Truck accidents can be extremely damaging due to the massive size and weight of these commercial vehicles, with 5,936 fatalities recorded in 2022. If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident, there are some important steps you should take right away to protect yourself legally and medically.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately After a Truck Collision
Getting prompt medical care can diagnose any underlying issues and provide documentation of your injuries. Make sure the medical staff is aware you were in a truck accident so they can look for specific trauma related to this type of crash. There were 161k injuries caused by large truck accidents in 2022. 17% of the people who died were in the truck while 66% were occupants of other vehicles.
2. Report the Trucking Accident to the Police
Having an official police report can greatly help your insurance claim and personal injury lawsuit down the line. If the other driver tries to deny fault later on, the police report acts as unbiased documentation of what transpired. Before the scene is cleared, point out any evidence to the officer like skid marks on the road, damaged guardrails, or injuries you sustained. 3,308 fatal truck crashes were caused by distracted driving, according to NHTSA figures.
3. Document the Motor Vehicle Accident Scene
Take numerous photos showing the position of the vehicles, property damage, debris, skid marks, and overall environment. These pictures can illustrate what happened for your insurance company or attorney. Also, try to get contact information for any witnesses who saw the crash occur. Their accounts of how the truck driver was behaving just prior to the accident can establish negligence. For example, 3% of fatal truck crashes are linked to alcohol. All this documentation will build a stronger case for recovering compensation.
4. Call a Truck Accident Attorney
Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. A lawyer who specializes in these complex cases can start building your claim right away. Chicago truck accident lawyers like those at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers know how to gather evidence, consult experts, and negotiate with insurance providers to protect your rights. Retaining legal counsel promptly is key, as there are statutes of limitations on personal injury claims.
5. Don’t Accept an Early Settlement Offer from Insurance Companies
Insurance carriers will usually try to settle truck accident claims quickly to minimize costs. But early settlement offers are almost always much less than the value of the claim. The insurance company does not have your best interests in mind. That’s why you should never accept an offer without first consulting your attorney. Your lawyer can properly calculate the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Once your attorney negotiates a fair settlement or wins your case at trial, you can recover the maximum amount legally possible.
Suffering injuries in a trucking accident can be devastating, but taking these steps will help you secure the compensation, treatment, and justice you deserve. Focus first on your health and safety. Then contact the police, document everything you can, get experienced legal representation, and avoid quick settlements. With this approach, you can emerge from the accident in the best position possible.
