Top 9 Reasons to Call a Lawyer After a Truck Accident

Accidents are a life-altering experience, but when they involve a truck, they can lead to severe and even fatal injuries. While nobody ever plans to be involved in a situation this hazardous, it still happens daily, leaving anyone involved feeling helpless and unsure of what to do next.If you ever experience any accident involving a truck, you must know your rights and how to defend yourself in court. That’s where a truck accident lawyer comes in.

When presenting facts and evidence in support of or in opposition to a truck accident case, lawyers are in the best position to help due to their in-depth knowledge of the laws that govern collisions involving motor vehicles.

Besides, you also have a crucial role in making the case less stressful or challenging. Your immediate reaction in the aftermath of a collision with a truck can significantly impact how much compensation you receive or whether you receive compensation at all. Let’s examine how you can increase your chances of winning in court.

1. Ensure Your Safety and Check on Others

After a collision, most truck accident lawyer recommend you first check to see if anyone is hurt, especially if you have little or no injuries. Remember to turn your hazard lights on and move your car out of traffic to ensure everything goes smoothly.

2. Report the Accident

Contacting the police is the next step. Accidents should be reported regardless of how serious it seems to you. Dial 911 and inform them about the accident. The police will investigate the incident and compile a valuable report in upcoming legal proceedings.

You can also request medical assistance if someone gets injured. Moreover, even if you don’t think you’re hurt, it’s prudent that you also see the doctor anyway because some injuries won’t be apparent immediately after a clash. Fractures, injuries to the neck and spine, head trauma, organ failure, and other potentially fatal conditions are all possibilities for those injured in truck accidents.

3. Exchange Information With Parties Involved

Since it takes the police a few minutes to arrive, you can gather information about the other party involved in the accident. Get the truck driver’s name, license plate number, phone number, address, and insurance information if they stay on the stage. This will help both the police and the insurance companies.

It’s best to take pictures of the truck driver’s license, the accident scene, and the car’s damage. Ensure you record any skid marks or debris left on the road. This will prove your claim with visual evidence.

4. Take Note Of Witnesses

Accidents always garner an audience because of the spectacle they create. You will probably find guys among them who have been there since the beginning. Obtain the information of any potential witnesses to the incident.

But you shouldn’t do this unless you aren’t hurt and it’s safe to get out of your car and walk around. If you’re on a busy highway, you shouldn’t do this.

You can photograph the accident scene and take notes on any likely contributing factors, such as road or weather conditions. If the weather could have made it hard for drivers to see or if the road was slippery, it’s essential to take pictures. Forensics experts can discuss the weather, but a picture is worth a thousand words.

5. Speak Cautiously

Trucking firms have experienced defense attorneys and insurers ready to use any means necessary to fight any accident claim you file against them. So be careful what you say about what happened.

If the police require a statement from you or record a conversation with the trucking company’s insurer or attorney, do so. Consult your lawyer for advice if that’s the case.

6. Get Medical Assistance

It’s prudent that you visit the doctor just in case you and other passengers may have sustained injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. If you get hurt after the accident and need a doctor, it might be hard to tie the injury to the accident.

You might also suffer from an injury such as internal bleeding, which you might not know, but a doctor can detect. Even if an EMT checked you out at the scene, you should request a complete medical checkup at a hospital or doctor’s office.

7. Inform Your Insurance Company About the Accident

Keep the police report, witness names, numbers, and phone photos you’ve taken since the crash. Your insurance company will require information on what happened during the claims process. Complete all steps to make a strong case and expedite the indemnification process.

8. Talk To a Lawyer About the Truck Accident

If you or someone you care about gets hurt in a truck accident, you must talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. A truck accident lawyer can untangle the complex legal process and facilitate payment of compensation to you for car damages, lost wages, and other losses.

9. Focus on Getting Better

You might get PTSD if you experience an accident of this caliber. If such an accident occurs, focusing on your physical and mental health is crucial to healing. Allow yourself the necessary time to grieve and heal.

If doing this does not suffice, it may be time to talk to a counselor if you still have trouble with your mind after a truck accident. Counseling may help you overcome post-accident PTSD and move on faster. There are many kinds of counseling, so ensure you find the right one.

Summary

Truck accidents are quite prevalent; fortunately, with the nine steps above, you can better protect your rights and increase the likelihood of receiving compensation if the truck driver is at fault.

 

Moreover, having legal representation after a truck accident can significantly affect the swiftness in receiving compensation for your losses. Lawyers assist in the process, relieving you of the stress of handling everything yourself. They can also advise you on other relevant legal matters that would otherwise require much time and research.

 

Lawyers have the legal know-how and the necessary experience you won’t get elsewhere. If you are entitled to compensation, it helps to locate a more capable lawyer that meets the specific requirements of your case.