Crashes Impact a Driver’s Record for a Long Time
With thousands of truck wrecks every year, they are bound to affect the number of drivers out there. If a driver loses their CDL because of a crash, then there are fewer drivers on the road. Fewer drivers out there lead to an increase in the number of truck wrecks every year.
But do drivers always lose their license after a wreck? What factors are involved, and what is your responsibility if you’re the victim of a trucking accident? The Car Crash Captain dives in and lets you know what you need to know.
Truck Wreck Investigation
Immediately following the wreck, an investigation will take place. Since truck drivers are held to a higher standard than other motorists, every wreck is taken seriously.
That investigation will include:
- Drug and alcohol testing: was the driver under the influence when the wreck occurred?
- Truck logs: was the driver following the rules set out for the number of hours he or she may drive during the week?
- Witness statements: what did other parties see?
- Vehicle maintenance: was the truck up-to-date on maintenance?
There are multiple parties that conduct these investigations. The trucking company, the insurance company, law enforcement, and your personal injury lawyer will reconstruct the truck accident. All parties have different goals in mind; not all of them will want to show that you’re the victim and deserve compensation.
Medical Treatment for Injured Parties
While those investigations are taking place, victims need medical treatment.
Even if you are able to “walk away” from the wreck, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Your adrenaline will be flowing. It could mask the symptoms of a serious issue that is developing.
License Suspension for the Driver
Normally the driver will have their license suspended, at least until the investigation is complete. These repercussions can carry over well after the wreck.
Reinstatement – If the driver was found to be at no fault, they may have their license reinstated. Because of the way CDL’s are monitored the wreck will still show up on their record for a time. This does not guarantee, however, that the trucking company will continue to employ the driver.
Suspension – There are instances where the driver’s CDL will be suspended for a period of time. After that time, they may apply to reinstate it.
Revocation – If the wreck is serious, and injuries or fatalities resulted, the driver may have the license revoked and not be able to drive truck again.
Jail – Depending on the circumstance, some drivers may end up serving time due to their negligence.
If you are the victim, you might be thinking that these don’t really apply to you. They are punishments or sanctions on the driver after all. However, we have to keep in mind that the trucking company wants to limit their liability. If they have a good driver who made a one-time poor judgement, they may try to shift blame to you so they don’t have to lose their driver.
Settlement Negotiations for Injured Party
Throughout the process, you will be healing from your injuries and your truck wreck lawyer will be determining what compensation will help you recover from those injuries.
Depending on the circumstance, the liability, the extent of the injuries and damages, and a whole lot more, your settlement is negotiated by a skilled personal injury lawyer who understands what goes into your recovery.
Contact Herbert Law Group after a Truck Wreck
The only way you can have access to that skilled personal injury lawyer, however, is if you get in touch with Herbert Law Group. With years and years of experience, we know just what to look for in a truck wreck, and how much you deserve in compensation.
Let’s chat about it to learn about your case. Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.