Accidents involving trucks can be catastrophic and lead to serious injuries, property loss, and even death. Whether you were a motorist, a passenger, or a pedestrian in a truck accident, it’s important to know the legal steps to take after a truck accident. The chaos that follows an accident of this magnitude can be daunting; however, knowing which steps to take early on can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. Here is a checklist of the important legal measures to take following a truck accident.
Take Care and Get Medical Help
Whatever the situation, safety is the first concern after any accident. If you are able, move to a safe area, away from traffic and danger. Assess yourself and others for injuries. Even if you’re feeling perfectly well, get medical help as soon as you can. Many injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, can take time to exhibit symptoms.
Seek medical attention right away, as this will also create a record of your injuries. These details will be instrumental if you pursue any lawsuits or insurance settlements down the road.
Notify Authorities of the Accident
Call law enforcement immediately after the accident. Police will file an official report, which may be valuable evidence for your case. Explain what led to the incident if law enforcement arrives, but doesn’t admit fault. The police report will clarify important details regarding your accident, and can be an important piece of evidence should you need to pursue an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Gather Information and Evidence
Get as much information as you can about the scene. This includes:
- List of all parties involved — names, contact information, and driver’s license numbers.
- Truck registration numbers and license plates
- Details of any insurance for all vehicles.
- Names and contact information for any witnesses to the accident.
- Photographs of the scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries.
When there is a truck involved, it’s also important to get information about the truck driver’s company and information about relevant equipment like the cargo of the truck and inspection records of the truck. This data can be critical in establishing liability.
Call Your Insurance Company
Even if you believe you are not at fault, report a truck accident to your insurance provider. Share all the needed information with them, but be cautious to provide a recorded statement before you’ve spoken to an attorney. Insurers may seek to limit how much they have to pay you or deny your claim entirely, so tread lightly when entering these early conversations.
You should consult with a truck driver injury attorney before speaking to your insurance company in any formal capacity. Attorney specialists in truck accidents are there to help you navigate this process and protect your rights.
Get in Touch With a Truck Driver Injury Attorney
It is a lawyer of a truck driver injury case. They can give you valuable help and knowledge, and help you understand the details of these types of different accidents. Unlike a passenger vehicle accident, commercial trucking accidents have complicated legal questions that may involve several parties including the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or even maintenance companies. An attorney will analyze the reason for the accident find evidence to prove it and negotiate on your behalf.
A lawyer also can help you set the amount to pursue for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If settlement negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful, your lawyer can represent you in court.
Personal Injury Claims or Lawsuits
If your lawyer can’t negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company, they may suggest filing a personal injury lawsuit. If there are serious injuries or substantial property damage, you may have to consider a lawsuit. A truck driver injury lawyer will help you navigate through the litigation process from start to finish to get your case presented.
Because each state has a different statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, you must take legal action as soon as possible. Holders of claimed rights lose the right to file a claim or a lawsuit after a reasonable period.
Follow Through with Your Treatment and Recovery
In the meantime, keep following your doctor’s orders and show up for all medical appointments throughout the legal process. Doing so not only makes sure that you are getting on the road to recovery but can also help to create a direct connection between the accident and your injuries. Keep track of your recovery progress, as well as treatments or therapies you may require.
It only takes a moment for life as you know it to change because of a truck accident which is why knowing what legal rules apply afterwards can help guide you through a complicated process and help you get the compensation you deserve as soon as possible. A truck driver’s accident lawyer would help you protect your rights and work towards a positive outcome by ensuring your safety, gathering evidence, consulting with a truck driver injury lawyer, and pursuing legal action when necessary. Do not delay in obtaining professional legal help to protect your interest so that you can maximize the chances of a successful claim.
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