Truck accidents are often scary, sudden events with life-long impacts. Trauma, extensive property damages, financial burdens, and injuries are common results of a collision involving a commercial truck. After your accident, it is important to know what steps you should take to get the justice you deserve.
Do not try to face the complex legal system on your own. Call Judd Shaw Injury Law immediately. Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers can review your case and advise you on the course of action that can improve your claim so you can get the financial compensation you deserve.
We understand that this is a difficult time for you. That is why we are available to help you 24/7 to help answer your questions or concerns. With our No Fee Guarantee®, if we take your case, you will not pay anything unless we win a settlement on your behalf. Call us today at 1-866-909-6894 or complete the online contact form to learn more about how we can help you.
Steps to Follow Immediately After a Truck Accident
If you find yourself the victim of a truck accident, you should immediately take the steps below to protect your legal rights. By taking these measures, you can ensure that you are in the best possible position to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Move to a safe place
First and foremost, if you are able, try to move your vehicle off the road. This will aid in avoiding further accidents and injuries. Once you are safely out of traffic’s way, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If you can not move your vehicle, do not try to get out – wait for assistance to arrive.
Remember, you should never leave the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene could result in serious legal repercussions and is considered a misdemeanor or felony in many states. Call the police to be safe rather than sorry.
Seek medical care
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. Once emergency services have arrived, carefully follow all instructions. The emergency personnel can transport you to the hospital for treatment of your injuries if necessary. After being treated, you should also follow up with your own doctor or healthcare provider for long-term care and monitoring.
In 2020, the CDC reports there were over 2.1 million emergency department visits for injuries sustained in road collisions. Truck accidents can cause more extreme and potentially life-long injuries than passenger vehicles. Some conditions, such as internal bleeding, may be more easily disguised. Others may simply not be immediately noticed due to shock after the accident. It is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think you are injured.
Notify the police immediately
Police can investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. The police report will be an important piece of evidence if you decide to file a lawsuit.
The responding officers can make sure that the scene of the accident is safe and that traffic is flowing smoothly. When speaking with the reporting officer, be sure to give as much information as possible, such as the location of the accident and any injuries that have occurred.
Once the police arrive, do not admit fault for the accident. This is easy to do in the confusing aftermath of an accident. It is important to let the police investigate the accident and determine who is at fault.
If you admit fault, you may be held liable for the accident and all property damages. You could even be stuck paying for the other driver’s future medical expenses.
Gather information and document everything
If you have been in a truck accident, it is important to gather as much information as possible and document everything related to the accident. This includes getting the contact information of any witnesses and obtaining a copy of the police report.
Gather the following information from the other driver:
- Driver’s name
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Make, model, and year of the other vehicle
- Witness names and contact information
If the other driver refuses to give you this information or you are unable to obtain it, do not worry. You will still be able to file a claim with your own insurance company.
It is also a good idea to write down everything you remember about the accident while the incident is still fresh in your mind. This will be useful when you talk to your insurance company or an attorney later on.
If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene with your phone or camera. Be sure to get shots of the entire scene.
Some examples of what to photograph are:
- Damage to vehicles
- Debris in the road
- Property damage and injuries
- Skid marks on the road
- License plates of all involved vehicles
Speak to a truck accident attorney
After a truck accident, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you are protected. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies are known for offering low and unfair settlements. However, an attorney can advise you so you can understand your rights and options and can represent you in negotiations with the trucking company or the insurance carrier.
When hiring a truck accident lawyer, you should find a lawyer with a history of successfully handling truck accident cases. He or she needs to understand the unique challenges that come with these types of cases.
Make sure your lawyer has a strong track record of success in court, just in case your case comes to that. You should also seek a lawyer who respects you and with whom you feel comfortable working together, because you may need to discuss sensitive or painful topics for your case.
Let the attorneys of Judd Shaw Injury Law work to find out what your case is worth. The sooner we get started on your case, the better chance you have of getting a fair settlement.
What You Should Do in the Weeks After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, you must act quickly in order to protect your rights. No matter how serious the accident may be, you must stay calm and follow the proper procedures to ensure that everyone involved is safe and that you get the help you need.
Truck accidents are often complex, and trucking regulations can be quite different from passenger car laws. So let the personal injury attorneys at Judd Shaw Injury Law guide you through the legal process. Our team understands the unique challenges with truck accident claims and we know how to handle the insurance companies.
We can work with you to gather evidence and build a strong case so that you can get the amount of compensation your case is worth. If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are available 24/7 for you. Call1-866-909-6894 or complete the online contact form for a free consultation.