Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
About The Author
Steven J. Gordon
Houston, TX
Practice Areas: Trucking Accident
Other Articles by the Author
Truckingaccidents are responsible for thousands of injuries and fatalities across theUnited States each year. It is important to follow certain steps after beinginvolved in a truck accident to protect your legal rights. Your behavior following the truck accident can help or hurt yourpersonal injury lawsuit.
After thetrucking accident, it is important to say as little as possible to the truckdriver. Even saying something as innocent as “I’m sorry” can come up during alawsuit. It is important to contact thepolice as quickly as possible to ensure the accident scene is preserved. Ifyou have a camera in your car, it is a good idea to take pictures. You shouldalso write down all of the details of the truck accident to keep it fresh inyour memory for later.
Even if youfeel only minor injuries, you should seek medical attention right away. Failure to catch injuries in the beginningcan lead to complications down the road. If you do not have healthinsurance, do not let it keep you from getting emergency treatment.
After youhave received medical treatment, you should contact your insurance company toreport the truck accident and consult with an experienced truck accidentattorney.
Do not speak to the trucking company’sinsurance provider without a truck accident attorney on your side. The other insurance company does nothave your best interest at heart; they are only looking out for their bottomline. On that same note, do not signanything without legal representation.
Your truckaccident attorney will investigate police records, insurance policies, andevidence surrounding your truck accident for your personal injury lawsuit. Insome cases, an accident reconstruction expert may be called in to determine whowas at fault for the truck accident. This expert can also review the case tofind violations of any commercial truck regulations. Failure to follow theseregulations shows liability on the part of the trucking company as well as thedriver.
If you, or aloved one, have been involved in a trucking accident, you must act quickly asthere is a statue of limitations that may prevent you from filing if too muchtime has passed. A qualified truck accident attorney will assist you infighting for the compensation you need to put your life back together.