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semi truck lawyer

What Does a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

semi truck lawyer

If you’ve been in a truck accident, getting the right semi-truck accident lawyer on board is one of the first things you’ll need to do.

A truck accident attorney represents the truck driver or trucking company after an accident. They help trucking companies and drivers access fair settlements from insurance companies. They also make the process of commercial truck insurance claims and possible lawsuits easy to navigate.

This guide explores exactly what a truck accident lawyer does, and what you need to consider when choosing one.

Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers: Overview

A semi-truck accident lawyer works in tort law, which means they work to fix private or civil wrongs or injuries. This is remedied through compensation of damages.

The injured or affected parties in truck accidents can seek compensation from the negligent party for their losses. This is where truck accident lawyers come into play.

Truck accident lawyers typically work on compensating their clients for damages that relate to:

  • Lost income from their trucking business
  • Medical expenses
  • Damage to the vehicle
  • A loss of earning capacity
  • Emotional distress
  • Wrongful death or physical pain or suffering

You also get personal injury lawyers, who work on a wider range of cases, such as a car accident or an accident in the workplace. Truck accident lawyers are types of personal injury lawyers, but they focus specifically on truck accidents.

So, if you ever end up in a truck accident, one of the first things to do is to get in contact with an experienced truck accident attorney. They can help to fix the situation and get the deserved compensation to the truck driver.

What Does a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

Depending on the case and truck crash, truck accident attorneys can perform quite a wide range of tasks. This includes the following.

Investigate Truck Accident Cases

The first thing any truck accident lawyer does is investigate the details of the truck crash to establish whether there is a viable case.

Truck drivers will approach a lawyer, and the lawyer will figure out just how strong and valid their case is. Lawyers will usually only take on a truck accident case if they can see that the case has a high chance of winning.

Gather Evidence for Truck Accident Claims

When a lawyer decides to take on a truck accident case, they will need to start investigating the case and gathering all of the required evidence.

This typically involves investigating the scene of the accident, reviewing any pictures or camera footage of the accident, and gathering statements about the trucking accident from any possible witnesses. The lawyer will also evaluate the damage to the vehicle and get familiar with the expenses and medical reports of the client.

Once the evidence has been gathered, the lawyer will start building a case around it. This is why it’s so important for truck drivers to take photos and take down all the details straight after truck accidents happen.

Send a Demand Letter

Depending on the truck accident and the case, a truck accident lawyer might need to send a demand letter to the insurance company of the at-fault driver. This letter outlines the details of the truck accident and demands specified compensation.

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

One of the most important reasons to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer is to access their insurance negotiation skills. Insurance companies are very good at finding ways to pay the least possible amount on a settlement. With a truck accident attorney, you get the best chance at maximizing your truck accident claim.

Lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies about trucking accidents. They understand their client’s legal rights, and the details of insurance policies, and always communicate with the insurance company. This can help any truck driver or trucking company get the settlement they deserve after a trucking accident.

Prepare Complaints

In many cases, the trucking accident lawyer’s job ends after negotiating with the insurance company. However, if the insurance company fails to settle at the right amount, the lawyer may need to send a complaint to the at-fault party. This is one of the first documents sent out in truck accident lawsuits.

Prepare Cases for Trial

If a truck accident case goes to trial, the lawyer will start preparing the case. While many cases settle before going to trial, truck accident lawyers need to prepare the case for the worst.

This process focuses on gathering the right evidence, understanding relevant case law, speaking to witnesses, drafting statements, and so on.

Provide Representation at Trial

Finally, if truck accidents do go to court, truck accident lawyers will provide legal representation to the truck driver throughout the trial.

How to Find the Right Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

Finding the right semi-truck accident lawyer requires careful consideration, as these lawyers play such a crucial role in resolving truck accidents.

Start by researching lawyers with expertise in trucking accidents and personal injury law. Look for experience, reputation, and track record of successful case outcomes.

Ideally, look for recommendations from trusted sources, like other truck drivers, friends, family, or legal professionals. Schedule consultations with potential truck accident attorneys to discuss your case and understand their communication skills and responsiveness.

Consider the fee structure of each truck accident attorney and ensure it aligns with your budget. Finally, trust your instincts and choose a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities to represent your interests.

Conclusion

With a good lawyer on your side, any trucking company or driver will be in a far better position after a crash.

You must use an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer to get a fair settlement and compensation after a truck crash. As trucking crashes can have such a major impact on any truck driver’s health and business, ensuring you get this right is essential.

This is why having the right semi-truck accident attorney available is one of the most valuable things you need to prepare if any commercial truck accidents take place.

If you’re looking to finance a semi-truck, make sure to swing by Mission Financial Services for competitive pricing and top-tier advice.

Used Semi Trucks For Sale By Owner

Everything To Know About Used Semi Trucks For Sale By Owner

Used Semi Trucks For Sale By Owner

Buying a semi-truck can be a complicated process – especially if you buy semi-trucks directly from the owner.

You need to make sure that the truck is suitable for your needs, in good condition, and that the price is right. You also need to ensure all documentation and legalities are sorted before proceeding with the purchase.

To help you buy a semi-truck for sale by owner, this guide outlines all the steps and considerations you need to make.

Used Semi Trucks For Sale By Owner: The Guide

Research and Budgeting

Before you start searching for used semi trucks for sale, determine your budget and the type of truck you need. This should depend on the type of semi-truck business you run, the type of cargo you plan to haul, and the length of the routes you plan to run.

If you plan to do long routes, then look for semi-trucks that have all the required features for sleeping, eating, and driving. If you plan to haul goods over short distances, then you may need a more simple truck.

Of course, you’ll need to consider factors like the truck’s age, mileage, make, model, and any specific features you require. All of this should be planned. Otherwise, you will face a wide selection of trucks that don’t fit your requirements.

When researching for semi-trucks for sale by owner, be sure to also consider the insurance costs and add this to your budget. Planning this will help you establish a clear budget. Now, you can start saving for a down payment on this – usually around 10%.

Finding Trucks for Sale

Now that you know what you want, you can start to search for semi-trucks for sale by owner.

There are many different places that truckers can look when buying used vehicles. Look for used semi trucks being sold by owners through various channels, such as online classified ads, trucking forums, social media groups, and local newspapers. Websites like Craigslist, Truck Paper, and Commercial Truck Trader are also great resources.

Finding the right truck should be relatively straightforward if you have put enough planning in because you can simply look for a vehicle that matches your specific requirements and price within your location.

Ideally, you’ll look for manufacturers and models that you are familiar with.

Once you have found a few suitable semi-trucks, get in touch with the owner and arrange to check the truck out.

Request a Vehicle History Report

Once you’ve found a truck and seller that looks good, you need to make sure that the vehicle is trustworthy.

Always request a vehicle history report for any truck you’re interested in. This report will provide vital information about the truck’s accident history, title status, and odometer readings. Services like Carfax or AutoCheck can help you obtain these reports.

It’s also important to ask the owner for maintenance records and service history. Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of a truck, and well-documented records indicate a well-cared-for vehicle.

When you search for semi-trucks for sale by owner, there’s a lot more risk involved compared to purchasing from a reputable company. As this is such an expensive investment, you need to make sure that you carefully research any vehicle you find before you buy it.

Inspect and Test Drive the Truck

Arrange to inspect the truck in person before making any commitments.

Look for signs of wear, rust, mechanical issues, and damage. Check the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, fuel filters, and other critical components. This could help you pick up on potentially expensive issues – like bad shocks.

If you’re not knowledgeable about trucks, consider hiring a professional mechanic to inspect them. This could end up saving you a lot of money and headaches.

Take the truck for a test drive. Evaluate how it handles, accelerates, and brakes. Pay attention to any strange noises or vibrations during the drive. Pay attention to how clean the truck is too, as this could be a signal for how well-cared for the truck is. Make sure you have a complete understanding of the model before you choose to buy it.

Consider all the Ownership Costs

As mentioned earlier, your budget must include all the costs of owning a truck. These extend beyond the truck itself and include things like cargo handling equipment, insurance, and semi-truck parking costs.

Consider the overall cost of ownership, including insurance, fuel, maintenance, and potential repair expenses. Factor these costs into your budgeting and decision-making process.

Prepare for the Purchase

When you find the right truck, you’ll need to get all the documents ready and prepare for purchase.

Ensure that the truck’s title is clear and that there are no outstanding legal issues with the vehicle. Verify that the necessary paperwork is for a smooth ownership transfer.

Always have a written purchase agreement that outlines the terms of the sale, including the agreed-upon price, conditions, and any warranties or guarantees.

Secure Funding

Finally, you’ll need to secure a loan for buying a semi-truck. Mission Financial makes this process easy, as any truckers can find semi-truck funding that matches their needs – even with a bad credit score.

Get in touch with us to get a quote and see how easy it is to find funding for a used semi-truck.

Insurance, Registration, and Licensing

Once you own the truck, complete the registration and licensing process in your state or country as required. You’ll also need to make sure your truck is properly insured from day one.

Once this has been done, the semi-truck is ready for you to drive away.

Conclusion

Buying used semi-trucks is a great way to save money. When you follow the right process and properly research and inspect the vehicle, finding the perfect truck is easier than you think.

Be sure to follow the steps outlined above, and take your time looking for a used semi-truck. With a careful buying process in place, you should be able to find a truck that matches all of your requirements. Reach out to Mission Financial Services if you have any questions!

Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cost

What Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cost Should You Expect? (+ FAQs)

Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cost

If you’re looking to know all you can about commercial vehicle insurance cost, read on.

If your company owns and uses vehicles for business operations, you most likely need commercial auto insurance coverage. It’s legally required in most states.

On average, commercial vehicle insurance costs around $147 per month for each vehicle. You could pay more or less, depending on your type of vehicle, and coverage limits, among other factors.

Learn more about commercial vehicle insurance and its costs below. We’ll also share practical tips to help you save money when getting insurance coverage for your company vehicles.

What Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Commercial car insurance is a form of auto insurance designed for vehicles conducting business operations. You and your insurer get into an agreement outlining how the insurance company will compensate you for any financial losses related to an accident.

It’s different from personal auto insurance, although both offer personal injury protection. Personal car insurance policy only covers claims related to non-business use. You can’t rely on this type of insurance coverage if you or your employee needs to pay for any damages after causing an accident.

Without commercial insurance, your business will have to cater for any legal and medical expenses out-of-pocket, which can be expensive.

How Much Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cost

The cost of commercial auto insurance ranges from $50 to $200 per month, per vehicle, averaging out at about $147, as noted earlier. That’s around $600 to $2400 annually for a standard car used for commercial purposes. Other types of commercial vehicles will require you to pay more.

Here’s what you should expect to pay annually to insure different types of business vehicles:

  • Box trucks/ Delivery vans: $3,300 to $6,200
  • Taxis/ Limousines: $4,000 to $10,000
  • Semi-trucks: $8,000 to $12,000
  • Commercial bus: $35,000+

Besides the type of business vehicles you own, six other main factors affect how much you’ll pay for commercial car insurance.

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Insurance providers use different aspects of your business to set commercial auto insurance rates. Some of these include:

Type Of Coverage

The type of commercial auto coverage you choose will affect your commercial vehicle insurance cost. By law, the basic coverage required in most states is auto liability.

Auto liability is the lowest-cost property damage and bodily injury liability insurance coverage. It helps pay for physical damages to another party’s vehicles or property and their medical expenses when your company vehicle causes an auto accident.

In addition to auto liability, you may purchase any of the following commercial auto insurance covers. Each additional coverage increases your commercial auto insurance costs by a different amount, which varies from one insurance provider to another.

  • Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your vehicle after an accident, whether you were at fault or not.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Protects your company vehicles against theft and other non-collision damages, like fire, vandalism, and certain weather events.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage: Covers vehicle damage and medical costs for victims of an accident caused by someone uninsured.
  • Hired and Non-owned liability coverage: Pays for property damage if you use your vehicle or rented car for business purposes.
  • Rental reimbursement: This covers the cost of renting a vehicle for a specific period, outlined in your commercial policy
  • GAP protection: This covers you if you lose your vehicle before you finish paying it off. You’ll get the difference between your vehicle’s actual cash value and your loan’s unpaid net balance. To learn more about this and other additional coverage options, check out Mission Financial Services’s add-on coverage offers.

Extent Of Coverage

Commercial auto insurance costs for small business owners with several commercial vehicles and drivers are higher than those with one business vehicle and one driver. The more vehicles or drivers you need to insure, the higher the costs will be.

Coverage Limits

When you purchase coverage, you must determine your coverage limits. Most states have a minimum amount of liability coverage you have to meet. In Illinois, for example, commercial auto insurance policy minimums include:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 in bodily injury compensation per accident, and
  • $20,000 property damage liability

Often, state minimums are not always enough to cover insurance claims fully. You’ll almost always have to get higher coverage limits for better protection. Higher limits require higher insurance premiums.

Also, these varying state minimums mean that your location affects your commercial car insurance cost.

Deductibles

Most commercial vehicle insurance policies have deductibles – an amount you must pay out-of-pocket for any claim you face. This affects your commercial auto insurance cost. Higher deductibles reduce your insurance rates, while lower ones increase them.

Type of Business

Your primary business activities and the industry you operate in also affect your commercial auto insurance costs. You’ll pay more to insure vehicles constantly on the road and those operating in industries considered high-risk for accidents. The type of cargo you haul and the distance or miles you cover also contribute to your cost of commercial auto insurance.

For instance, commercial car insurance costs for trucks transporting hazardous materials are higher than for pick-up trucks used for delivery services occasionally.

You’ll also pay more if your company drivers make interstate trips or travel long distances.

Employee Driving Records

When calculating commercial car insurance policy rates, auto insurance companies review your employees’ driving records. Your commercial auto insurance cost might be higher if you have a history of speeding tickets, accidents, or other traffic violations.

In contrast, if all your drivers have a clean driving record, you’ll enjoy lower commercial auto policy rates.

How To Save Money When Getting Commercial Insurance

  • Choose high deductibles. As mentioned earlier, higher deductibles lower your commercial auto policy rates. You’ll save money on cheaper monthly premiums.
  • Vet your drivers and maintain a good driving record. Vetting your drivers ensures they have clean driving records, so you get cheaper commercial vehicle insurance rates. To keep these rates low, motivate your drivers to continue driving safely by offering incentives, including bonuses.
  • Install driving GPS trackers. You will likely qualify for huge discounts if you install trackers and observe other safety measures, like parking in a secure location. In addition to protection against theft, GPS tracking helps you monitor your drivers while on the road. Insurance providers interpret this as a safe driving practice and will offer lower rates.
  • Check your company vehicle safety features. As a standard practice, commercial vehicle insurance companies base their rates on the safety features of your company vehicle. These features include automatic brakes, airbags, and rearview cameras. The safer your car is, the lower your commercial car insurance costs and the more you’ll save.
  • Bundle your vehicles as a fleet. If your business owns several vehicles, bundle them as a fleet. Some insurance providers offer discounts for fleets.
  • Pay your premium upfront. Most commercial auto insurance companies offer discounts when you pay your annual dues in a lump sum.

Conclusion

Commercial car insurance is a must-have if you use your vehicles for work. It’s a safety net for your business, preventing you from spending thousands of dollars in settlement and other costs in case of an accident.

To get the best commercial auto insurance, evaluate your business needs first. You want to get the best auto insurance coverage without buying more than your business requires.

Once you understand your business needs, compare multiple commercial auto insurance quotes. Read the fine print of each quote to understand what’s covered, how much it costs, and whether it aligns with what you’re looking for.

Check out our blog to learn everything you need about commercial insurance for small businesses.

 

Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance

All About Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance

Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance

One of the most important decisions to make when purchasing a semi-truck is getting the right commercial truck insurance policy in place. When choosing between different insurance companies, you’re bound to consider Progressive Commercial truck insurance.

Progressive Commercial is the most popular business auto insurance provider in the States. The company offers a wide range of flexible insurance plans and areas of specialization to keep all kinds of truck drivers protected.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Progressive Commercial truck insurance.

Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance

Progressive Commercial is the biggest commercial truck insurance company in the US. The insurance company provides versatile, flexible coverage options for commercial truck drivers. They also provide various payment options, free filings, expert support on commercial trucks, and more.

Progressive Commercial has been offering truck insurance for over 50 years. The company insures practically any kind of truck across all states. This makes it a practical choice of insurance for any kind of commercial truck driver.

What Does This Insurance Offer?

Being the largest auto insurance company in America, Progressive Commercial specializes in many different types of commercial truck insurance. This includes specialist insurance for the following:

Owner Operators

If you operate as a truck driver under your own authority, or if you’re leased to a motor carrier, then Progressive Commercial has truck insurance plans that are suitable for your needs.

Being an owner-operator is tricky, as it typically means you only have a single vehicle to take care of. The flexible plans offered by progressive Commercial truck insurance make things easier for owner-operators.

Motor Carriers

Any for-hire trucking operators can also get specialized insurance plans through Progressive Commercial. This is ideal if you run any kind of for-hire semi-truck business.

Progressive Commercial truck insurance plans include many different options to match the needs of your for-hire trucking business. This includes plans for individual vehicles as well as for large fleets.

Private Carriers

Whether you haul goods for your own trucking business or for an employer, then Progressive Commercial offers comprehensive plans that can handle your insurance needs.

Customized Truck Coverage

In case you run a different kind of trucking business or have specific insurance needs, Progressive Commercial also offers customized coverage.

Some of the truck-specific coverages available include insurance for:

  • Motor truck cargo
  • Motor truck general liability
  • Non-trucking liability
  • Heavy truck roadside assistance
  • Rental reimbursement with downtime
  • Trailer interchange insurance

This means you can get a fully comprehensive commercial auto policy for whatever specific needs your business has.

Ultimately, any kind of truck driver or trucking company can get the right protection with the various policies and areas of specialization offered by Progressive Commercial.

Heavy Truck Claims

Progressive Commercial offers expert truck claims services. This is one of the things that sets this commercial insurance company apart.

Progressive Commercial offers a highly specialized team, knowledgeable about commercial truck claims. Their team of adjusters is entirely in-house and manages the commercial truck repairs process from start to finish.

Progressive Commercial also offers a wide range of pre-approved repair shops. This large network of repair shops gives Progressive Commercial customers priority status. This makes it easy to handle your semi-truck repair process and get your truck back on the road as soon as possible.

State and Federal Filings

Progressive Commercial offers state and federal filings. These insurance filings act as a guarantee to the government, showing that you have the right insurance coverage for your vehicle. This is essential for running a trucking business.

Once the authority has been filed, Progressive Commercial truck insurance handles the rest of the process. This makes it easier to manage the admin side of your business – leaving you more time to focus on the road.

How Much Does Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance Cost?

Of course, the cost of your business auto insurance is a major factor you need to consider.

Every insurance company offers different rates, depending on your specific insurance plan. Your truck insurance quote will also depend on factors like the gross vehicle weight, your coverage limit, whether the insurance covers medical expenses, how long you’ve had your commercial driver’s license, and so on.

The national average monthly cost for Progressive Commercial hire specialty truck insurance ranges from $736 for vocational truckers to around $1125 for other types of transportation truckers.

Every insurance quote is different, based on various factors surrounding your trucking business, The main factors that will influence your insurance costs include:

  • USDOT inspection history
  • Coverage requirements
  • Vehicle type
  • Cargo
  • Operating radius
  • Driving history

Progressive Commercial’s bill plans are competitive, with low down payment options. The company also doesn’t include interest on monthly installments as they do not rely on external premium financing.

Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance: Savings and Discounts

Progressive Commercial also offers various special discounts and options for saving on your commercial truck insurance policy. These options include:

  • The Smart Haul Program lets truckers save on their payments by using an electronic logging device (ELD) that provides the insurance company with access to the driving data.
  • The Snapshot ProView saving option that lets truckers save at least 5% on their commercial insurance policy. This is available to truckers without an ELD.
  • Business Experience Discounts that are available to trucking businesses that have been operating for over three years.
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) discounts let for-hire truckers save by simply having the right license.

It’s worth exploring these different discounts and saving options if you pursue business auto insurance with Progressive Commercial.

Conclusion

Choosing the right commercial truck insurance policy is a critical step when purchasing a business vehicle.

It’s so important to compare quotes from different insurance providers and understand exactly what type of coverage and specializations you need from your insurance policy. Progressive Commercial offers an extensive range of solutions for all kinds of trucks and truck drivers.

Of course, you’ll also need to use the right commercial vehicle financing provider when purchasing a truck. Get in touch with us at Mission Financial, where we help truck drivers of all backgrounds finance their ideal vehicle.

 

Semi-Truck For Sale By Owner

All You Need To Know About Semi-Truck For Sale By Owner

Semi-Truck For Sale By Owner

Buying a used semi-truck is like gambling.

You can gain great fortune if you get a clean deal and buy a good model that will serve you for years. But it’s also possible to fall on the other end of the spectrum and incur losses.

Here’s the thing, though, you can increase your chances of getting a good deal by purchasing a semi-truck being sold by its owner. Below, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of choosing this option.

We’ll also discuss what you need to do to avoid losing money when buying semi-trucks that are on sale by the owner.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Buying A Semi-Truck For Sale By Owner

Generally, you have two options for purchasing used semi-trucks for sale by owner:

  • Buying directly from another trucker
  • Buying from a fleet owner looking to upgrade their fleet of semi-trucks to the latest models

Here are the advantages and downsides of both:

Advantages

When buying a semi-truck from its owner, you can build a good relationship with the seller and get all the information you require about the truck. This is especially true if you’re buying the truck from another trucker.

Truckers have enough experience driving the specific semi-truck. They can provide first-hand information on how the truck works on the road. It’s easy to find out if the truck has any issues and decide whether you’ll work with it this way.

Fleet owners, on the other hand, might not have driven the truck you’re looking to buy. But they can give their view of the model from their experience as a fleet operator and connect you with the driver upon request.

Another advantage of buying semi-trucks for sale by their owners is the flexibility of the purchase process. You’ll have the owner’s contact information, including their phone and email. With this, you can contact them anytime to request more details about the truck, including up-to-date proof of features.

You may request real-time videos of a semi-truck on a listing to examine its current condition. You could also ask for a video of a specific part of a vehicle for further scrutiny.

It’s also beneficial to purchase semi-trucks for sale by owners due to their price. They’re less expensive than semi-trucks from dealerships, although the makes and models may be similar.

That’s because owners can sell the latest models from top manufacturers, like Freightliner, International, Peterbilt, and Kenworth, at low prices and still make a good profit. They don’t have salespeople or other overhead costs to consider, like dealerships.

For example, you can purchase a used 2020 Freightliner Cascadia for about $49,500 from a private seller in Texas. Dealerships in the same location may sell the same model for around $79,995.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of purchasing semi-trucks for sale by owner is financing. Most private sellers don’t offer any financing options to help you make your purchase. It’s different from getting your truck from dealerships or other traders.

Some dealerships partner with financing companies, like Mission Financial Services, to offer financial support in the form of loans to customers. Others can work out a payment plan based on your financial situation to help you buy your truck without breaking the bank.

Another drawback of getting used trucks from private owners is the number of options available. Dealerships provide more options than private sellers because of their wide selection of semi-trucks.

Still, you must research thoroughly to get the best used truck for your needs. To do this, there are a few steps to take and things to look out for.

What To Do When Purchasing A Semi-Truck On Sale By Owner

Evaluate Your Needs

First, assess your needs to identify the type of truck you require. Single out the specs the truck must have to perform the type of job you’re looking to do.

What type of trailers are you hauling, and what type of engine and transmission do you require to operate efficiently? Doing this is crucial because getting an underpowered truck for hauling heavy loads can be an expensive mistake.

Also, consider your budget. Understand your finances and determine how much you can comfortably spend on the truck.

Check Documentation

Ensure the truck owner you’re buying from has proper registration and proof of ownership documentation. Also, check the truck’s service history. You can request copies of the vehicle’s maintenance records to confirm if it has been maintained as it should.

Inspect The Vehicle

Carry out a thorough vehicle inspection to check if everything is in order. Specifically, look at the truck’s odometer reading to confirm its mileage.

Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance

If it has over 500,000 miles on it, you might have to replace the engine soon, and this is something you should consider. Engine repairs, including complete overhauls, are expensive.

Replacing a Kenworth engine, for instance, might cost between $20,000 and $40,000. If you don’t factor this in during purchase, you’ll spend more than planned.

Also, examine the truck’s interior and exterior features. Look for any signs of wear and tear on the interior. These could be rust in the areas surrounding the door handles or torn fabric and cushions.

On the outside, look at the tires to confirm if they’re still in good condition. You want to ensure all tires have enough tread and there are no bald spots or cracks. Investigate the bottom of the semi-truck for any dents or rust spots and check the paint to ensure it’s not peeling or cracked.

You may also want to listen to the truck’s engine and transmission for any sounds that point to damage.

All these signs might indicate the need for repairs and can help you determine the truck’s actual value.

Overall, we recommend getting your mechanic to help with the inspection process. They can accurately analyze the health and reliability of the truck’s features, including the engine, transmission, and tires. Your mechanic can also advise you whether the deal is worth it based on their professional view.

Conclusion

You can find decent used semi-trucks on popular online traders and listing websites like eBay. But be thorough with your research to ensure you get a used truck that can serve you almost as well as a new one.

Remember to ask as many questions as possible to get all the details you need to make an informed decision. If you do this and notice the seller is dodging or withholding certain information, stop the process and walk away from the deal.

If you want to buy a semi-truck and are looking for a lending institution to finance your purchase, contact us. We offer direct and dealership lending options for seasoned and first-time buyers of commercial trucks.

 

semi truck accident

What to Do After a Semi Truck Accident

semi truck accident

There’s a lot of risk involved in running a semi-truck business. Of course, one of the main risks is ending up in a semi-truck accident.

Experiencing a truck accident can be a traumatic experience. Depending on the accident, you could face all kinds of issues – such as damage to your vehicle, injuries, and a pause in your business operations. This is why it’s so important to know exactly what to do after experiencing an accident.

Even though you may be shaken up, following the right step after a semi-truck accident is essential. Doing so will help you with your well-being, as well as any potential legal claims you might make.

So if you experience a semi-truck accident of any scale, be sure to follow the steps below.

After a Semi Truck Accident: Top Steps

Focus On Safety

The first and most important step after a semi-truck accident is to make sure that everyone involved in the accident is safe. Assess your condition and check up on the condition of anyone else involved in the accident. Passenger vehicles should first check that everyone in the vehicle is safe, and make note of any serious and minor injuries.

If possible, move the semi-truck to a safe location away from traffic for public safety. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights to alert any other drivers of the accident.

If you are injured or unable to move, try to remain still until help arrives. The same applies to any passengers that might be in the semi-truck. If you need to tend to any serious injuries, try to first get guidance from emergency services over the phone.

Contact Emergency Services

Call emergency services immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone involved in the accident needs it. The police will also arrive at the scene to document the incident and prepare an accident report, which is important for insurance purposes.

You may also need to arrange for a tow truck to come to clear the accident scene. Of course, semi-truck crashes involve large vehicles, so you may need a special commercial truck towing service.

Gather the Right Information

As soon as everything is safe at the scene of the accident, the next step is to gather all of the necessary information about the accident. This is important for reporting semi-truck accidents and making sure you have all of the facts for doing this.

Collect information from all parties involved in the accident, including the semi-truck driver, witnesses, and passengers. If another commercial vehicle is involved in the crash, take down the details of the trucking company too.

Gather everyone’s names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. While this may seem like a hassle straight after a semi-truck accident, having this information available is essential.

Document the Accident Scene

The next critical step in dealing with a semi-truck accident is making sure that you gather enough physical evidence about the crash. You’ll need this when reporting the accident and filing any insurance claims.

Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Capture the position of vehicles, damages sustained, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Having these visual records of the accident will make it a lot easier to file any claims and proceed with the legal aftermath of the accident.

When gathering this information, you’ll also need to make sure that you get the story straight for how the accident took place and which party was at fault. Ensure the evidence you gather can clearly depict this.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After commercial trucks have an accident, things can get expensive very quickly. The first thing you’ll want to do once the accident is cleared is notify our insurance company.

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate details of the incident and share the evidence you have gathered. By filing a claim quickly, you’ll have a far smoother claims process. Gaining compensation for any damages or injuries will also be a lot quicker.

Seek Medical Attention

You might not think you’re injured, but if you’ve been in a semi-truck accident it’s a good idea to seek medical attention.

Some injuries get worse over time, without showing full effect immediately. By going for a proper medical examination, you’ll detect any underlying issues which means you can treat them quickly.

Consult With a Lawyer

This isn’t always an absolutely necessary step, but consulting with an attorney certainly has its advantages after a semi-truck accident.

Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in semi-truck accidents is ideal. They will evaluate your case, protect your rights, and guide you through the legal process. An attorney will handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence, and represent your best interests if litigation becomes necessary.

While you don’t always need a lawyer after an accident, you will want to work with one after a complicated incident.

Preserve Your Evidence

If there is a case and you need to work with a lawyer, then make sure you have all of your supporting evidence stored safely.

Preserve all evidence related to the accident, including medical records, accident reports, photographs, and witness statements. This evidence will be vital for supporting your insurance claim or potential lawsuit, should you pursue legal action against the responsible party.

Understand Your Legal Rights

On the topic of lawsuits and attorneys, it’s vital that you understand your legal rights after an accident. Know what you can and cannot do, and familiarize yourself with the specific laws surrounding semi-truck accidents in your jurisdiction.

Each state may have different regulations and statutes of limitations. Understanding your rights empowers you to make informed decisions regarding insurance claims and legal actions. Having enough legal knowledge also means you can proceed with the case faster and more efficiently.

File an Insurance Claim

Now you’ve got legal help, evidence of the semi-truck accident, and you’ve been in touch with your insurance company. The next step is to file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Provide them with all relevant information and evidence to support your claim. The more support documents you have, the better.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with – especially in cases where large commercial semi-trucks are involved. This is why having good legal representation is so useful.

Negotiate a Settlement

A key part of the claims process is negotiating a settlement. If you work with an attorney, then they will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Try to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for property damages, medical expenses, and possibly lost wages. Of course, the settlement you reach will depend on the specifics of the accident and the commercial insurance company.

If you cannot reach a suitable agreement with the insurance company, then you may need to pursue a lawsuit. This is not ideal, but can be worthwhile depending on the accident.

Consider Legal Action

This isn’t always the case, but there are certain accidents where filing a lawsuit is necessary. You would do this to seek full compensation (which the insurance company isn’t offering) and to protect all of your rights.

If you do decide to take legal action, your attorney will guide you through the entire litigation process. They will represent your interests in court and work to get you the compensation you desire.

While filing a lawsuit can be very worthwhile, it really just depends on the specifics of your case. Each case is different, with some more suitable for lawsuits than others.

Complete Your Semi-Truck Repairs

There are plenty of legal challenges you have to face when dealing with a semi-truck accident. Despite all of this, you’ll still need to get your truck back on the road and your business back in operation as soon as possible. This will likely involve following through with semi-truck repairs.

You may need to rake out a semi-truck repair loan in order to do this if you are still waiting on the insurance settlement. In some cases, you may even need to replace the entire semi-truck completely. Knowing how to buy a semi-truck and find the right semi-truck financing is important here.

The sooner you get your truck repaired, the faster you can get past the accident and back on the road.

Conclusion

Experiencing a semi-truck accident can be an incredibly difficult event. However, following the right steps and knowing what to do after the accident will make the whole process a lot easier to manage. By taking the right steps efficiently, you’ll be able to get past the accident faster and more positively.

If you find yourself needing to purchase a new semi-truck after experiencing an accident, then it’s also important to understand what semi-truck financing options you have available. Get in touch with us at Mission Financial, where we can help any truck driver secure financing for the commercial vehicle of their dreams.

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