Truck accidents are traumatic events. Itās natural to feel overwhelmed, shocked, and confused in the aftermath of the crash, especially if you were injured. However, itās very important to remain calm so that you can take the appropriate actions to protect your own health and any legal claim you file in the future.
Here, Waldorf semi-truck accident lawyer Matt Trollinger discusses the steps you should take after a wreck, including the most time-sensitive information that needs to be collected to improve your chances of securing maximum compensation.
Has the collision scene already been cleared? Itās time to get started on your truck accident claim now. Call or contact us for a free consultation.
What to Do Immediately After a Semi-Truck Accident
The steps you take after an 18-wheeler accident are extremely important. While much investigative work will occur in the weeks and months following the crash, you can help your case by taking certain actions immediately. These include:
- Report the accident: After a truck accident, you should always call the police immediately. Law enforcement will visit the scene of the crash and write a report, if your vehicle has to be towed or if you or your passengers need to be taken by ambulance to the hospital. The report created by the police may indicate that the truck driver or someone else was negligent. It may also list contact information for any potential witnesses of the crash. This report can be useful when negotiating for compensation from the insurance company later.
- Seek medical attention: When truck accidents happen, the occupants of the vehicle struck by the truck often suffer serious injuries. Get medical care quickly, even if you are unsure of how badly you are hurt. Some serious injuries, such as concussions, may not be detected right away. Your health is the top priority after any crash, and seeing a doctor promptly, allows for you to get help for your injuries from the very beginning.
- Gather information: Exchange information with everyone involved in the wreck. Get their names, contact information, insurance information, and their driverās license numbers. A semi-truck accident lawyer will need this information when working on your claim.
- Identify witnesses: There is a good chance that eyewitnesses saw the crash. These could include bystanders, other motorists, or even passengers in your vehicle. Get their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Their statements can be valuable evidence when you file your claim.
- Document the scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, including the vehicle damage and your injuries. Take pictures of the other driverās license and insurance information, as well as any company logos or markings on the vehicle. If there is relevant environmental evidence at the scene, such as skid marks or open containers of alcohol, include those as well.
Once you have sought medical attention, get in touch with an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer as soon as possible. Truck accident claims require intense investigation, and trucking companies get adjusters to the accident scene before the truck is even moved. A lawyer is a great asset so that the truck company doesnāt get the upper hand from the very beginning.
Who Should I Call After a Truck Accident in Waldorf?
Once you have contacted the police and a doctor, you will need to contact your insurance company to notify them of the crash. Even if you were not at fault and plan to file a claim against the liable party, your insurance policy likely requires notification right away. If you do not, the insurer may cancel your policy.
A truck accident lawyer can handle the notification process for you. Insurance adjusters will use many strategies in an attempt to deny, reduce, and delay your claim. A truck accident lawyer will anticipate these tactics and know-how to counter them. Having a lawyer speak to the insurance company on your behalf can also protect your claim by ensuring that nothing is said that will hurt your case.
What to Say to the Truck Company Insurance Adjuster
Soon after the accident, someone from the insurance company will contact you. Say as little as possible to the adjuster. He or she will be looking for evidence to use against you in your demand for compensation.
Even though the adjuster may act very friendly, they work for the insurance company. That means that their main priority is paying you as little as possible for your injuries. The best rule of thumb is to politely refer the adjuster to your attorney and provide contact information for the law firm. If you have not had time to hire a Waldorf truck accident lawyer yet, tell the adjuster that you are in the process of seeking legal counsel and will not make a statement or sign any documents until you do.
What to Do if I Was Too Injured to Get Details?
The injuries sustained after a truck accident are often serious. If you were too injured to collect information at the scene, you still have the right to file a personal injury claim.
First, ask other people at the scene if they can collect evidence for you. A passenger in your vehicle may be able to take pictures of the scene, or eyewitnesses may be willing to write down the truck driverās information. Even when this is not the case, it is important to know you still have options.
A semi-truck accident lawyer is trained to collect the evidence needed to craft a strong injury claim, even if you didnāt have the chance to get it yourself. An attorney will speak to local businesses to determine if they have video footage of the accident. A lawyer can also work with an accident reconstruction expert for technical information about what caused the accident and who should be held liable.
How Trollinger Law LLC Can Help You Win Your Truck Accident Case
Itās important to act quickly after a truck wreck because trucking companies are not required to keep certain records indefinitely. An experienced Waldorf truck accident lawyer at Trollinger Law LLC can preserve this evidence by sending a spoliation letter blocking the destruction of any relevant evidence for your claim.
We can also advise on your case, identify the liable parties, and help you recover the full and fair settlement you deserve.
Thereās no time like the present to protect your rights. Call or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.
