Were you in a truck accident? You might feel scared, hurt, and unsure about what to do next. A truck accident lawyer can help you through this tough time. They know how to deal with big trucking companies and their insurance firms.
Below are some steps to take after a truck accident and how a truck accident attorney can support you.
Get Medical Help Right Away
Your health is the most important thing after a truck accident. Even if you feel okay, you should still see a medical professional. Some injuries don't show up immediately, and a doctor can check you out and ensure you're okay.
They'll also record all your injuries, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations. This can help later when you need to prove how the accident hurt you. Don't wait to get medical help - go to the doctor immediately after the accident.
Don't Talk to the Trucking Company's Insurance
After a truck accident, the trucking company's insurance might try to call you. They might sound friendly, but they're not on your side. They want to pay you as little money as possible.
Don't talk to them or sign anything. Instead, tell them to talk to your truck accident lawyer. A lawyer knows how to deal with insurance companies, and they'll make sure you don't say anything that can hurt your case.
Call a Truck Accident Attorney
Getting a truck accident lawyer is one of the best things you can do after an accident. They can talk to the insurance company for you. They can also look into what caused the accident.
This might include checking the truck driver's records, the truck’s maintenance history, and much more. An experienced lawyer will fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages from the accident.
Keep All Your Accident-Related Documentation
After a truck accident, you'll probably collect many records, receipts, and documents. These might include police reports, doctor bills, and letters from insurance companies.
Keep all of these papers in a safe place. Don't throw anything away, even if you think it's not important. Your truck accident lawyer will want to see all of these papers, as they might use them to help build your case and show how the accident has affected you.
Write Down What You Remember About the Accident
Write down everything you remember about the truck accident as soon as possible. Include details like the time of day, the weather, and what you saw happen. Also, write down how you felt right after the accident and in the following days.
This information can help your truck accident attorney and insurance companies understand what happened. It can also help you remember details later on when you might have forgotten some things.
Don't Post About the Accident on Social Media
It might be tempting to post about your truck accident on social media. You might want to let your friends and family know what happened and that you're okay. Do not post anything about the accident online.
The trucking company's representatives or insurance company might see what you post and use it against you in your case. Even if you think a post is harmless, they can twist it to make it look like your injuries are not as bad as you say. Your truck accident lawyer will tell you it's best to stay quiet on social media about the accident.
Follow Your Doctor's Orders
After you see a doctor, follow their advice. Go to all your follow-up appointments, and if they tell you to rest, do so.
Following your doctor's orders is important for two reasons. First, it helps you get better faster. Second, it shows that you're taking your injuries seriously. You need to do this to prove how badly the truck accident injured you.
Keep Track of How the Accident Affects Your Life
A truck accident can change your life in many ways. You might miss work because of your injuries. You might never again do things you used to enjoy. You might have pain that doesn't go away.
Keep a diary or notes about how the accident affects your daily life. Write down when you miss work or can't do certain activities. Note any pain or emotional stress you feel because of the accident. This information can help your lawyer show how much the accident has affected you. It can be used to argue for more compensation in many cases.
Don't Accept the First Settlement Offer
The trucking company's insurer might offer you money soon after the accident. This might seem like a good thing, but be careful. The first offer is usually much less than what you deserve. They hope you'll take the money quickly before you know how bad your injuries really are.
Don't accept any settlement offers without talking to a truck accident attorney first. A lawyer can tell you if the offer is fair. If it's not, they can negotiate for a better deal. An attorney will know how much your case is worth and will fight to get you that amount.
Understand the Statute of Limitations
Each state has a time limit for when you can file a lawsuit after a truck accident. This is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long to take legal action, you might lose your chance to get compensation altogether. The time limit differs in each state, but it usually starts on the day of the accident.
A truck accident lawyer knows these time limits. They can make sure you file your case on time. This is another reason to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after a truck accident.
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Paperwork
After a truck accident, there's a lot of paperwork to deal with. Insurance forms, medical bills, and legal documents can be confusing. An attorney can handle all this paperwork for you. They can file everything completely, accurately, and timely.
This takes a big weight off your shoulders. You can focus on getting better while your lawyer takes care of the legal and administrative side of things.
Be Prepared for the Other Side's Tactics
The trucking company and their insurer will try to pay you as little as possible. They might try to say the accident was your fault, at least partially. They might claim your injuries aren't as bad as you say. They might even follow you around to catch you doing something that shows you're not hurt.
A truck accident lawyer knows all these tricks. They can protect you from these tactics. They'll make sure the other side plays fair and respects your rights.
Understand How Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accidents are not the same as car accidents. Trucks are much bigger and can cause more damage. Special laws apply to trucks and truck drivers. For example, the law limits how long a truck driver can drive without rest. Rules set how to load trucks.
A truck accident lawyer knows all these special rules and complications. They can use this knowledge to help your case. They can find out if the truck driver or company violated these rules. This can help show who was at fault for the accident.
Know What Your Case Might Be Worth
It's hard to know exactly how much money you might get from a truck accident case. It depends on many things. These include how bad your injuries are, how much work you missed, and how the accident has changed your life.
A truck accident lawyer can give you an idea of your case's worth. They've handled many cases like yours before. They know what judges and juries usually award in similar cases. This can help you decide whether to accept a settlement offer or go to court.
Be Ready for a Long Process
Truck accident cases can take a long time to resolve. It might be months or even years before you get your compensation. These complicated cases can involve the truck driver, the trucking company, and maybe even the truck manufacturer.
Your truck accident lawyer will work as fast as they can. But they also will take the time to build a strong case. They'll update you on what's happening and how long things might take.
Understand the Investigation Process
After a truck accident, there will be a big investigation. Your lawyer will look into what caused the accident. They might hire experts to look at the truck and the accident scene.
They'll also examine the truck driver's records and the trucking company's safety history. The police and maybe even government agencies will do their own investigations, too.
Your truck accident attorney will keep track of all these investigations. They'll use the information to help your case. They'll miss or overlook nothing.
Know About Black Box Data
Most commercial trucks have a black box that records information about the truck. This is like the black boxes in airplanes. The black box can show how fast the truck was going, when the brakes were used, and other important information about the accident.
Your truck accident lawyer will try to get this information. It can be really helpful in showing what happened in the accident. However, the trucking company might try to hide or erase this data. That's why you need a lawyer who can get and use this information quickly.
Be Aware of Hours of Service Regulations
Truck drivers can only drive for a certain number of hours before they have to rest. These Hours of Service regulations prevent tired drivers from causing accidents.
A lawyer will check if the driver who hit you followed these rules. If the driver or trucking company breaks these rules, you will have strong evidence in your favor. Your lawyer will know how to get the driver's logbooks and other records to check for violations.
Seek a Free Consultation With a Truck Accident Attorney Today
After a truck accident, you don't have to face the big trucking companies and their lawyers alone. A truck accident lawyer can be your strongest ally during this tough time. They have the knowledge and experience to handle all the issues that come with truck accident cases.
From dealing with insurance companies to investigating the cause of the accident, a good lawyer will be there for you every step of the way.
Remember, the trucking company will have a team of lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. You deserve someone fighting just as hard on your side.
A lawyer will work tirelessly, fighting for the money you need for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. They understand how a truck accident can turn your life upside down and are committed to helping you get back on your feet.
Don't wait to get help. The sooner you talk to a truck accident lawyer, the better. They can start working on your case right away, ensuring important evidence is preserved and your rights are protected. Most reputable injury lawyers offer free consultations so you can learn about your options without any cost or obligation.
Take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve.
Contact a personal injury attorney today. They're ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process. With a skilled lawyer on your side, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal battles.
Don't let the trucking companies take advantage of you. Get the legal help you need and seek the compensation you deserve. Call a truck accident lawyer now and start your journey toward justice and recovery.
Thomas Waffenschmidt
Attorney
Thomas Waffenschmidt has served on the Pennsylvania Association for Justice since 1990 and has been a board member from 1999 through 2014. He has also served on the board of the Lycoming Law Association since 2008 and served as president in 2014.
Author's Bio