Truck collisions are a severe problem in the United States. The fatality rate for truck accidents is high and only getting worse. In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released data showing that truck traffic fatalities had increased by 5% from 2019 to 2020. This is the most significant year-to-year increase in truck traffic fatalities since 1979.
Many factors contribute to these accidents, but one of the essential things that victims can do is to know how to approach a truck collision case. By taking the proper steps, victims can give themselves the best chance at getting the compensation they deserve.
If you get injured, or your loved one dies in a truck collision, here are the steps you should take.
Get Medical Help
The first thing you should do is get medical help. Any vehicular accident will be stressful, and confusion makes it easy to forget about your injuries. When you consider the load and build of a truck, it’s easy to see how much damage it can do. It’s vital to get a medical evaluation, even if you think your injuries are minor.
Some truck accident injuries, such as lacerations or broken bones, are immediately apparent. Others, however, may not be so apparent. Truck accident victims often suffer from whiplash, an injury to the neck that can take days or weeks to manifest itself. Internal bleeding is another possibility after a truck collision.
Again, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get a complete medical evaluation after the accident. Not only will this document your injuries for use in your case, but it will also ensure you get the treatment you need.
Gather Evidence
Once you’ve gotten medical attention, the next step is to gather evidence. This can be critical in building your case and getting the compensation you deserve. Many types of evidence can be helpful in a truck accident case.
One of the most critical pieces of evidence is the police report. This will document the accident and may assign blame to one or more parties. Getting a copy of this report as soon as possible after the accident is essential, especially if you plan to file a personal injury claim.
It would be best if you also took pictures of the scene of the accident and any damage to your vehicle. These pictures can help demonstrate the severity of the collision.
If there were witnesses to the accident, you should get their names and contact information. They may be able to provide valuable testimony in your case.
You should also keep track of any expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, repairs to your vehicle, or lost wages if you miss work. This documentation can help demonstrate the financial impact of the accident.
Evidence will be critical in building your case and getting the compensation you deserve. Be sure to collect as much evidence as possible after the accident.
Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney
After you’ve gathered evidence and documented your injuries, the next step is to talk to a truck accident attorney. An experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney can review your case and advise you on the best action.
The attorney will also be able to handle all the legal details of your case so that you can focus on recovery. In many cases, they will be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you a fair settlement. Insurance companies and trucking companies might not be willing to offer fair compensation. In these cases, your attorney can file a truck accident lawsuit on your behalf.
Filing a lawsuit can be lengthy and complicated, but an experienced truck accident attorney can guide you through it.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Truck accidents are often severe, and the victims deserve compensation for their injuries. Taking the proper steps after the accident can give you the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve.
Compensations will depend on the injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
A truck accident can be a traumatic experience, but by taking the proper steps, you can get the compensation you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Truck accidents are serious business. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it’s essential to take the proper steps to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. This includes obtaining a medical evaluation, gathering evidence, and talking to a truck accident attorney. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
