath of a truck accident can be stressful and disorienting. Still, there are certain steps you can take immediately after your crash that can enhance your chances of recovering payment for your injuries.

Stay at the Scene and Call 911

You should not flee the scene of your truck accident. If you leave the scene, then you may have a harder time recovering payment for your injuries. Further, you can be charged with a hit-and-run.

Accordingly, if your truck accident resulted in an injury or significant property damage, then you should remain at the scene and dial 911. After calling emergency services, the dispatcher can send an ambulance for anyone who requires immediate treatment. Further, an officer should visit the scene of your crash to draft an accident report. This accident report may be among the first pieces of information reviewed by our truck accident lawyers when assessing fault for your collision.

Exchange Information with Other Parties

You should exchange information with any other parties involved in your truck accident. For instance, you should retrieve contact information and insurance information from other drivers. Furthermore, you should attempt to obtain contact information from any potential eyewitnesses. Testimony from eyewitnesses can be highly beneficial when proving your case.

Document the Scene of Your Crash

You should also attempt to take photos at the scene of your crash if you can. Photos from the scene may be used to identify factors that contributed to your collision or to dispute the defendant’s alternative theory of fault.

Furthermore, photos of any property damage you incurred may be useful when establishing the losses caused by your accident. Our review any photos from the scene of your crash during your free case assessment.

Seek Medical Treatment

If you did not receive emergency medical treatment immediately after your truck accident, then you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Proper documentation of your injuries is necessary to recover financial compensation from another party. If you wait for your injuries to heal on their own, then you may complicate the settlement process.

Call Our Law Firm

Finally, you should call our law firm quickly after your truck accident. Our experienced legal team can help assess your case and explain how to proceed.

Proving Fault for a Truck Accident in Peabody, MA

In order to recover monetary damages in a truck accident lawsuit, you must present evidence that the defendant is at fault for your crash. These are all examples of evidence that may be used in your case:

Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness testimony plays a crucial role in determining fault in truck accident cases. Witnesses who observed the accident can provide firsthand accounts of what happened. Their statements can describe the actions of the truck driver, the behavior of other vehicles involved, the conditions of the road, and any other relevant details. Eyewitness testimony can provide valuable insight into the sequence of events leading up to the accident and help establish fault.

Black Box Data

Black box data, also known as event data recorders (EDRs), is often used as evidence in truck accident cases. EDRs collect and store data related to the operation of the vehicle, including speed, braking, acceleration, and seatbelt usage. This information can provide critical insight into the truck’s behavior leading up to the accident. Analyzing the black box data can help establish whether the truck driver was speeding, engaged in aggressive driving, or failed to take appropriate actions to avoid the collision.

Truck Maintenance Records

Truck maintenance records are essential in determining fault in truck accidents. These records document the maintenance and repair history of the truck involved in the accident. They can reveal whether the truck was in proper working condition at the time of the accident or if any mechanical failures or malfunctions contributed to the crash. Maintenance records can include inspections, repairs, and records of any known issues with the truck’s brakes, tires, lights, or other crucial components.

Driver Logs

Driver logs, also known as logbooks or hours-of-service records, are used to monitor and track the driving hours of commercial truck drivers. These logs document the driver’s on-duty and off-duty hours, rest breaks, and compliance with federal regulations. In cases where driver fatigue is suspected as a contributing factor to the accident, the driver logs can be examined to determine if the driver exceeded the maximum allowable hours on the road without proper rest. Violations of hours-of-service regulations can establish negligence on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company.

Surveillance Footage

Video surveillance footage from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, or dashboard cameras can provide valuable visual evidence in truck accident cases. This footage can capture the accident as it happened, showing the positions and movements of the vehicles involved. It can also reveal any reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the truck driver or other motorists. Video evidence can be particularly compelling in establishing fault and providing a clear understanding of the circumstances leading up to the accident.