Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Trucking accidents are responsible for thousands of injuries and fatalities across the United States each year. It is important to follow certain steps after being involved in a truck accident to protect your legal rights. Your behavior following the truck accident can help or hurt your personal injury lawsuit.

After the trucking accident, it is important to say as little as possible to the truck driver. Even saying something as innocent as “I’m sorry” can come up during a lawsuit. It is important to contact the police as quickly as possible to ensure the accident scene is preserved. If you have a camera in your car, it is a good idea to take pictures. You should also write down all of the details of the truck accident to keep it fresh in your memory for later.

Even if you feel only minor injuries, you should seek medical attention right away. Failure to catch injuries in the beginning can lead to complications down the road. If you do not have health insurance, do not let it keep you from getting emergency treatment.

After you have received medical treatment, you should contact your insurance company to report the truck accident and consult with an experienced truck accident attorney.

Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance provider without a truck accident attorney on your side. The other insurance company does not have your best interest at heart; they are only looking out for their bottom line. On that same note, do not sign anything without legal representation.

Your truck accident attorney will investigate police records, insurance policies, and evidence surrounding your truck accident for your personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, an accident reconstruction expert may be called in to determine who was at fault for the truck accident. This expert can also review the case to find violations of any commercial truck regulations. Failure to follow these regulations shows liability on the part of the trucking company as well as the driver.

If you, or a loved one, have been involved in a trucking accident, you must act quickly as there is a statue of limitations that may prevent you from filing if too much time has passed. A qualified truck accident attorney will assist you in fighting for the compensation you need to put your life back together.