Things You Should Do After a Truck Accident
Posted on February 22nd, 2018 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.
Truck accidents occur every day in the U.S. and are most often caused by driver negligence. For example, a truck driver might be fatigued from driving too many hours and lose focus of the road ahead. Being involved in this accident can be very scary, but it’s important to take quick action to improve your chance of getting fair compensation. Here are the steps you should take after a truck accident:
Contact the Police
The first thing you must do is call the police and report the accident. When they come to the scene, provide details about the accident to the best of your ability. For instance, if you noticed that the truck driver was distracted with a cell phone or seemed tired, make sure to tell the police. Afterward, don’t forget to ask for a copy of the police report for your records.
Ask Witnesses for Their Contact Information
Don’t rely on the police report to provide you with the names of witnesses. If there were any bystanders present when the truck accident occurred, be sure to ask for their names and contact information. They may be able to testify on your behalf in court.
Take Photos
As the old saying goes, a picture says a thousand words. Taking photos of the accident scene may help your personal injury lawsuit. Be sure to capture shots of the damage to your vehicle, visible injuries and other vehicles involved. If you aren’t physically able to take photos, ask someone nearby to do it for you.
Seek Medical Care
It’s in your best interest to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Sometimes truck accident injuries aren’t immediately apparent. For example, whiplash, also referred to as a neck injury, may take several days to show up. Your doctor can give you a full evaluation and determine if you need treatment or not. If you fail to get medical care right away, the insurance company might deny your claim.
Follow Medical Advice
If your doctor has determined that you need treatment for your truck accident injuries, it is imperative that you follow his or her orders. For example, if your doctor recommends for you to get physical therapy, you need to do that. If you skip your appointments, you could hurt your chances of getting compensation.
Speak to a Lawyer
Handling a truck accident claim on your own is not exactly easy. Truck accident companies often hire the best lawyers that money can buy. That’s why you should hire a reputable truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. He or she may help you bring a lawsuit against the trucking company and protect your legal rights. A skilled lawyer will not let you get taken advantage of.
Don’t wait to file a lawsuit for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer today. The majority of accident lawyers offer free initial consultations.
Thanks to authors at Hot Legal Tips for their insight into Bankruptcy Law.
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