What to Do After a Truck Accident: Legal Advice You Need – Guest Post

Research shows that during 2023, truck accidents in the United States claimed the lives of 5,078 and injured more than 86,842. On the same note, as per consumershield.com, yearly truck accidents in the U.S. recently range from 140,000 to 165,000, but only 6% of those deaths are attributed to trucks.

If you get into a truck accident, you must prioritize your health and safety. According to Ganly & Ramer, if you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you need to immediately take action to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve. 

This article will guide you on what to do after a truck accident. 

Assess Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

It is important to note that taking medical care after a truck accident is an immediate priority. Check yourself and others for injuries. If possible, get yourself out of traffic to reduce the potential of additional injuries. Once you have guaranteed your safety, assist any injured passengers or drivers.

Report any injuries to emergency services. Doctors can help spot underlying injuries or internal bleeding. Document how you feel and list down any symptoms you have.

Document the Accident Scene

While waiting for emergency services to arrive, see to it that you document the accident scene properly. Start by taking clear pictures of the vehicles involved, focusing on the damage from different points of view.

Capture the surrounding area, including traffic signs, road conditions, and any skid marks. Note the time, date, and weather conditions whenever possible. These bits of information can help add context and insight to the incident.

Louisiana truck accident attorney Peyton Murphy advises talking to witnesses and collecting contact information. Statements from witnesses can be important and useful if you want to seek legal action in the future. Write your own account of the events as soon as possible to document the important details of the accident.

Prepare photos of any visible injuries. Documenting them will prove invaluable during a claim or legal intervention. 

Notify Authorities and File a Police Report

Did you know that in 2023 alone, large truck crashes resulted in 5,078 fatalities and 86,842 injuries in the United States? According to consumershield.com, the United States has seen between 140,000 and 165,000 semi-truck accidents in recent years, with trucks accounting for 6% of the total fatalities.

My suggestion would be to inform the police concerning the accident, injuries, and damages sustained once they arrive. Request a copy of the police report so you may use it later to support your case. 

Remember and write down the officer’s name and badge number.  The police report can be generally crucial evidence with respect to liability.

Communicate With Insurance Companies

Notify your insurer about the accident in order for someone or the other parties involved to recover damages or claim reimbursements due to the accident. Withhold nothing concerning important details including the circumstances of where and when it happened. If you took photographs or got statements from witnesses in the area, include them with the insurance claim.

Never admit guilt in any of your conversations. Admitting fault compromises the honesty of the claims process. Document every conversation with the date and name of the representative. Be responsive when the insurance company asks for statements or documents.

Being cooperative with the insurance company helps expedite the claim process.

Consult With a Truck Accident Attorney

Getting a lawyer involved can potentially change the outcome of your case. Speaking with a truck accident attorney gives you access to someone who can explain your rights and options.

Truck accident attorneys know how to deal with the complexities of truck accident laws and  are familiar with the commonly employed predatory tactics by insurance companies. They are trained to gather evidence, contact witnesses, and assess damages to your injuries and loss to obtain fair compensation for the damage caused by the accident. Lawyers will see to it that intangible damages like pain and suffering are accounted for. 

A competent attorney will help prevent insurance companies from downplaying your claim. 

Immediately contact an attorney after a truck accident. Getting legal help early on in your case increases your chances of success.