Steps to Take If the Truck Driver Was Speeding

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident caused by a speeding truck driver, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. The aftermath of a truck accident is confusing, and it’s natural to experience a range of emotions, including fear, anger, and frustration. In these moments, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what actions you need to take.

At Hepworth Holzer, LLP, we recognize the emotional toll such accidents can take. We understand the stress that comes with handling insurance claims, dealing with medical bills, and trying to understand the legal process. Our team is here to guide you through these steps, offering support and legal advice to help you navigate this difficult situation.

The Importance of Gathering Evidence

When a truck driver is speeding and causes an accident, the evidence is crucial for building a strong case. Speeding is a form of negligence, and proving that the driver was speeding can help you show that they are responsible for the accident. After the accident, make sure to gather as much information as possible. If you are physically able, take photographs of the accident scene, including the positions of the vehicles, any visible damage, skid marks, and traffic signs.

It’s also helpful to obtain a copy of the police report, which may contain vital details about the accident, such as whether the truck driver was cited for speeding or any other violations. This can strengthen your claim that speeding played a role in causing the accident. Be sure to collect contact information for any witnesses, as their testimonies could also be critical to your case.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Sometimes injuries from truck accidents, particularly whiplash or internal injuries, might not show symptoms right away. A medical professional can evaluate your condition and help document your injuries, which is essential for your case.

Medical records play a key role in proving the extent of your injuries and the impact they’ve had on your life. Not only do they show the severity of your injuries, but they also establish a timeline of treatment, which can help prove the link between the accident and your ongoing medical care.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notifying your insurance company is another important step after a truck accident caused by speeding. Be sure to inform them as soon as possible about the accident and provide all relevant details, including the fact that the truck driver was speeding. However, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are often focused on minimizing their payouts. Therefore, you should be cautious about making any statements that could be used against you later.

It’s a good idea to avoid accepting any settlement offers from the insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. These offers can be lower than what you’re entitled to, especially if you haven’t fully assessed your injuries and other damages. You deserve to be compensated fairly for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and having legal representation will ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

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Kathy Crowley

John Edwards and his staff are excellent. They took the time to explain the process completely and worked hard to ensure I would get the most out of my settlement. John is a very caring lawyer who cares more about his cleint then the possible gain from the end results. He was able to work with my health insurance company to lower their reimbursement to the lowest possible amount and even ensured I would be taken care of with future claims by waiving co-pays for my shoulder and neck injury.

Lee Morris

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Sarah Brown

Charlie Hepworth provided excellent legal services to my husband and I. In 2015, I was struck by a semi-truck on the connector and spent five weeks in the hospital. Charlie was referred to us by a friend and we were so fortunate to have him on board. He was compassionate, knowledgeable, highly experienced, and guided us every step of the way. We are pleased with the outcome and having Charlie on our team certainly made the long process of recovery a bit easier.

Guy H.

I am writing specifically about John Kluksdal. The work that he did for me was nothing but amazing. When it was time to go into my settlement hearing, he worked extremely hard and was able to get a justifiable settlement. He's great!

Guy H.

Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer

After a truck accident caused by speeding, consulting with a truck accident lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. A lawyer who handles truck accident cases can help you navigate the complexities of these types of claims. Truck accidents are often more complicated than regular car accidents because they involve multiple parties, including the trucking company, the driver, and even the manufacturer of the truck.

A truck accident lawyer can help gather evidence, obtain expert testimony if necessary, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. With their knowledge of truck accident laws, they can make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve. The legal process can be challenging, but with the right attorney by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in good hands.

Understand the Role of Speeding in Truck Accidents

Speeding is a common factor in many truck accidents, and it can have a significant impact on your case. When a truck driver exceeds the speed limit, they are not only breaking the law, but they are also increasing the risk of accidents. Trucks are much larger and heavier than regular vehicles, and speeding reduces the truck driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. The greater the speed, the longer it takes for the truck to stop or slow down in an emergency, which can lead to devastating accidents.

Speeding also affects the force of the impact during a collision. A higher speed means more force, which can result in more severe injuries and damage to vehicles. This is why proving that the truck driver was speeding is so important. It helps establish that their reckless driving directly contributed to the severity of the accident and your injuries.

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Building a Strong Case for Your Claim

When building a case against a speeding truck driver, it’s essential to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes obtaining truck driver logs, GPS data, and any other information that can show the driver’s speed at the time of the accident. This information is often stored by the trucking company or on the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD), which records details about the driver’s hours of service and speed. A truck accident lawyer can help subpoena this data if necessary to support your case.

Additionally, witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, may be able to help determine the speed of the truck at the time of the accident and how it contributed to the crash. Their testimony can be valuable in proving the truck driver’s negligence and liability for the accident.

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$5,500,000

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$4,800,000

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$4,450,000

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$3,800,000

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$3,300,000

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Dealing with the Trucking Company

The trucking company can be an additional source of responsibility in a truck accident case. In some situations, the company may be held liable for the actions of their driver, especially if they were aware of the driver’s speeding habits or encouraged them to drive in a way that violated regulations. Your lawyer will know how to investigate the trucking company’s policies, driver training practices, and maintenance records to determine whether they played a role in the accident.

Trucking companies often have large legal teams to defend against claims, and they may attempt to shift blame or downplay the severity of the situation. That’s why having a lawyer on your side is crucial. They can help ensure that the trucking company is held accountable for their role in the accident.

Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident caused by a speeding driver can be overwhelming. Between medical treatments, financial losses, and the stress of navigating a legal case, it can feel like there’s no end in sight. That’s why it’s important to reach out for legal help to ensure that your rights are protected. At Hepworth Holzer, LLP, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to fight for the justice you deserve.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and need legal guidance, we’re ready to help. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you every step of the way to get the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation and learn how we can help you achieve the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

To learn more about this subject click here: What Happens If the Truck Driver Was Under the Influence in Boise County, ID?