The scene of a Culpeper tractor trailer accident can seem entirely overwhelming. Drivers and passengers might be hurt, traffic is congested, witnesses are trying to help, and emergency medical professionals are trying to tend to the injuries of the victims. In a stressful situation such as this, there’s a chance that you could forget to ask the necessary questions—especially if you are one of those who are injured.
There are three important questions that people often forget to ask in the midst of a serious trucking accident:
- Ask about the truck driver’s employer. It’s important to learn what company the driver works for (or if the driver is self-employed or working as an independent contractor). The trucking company might be liable for any injuries you received in the incident.
- Ask about the truck driver’s driving log for the day. You’ll need to find out how long the driver has been behind the wheel. Legally, truckers are only allowed to drive a certain number of hours per day and are required to have a set amount of time to rest. If the driver has violated the hour quota, he or she could be in more trouble than just the accident. Driving time is restricted to prevent drivers from staying too long behind the wheel and causing accidents from fatigue.
- Ask the truck driver what type of cargo he or she is carrying. Many trucks carry dangerous or harmful chemicals, and it’s imperative to know whether you are in the midst of additional danger. The last thing anyone at the scene needs is a fire or an explosion from an unexpected chemical reaction.
Because these questions are specific to a tractor trailer accident, they might not cross your mind. You wouldn’t need to think about this information in the event of a regular passenger vehicle collision. If you or someone in your family has been involved in a semi truck wreck and need assistance getting compensation, we are here to help.
The Virginia personal injury lawyers at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas are well versed in the laws regarding tractor trailer accidents and what you are eligible to receive. Call today to schedule a free case evaluation or fill out the brief form on this page and we’ll get in touch with you promptly.
