Truck accidents are more common than you might think. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are around 500,000 truck accidents every year in the United States alone. That`s an average of 1,350 per day. And unfortunately, many of these accidents result in fatalities or serious injuries. If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to know what to do afterward. Keep the following tips for the causes of truck accidents in mind:
1) Find a good lawyer
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to have a good lawyer at your side. A good lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How can you find a good lawyer? One way is to ask people you know for referrals. Another is to do a Google search for “truck accident lawyers” in your area. The American Association of Justice website also has a directory of lawyers who specialize in truck accidents. If you’re looking for a Dallas truck accident lawyer, for example, keep in mind that not all lawyers who list themselves as specializing in truck accidents actually have experience handling these types of cases. Be sure to ask about a lawyer’s experience before you hire him or her.
2) Seek medical attention
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think you are not injured, it is always best to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
First, call 911 to get the police and an ambulance to the scene of the accident. Then, go to the hospital for a check-up. If you don’t have health insurance, don’t worry. Most hospitals will treat you even if you can’t pay.
Also, keep in mind that you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses. If the truck driver was at fault for the accident, his or her insurance company should pay your medical bills.
3) Get the contact information of the truck driver and any witnesses
If you are involved in a truck accident, be sure to get the contact information of the truck driver and any witnesses. This will be important if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Get the truck driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information as well. Also, be sure to get the name and contact information of the trucking company that employs the driver. This way, you will be able to file a claim with the company’s insurance carrier.
4) Take photos of the accident scene
If you are involved in a truck accident, be sure to take photos of the accident scene. This will be important evidence if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Make sure to take photos of the following:
-The truck
-The driver
-The license plate number
-The damage to both vehicles
-The surrounding area
When taking photos be sure to use a high-quality camera. If you don’t have a camera, most cell phones nowadays have cameras that will work just fine.
5) Keep track of your expenses
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to keep track of your expenses. This will be important if you decide to file a lawsuit. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Make sure to keep track of the following:
-Medical bills
-Receipts for any medications you have to purchase
-Lost wages (if you have to miss work)
-Receipts for any property damage repairs
6) Don’t give a statement to the trucking company’s insurance carrier
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important not to give a statement to the trucking company’s insurance carrier. The insurance adjuster will likely try to get you to say something that could be used to deny your claim.
Only give a statement to the police. If you need to give a statement to the trucking company’s insurance carrier, have your lawyer do it for you.
If you are involved in a truck accident, there are several things you should do to protect your rights. First, get the contact information of the truck driver and any witnesses. Second, seek medical attention even if you don’t think you’re injured. Third, take photos of the scene of the accident. Fourth, keep track of your expenses. Fifth, don’t give a statement to the trucking company’s insurance carrier without talking to a lawyer first. Sixth, let a lawyer handle communications with the insurance company so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.