Did you know there are over two million semi-trucks on American roads? Even more impressive, these trucks log 432 billion miles every year.
Why do we mention these statistics? With so many trucks traveling so many miles, collisions and accidents are inevitable.
Were you recently involved in a trucking accident? Are you wondering if you need a truck accident lawyer? Keep reading for five important steps to take after a truck accident.
1. Notify the Police & Your Insurance Company
Even if no one seems seriously injured or the vehicle damage is minor, you need to call the police. They’ll write a detailed report that will become invaluable to your claim.
Why is this so important? Injuries like whiplash may become apparent in the hours or days following the accident. You may also realize that your car suffered more damage than you initially thought.
You’ll also want to contact your insurance company and report the accident so they can start working on the claim.
2. Gather Evidence From the Scene
While you wait for the police to arrive, collect as much information as you can from everyone involved. This includes:
- The other drivers’ names, contact information, and insurance details
- The name and contact information of the trucking company
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, including the weather conditions and road hazards
- Photos and videos of your injuries and damage to your vehicle
- The name and badge number of the responding officer
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
You never know which details will make the difference in your cases, so try to be as thorough as possible.
3. Get Medical Attention ASAP
As mentioned earlier, you don’t always know when you’re injured. Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional.
If you don’t document your injuries, the other insurance company could argue that you weren’t actually hurt in the truck accident. An official medical report is vital to getting a fair settlement that will cover current and future medical bills.
4. Don’t Make Statements or Sign Anything
Shortly after a truck accident, you’ll start receiving calls from the trucking company, their attorneys, or their insurance agents. They may ask you to offer a statement or accept a settlement offer.
Don’t do it. You can politely listen to what they have to say, but inform them that you can’t do anything else without speaking to an attorney first.
5. Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer
As sweetlaw.com points out, trucking companies pay big bucks to retain attorneys. They’re also notorious for offering lowball settlements in the hopes that you’ll accept it and move on.
How will you know if the settlement offer is fair or not? An attorney that specializes in truck accident law can advise you of your rights and how best to proceed with your claim.
Do You Need a Truck Accident Attorney?
It’s normal to feel frazzled after a truck accident, especially if you’re dealing with injuries. Make sure you follow the steps outlined above to boost your case and help you along the road to recovery.
Now that you know more about truck accident law, what’s next? Our site has more interesting articles like this one, so stick around and continue browsing!
