Getting involved in a semi-truck accident can be a devastating experience. An accident involving a semi-truck is quite different from a regular car accident due to the truck’s size and force. It can result in severe and catastrophic injuries to victims.
If you or a family member has been involved in a semi-truck accident, you need to take several steps to protect your their rights and legal options. As with any accident, your health is a priority, and if you have been seriously injured, you should only worry about seeking immediate medical treatment. If you walk away with minor injuries, there are several steps you should take after a semi-truck accident.
Move to Safety
Following a semi-truck accident, you should first ensure your safety and that of others, including those in the other vehicles. If you can, move to safety, for instance, to the sidewalk, to avoid further injuries.
Call 911
Next, call 911 and report the accident. During the call, let the dispatcher know if there are any serious injuries, the number of vehicles involved (sometimes it can be multiple vehicles), and the location of the accident.
Even if it is a minor accident, it is essential to call the police. This ensures that you will get a police report that can serve as the immediate credible documentation of the accident and can be invaluable when making a legal compensation claim. Additionally, do not let the semi-truck driver talk you out of calling the police.
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking a medical evaluation for yourself and your passengers is crucial. The shock following the accident can, sometimes, mask the injuries and the pain within. Many accident victims often leave an accident scene feeling fine, only to wake up the following day in immense pain. Why? Some injuries and symptoms take time to manifest. So, if you get involved in an accident, always get a thorough examination and a green light from a qualified medical doctor that you have no hidden or internal injuries.
Not only is this important for your well-being, but the medical report from your doctor can help link your injuries to the accident should you have to file an insurance claim or lawsuit. Without the doctor’s report, insurance companies can easily say that your injuries resulted from something other than the semi-truck accident.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
Collect evidence at the accident scene if uninjured. This evidence may include:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, such as skid marks, road signs, traffic lights, and nearby buildings
- Photos of your injuries and damages
- Contact information of the other driver(s), such as their name, address, and phone number
- Contact information of witnesses
Additionally, make notes of your observations, such as the weather conditions and what could have led to the accident. This can help prevent forgetting crucial details as time goes by.
Contact a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
An accident involving a semi-truck can have long-lasting impacts on your physical, emotional, and even financial well-being. If you have been involved in a semi-truck accident, it is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Semi-truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the semi-truck driver, the trucking company, the maintenance/inspection company, and the truck manufacturer, who may be liable for the accident. A lawyer can help you prove liability by providing evidence that you may not have access to prove this.
Do Not Admit Fault
While being courteous to the other driver is decent, be careful what you say. Measure your words to the other driver or the insurance company to avoid hurting your case. Saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I’m not that hurt” can be used to place fault on you or deny you the rightful compensation. Avoid discussing details about the accident, even if you are at fault.
Keep Track of Your Losses
When you file an insurance claim, you will need proper documentation to support your claim for losses incurred. Keep track of your medical bills, property damage receipts, invoices, and lost income estimations to show what you lost and how much your losses are worth. Additionally, you can keep a pain journal to document the extent of your non-monetary expenses.
Let Our Experienced Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona Help You
If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident in Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona, our experienced semi-truck accident lawyer at Hit by a Truck Call Chuck can help you hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us at (915)-845-4529 to schedule your free consultation today.