What to Do After a Truck Accident

Accidents on the road are events everyone would rather avoid. This is especially true of accidents involving tractor trailers or large delivery trucks. These trucks can frequently weigh up to 80,000 pounds and are much more likely than other vehicles to cause serious injuries or death in an accident. In fact, nearly 90 percent of truck-related fatalities involve either pedestrians or those in smaller vehicles. Common injuries resulting from truck accidents can include spinal cord injuries, head injuries, internal organ damage, broken bones, and more.

Truck accidents have a variety of common causes ranging from fatigue or impaired driving to faulty equipment. If you are involved in a truck accident that is caused by driver error or unsafe practices placing profit above safety, you’ll likely be entitled to compensation for suffering and financial loss. With the help of a truck accident lawyer California, you could pursue a case for this. Here are general steps you’ll want to be familiar with.

Standard Procedures

The initial procedures after a truck accident aren’t particularly different from any other vehicle accident. These should be performed whether you’re involved in the accident yourself or have witnessed it. Firstly, you’ll want to verify if you or anyone one else involved is injured. If so, dealing with this should be the top priority. If the injury is severe, they’ll obviously need emergency treatment.

After this step, you’ll need to report the accident and do your best to ensure all involved remain at the scene. The accident should also be well documented. Take photos of the scene if you have the ability to do so. An accident report should also be filed with the police. Be sure to speak wisely during this process if you were actually involved in the accident. Do not admit fault, and give simple answers. Anything you say could be used against you. Lastly, make sure you’ve exchanged information with all relevant parties, as they could be particularly hard to track down after that fact.

Medical Attention

Even if an injury doesn’t seem severe or if you don’t seem to be injured at all, you should still seek medical attention as soon as you can after an accident. It’s possible that adrenaline could have prevented you from noticing an injury immediately. Discovering any injuries as soon as possible will help prevent them from becoming complicated, and give you your best chance for a speedy recovery.

Beyond this, getting attention immediately will protect you if a legal case is necessary. This will help prove that all injuries suffered were a result of the accident rather than other causes. It will also let you keep your medical records consistent. Any inconsistencies in medical records can be crippling to your case, since the defendant will do anything in their power to discredit your claim.

Meeting an Attorney

If you believe pursuing a legal case is the right thing to do in your situation, there are some things you can prepare before speaking to an attorney. Gather all relevant evidence including photographic evidence of the accident scene, any accident/police reports, medical records, and contact information for doctors and willing witnesses. Preparing these beforehand will establish that you are serious about your case and willing to cooperate. Personal injury lawyers typically work on contingency fees, so making your case look strong from the beginning will make them more likely to accept it.

Once an attorney has taken your case, you’ll need to keep them updated on any developments. This includes updates on your medical condition, as the speed of your recovery may be factored into your settlement. Any questions from insurance companies or other parties should be directed to your attorney, as they may attempt to diminish your claim.