If you’ve seen a truck accident, you know that it can be devastating; they cause serious harm to lives and property.
Some people, who have been in a truck accident, have suffered life-threatening injuries, requiring them to undergo surgery and extended hospitalization.
So, it’s not surprising that the medical bills from these treatment costs can quickly exceed an injured person’s personal injury protection coverage limits.
Aside from serious injuries, you may need to be compensated through legal means if you have been in a truck accident or accident.
This is where you will need truck accident lawyers. But first, there are a few things that you need to do. Let’s check all of them below.
Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
Getting medical treatment as soon as possible is crucial if you find yourself in a truck accident. But even if you think your injuries are minor, you must see a doctor within 48 hours of the crash.
If you don’t seek medical attention immediately, you could delay getting treatment for injuries that may have occurred during the crash. And if you don’t treat your injuries quickly and adequately, they could become more severe over time — or even permanent.
Gather evidence immediately after an accident.
Take pictures of all damage to your car and any injuries sustained in the crash. Also, take photos of any skid marks or debris left after the impact.
This evidence can be used later in court to prove liability in your case.
Take some time to heal.
After an accident, it’s normal to feel emotional and overwhelmed by the situation.
It can be easy to rush back into things without giving yourself enough time to recover physically and mentally from the accident.
Unfortunately, rushing back can lead to further injuries or complications in your existing ones.
Take some time off work, get plenty of rest and follow up with your doctor regularly so that you can heal appropriately before returning to work or other activities that may require heavy lifting or strain on your body parts that were injured in the accident.
Don’t settle right away.
It’s tempting to settle with an insurance company as soon as possible, especially if you’re worried about how long your injuries may last or how much they’ll cost you to treat.
But don’t rush into a settlement before exploring your legal options and consulting with a lawyer. You might be able to get more money by waiting.
It helps to know the laws where you live.
It helps to know the laws where you live because each state has specific rules about what constitutes negligence and liability in these situations.
In most states, if a truck driver was negligent and caused an accident, they can be held personally liable for all damages caused by the crash.
If their negligence injured you, they must compensate you for your injuries and losses related to the crash.
But some states require drivers to maintain “reasonable care,” while others require them to exercise “ordinary care.” The difference between these standards is often unclear until an attorney explains them in detail during an initial consultation.
Get the right lawyer.
The attorney you hire will make a big difference in whether you receive total compensation or nothing.
A sensible attorney will know how to build a case that maximizes your chances of success in court.
If possible, ask friends and family members for recommendations; if not, check with your state bar association to find out which attorneys have the best track record of winning truck accident cases.
You can also check Swenson & Shelley Law for more information.
Final Thoughts
Trucking accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. If you got hurt because of a trucker’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Thus, taking action after an accident is vital to ensure you can get your money. However, if you don’t feel like you’re being treated right or are afraid of retaliation by the insurance company, you must talk to a lawyer who can help.
