At the scene of a truck accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention.
- Call the police.
- Exchange information with the other party involved in the accident.
- Document the crash scene.
You may also want to contact a law firm. A truck accident lawyer can help direct you on recovering compensation.
Why Should You Contact the Police While at the Scene of a Truck Accident?
Calling the police may be a requirement set by the state’s laws. Still, you should call the police because they will help provide aid to the injured parties at the scene. The police will also gather evidence, which may go a long way in helping determine who the liable party or parties are.
For instance, the police will talk to any eyewitnesses and get their contact information. Their statements may be useful when you file a case against the liable party.
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Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Truck Accident
The other party or parties involved in the accident may blame you for causing the accident. You can protect your legal rights by doing the following while still at the scene of the accident:
- Do not apologize for the accident or admit any fault.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party.
- Call your insurance company to inform them of the accident.
You should also seek medical attention to ensure that you’re okay and not suffering any underlying injuries. If your doctor detects any injuries, they can start treating you right away. Getting prompt medical care also protects your right to secure damages. Medical expenses and hospital records act as evidence that the injuries were due to the accident.
Delaying seeing a doctor may give the insurance company grounds to devalue or deny your claim. To illustrate, they could blame something else for causing your injuries or that you made them worse by waiting to seek treatment.
Backing Up Your Claim for Recovering Damages After a Truck Accident
To back up your claims for your eligibility to collect financial awards, gather evidence while at the scene of the accident. For instance, take pictures or videos of the scene at different angles, the road conditions, and your injuries. You can also ask for the police report and keep an account of all that you remember about the accident.
All of this documentation can help you prove your eligibility for compensation. Such forms of damages you can recover include:
- Cost of repair to damaged property
- Current and future medical bills due to injuries
- Wages lost
- Reduced earning power
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death awards if you lost a loved one to their crash-related injuries
If the other party offers you a quick settlement shortly after the accident, decline it. These initial offers are typically low and won’t cover the full extent of your damages. Accepting a settlement may waive your ability to pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages later.
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What a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do to Help Your Case
The aftermath of a truck accident can be a whirlwind, and you might not know how to start the claims process. However, help is available. A truck accident lawyer can direct your case while you focus on yourself.
On your behalf, they can:
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Talk to insurance companies and lawyers
- Help you meet state deadlines
- Put together an evidence file
- Assess the full extent of your losses
- Stay in touch with your doctors to track your recovery
- Establish the other party’s negligence
- Fight for a sufficient settlement with insurers
- Bring your case to a trial if they cannot settle
Many personal injury lawyers take truck accident cases for a contingency fee. This payment agreement doesn’t require any upfront fees or costs, retainers, or hourly rates. Instead, the lawyer gets paid at the end of the case if and when they secure compensation for you. So, they can start working on your case straight away, while also reducing your financial strain.
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Have a Truck Accident Lawyer on Our Team Go to Bat for You Today
If you call our firm today, we can tell you more about what you should do at the scene of a truck accident and afterward. Our attorneys based in KY, IN, OH, NV, TX, and IL will help protect your claim and work towards recovering the compensation you are entitled to receive—all while working on a contingency-fee basis.
Reach out to Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-800-8888 to start your free consultation. Since 1993, we have obtained over $1 billion in financial recovery for our clients.
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