Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries. In 2019 alone, approximately 159,000 people were injured in over 500,000 large truck crashes. While trucks only make up about 4% of registered vehicles in the United States, they accounted for 9% of vehicle miles traveled in 2019. This discrepancy means trucks are overrepresented in serious crashes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, here are 5 important steps to take, including contacting a truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
1. Get Seen by a Medic
Seeking prompt medical care should be your top priority after any truck accident. Even if you don’t think you were seriously hurt, some injuries like concussions and internal bleeding may not be obvious at first. Getting examined by a doctor will document your injuries for your claim and ensure you get the treatment you need as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the average expense for a commercial truck accident involving a single injury is approximately $148,000.
2. Report the Truck Accident to the Police
You’ll want to contact the police to report any truck accident that caused injuries or property damage. An official accident report is important documentation for determining fault and liability later on. The police report will include information like witness statements and identifiers for all vehicles involved. The police are accustomed to responding to these major collisions.
3. Gather Evidence from the Scene
In addition to the police report, collect your own evidence from the accident scene whenever possible. Take photos of property damage, skid marks, the positions of vehicles, and road conditions. Write down or record any observations you have about how the crash occurred while your memory is fresh. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.
4. Consult a Truck Accident Attorney
An experienced truck accident lawyer can handle the complicated legal and insurance issues that arise from these crashes. Your attorney will conduct an independent investigation, determine all liable parties, and negotiate the maximum compensation for your injuries and other losses. This is especially important because 71% of fatalities in truck crashes are actually occupants of passenger vehicles, according to recent data.
An attorney will also deal with trucking companies and insurance providers on your behalf so you can focus on recovery. The total costs of commercial vehicle crashes during 2009-2011 ran from $88-94 billion, so major insurers fight hard against claims. Your lawyer will stand up for your right to a full and fair settlement.
5. Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
It is vital to follow all your doctor’s orders during recovery from truck accident injuries. Attend every appointment, complete physical therapy, take prescriptions as directed, and rest as much as possible. If you fail to follow medical advice, the insurance company may claim your actions contributed to your injuries or slowed your recovery. This is a tactic insurers use to try to reduce payouts. Don’t give them any room to do so.
Recovering from a truck accident takes time, but you can get your life back on track. Following these steps will help ensure you get the compensation, treatment, and legal support you deserve after a devastating crash with a large commercial vehicle. With an experienced truck accident attorney on your side, you can hold negligent parties fully accountable.
