The steps you take following a trucking accident can have a direct impact on the compensation that you receive for your injuries. If you have been injured in any type of accident involving a semi-truck or similar type of commercial vehicle, you should make sure to take the following steps to protect your rights as a victim.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Most truck related accidents involve serious injuries that require immediate care. However, even if your injuries do not seem serious to you at the time of the accident, you should seek medical attention. Even minor aches and pains may be the symptoms of a more serious injury. A headache, for example could represent a concussion, whiplash or similar neck or head injury. An upset stomach could be the result of organ damage and not just stress, and sore body parts may actually be fractures, strains, or other injuries.
Insurance companies are required to provide you with at least seven days after the accident to obtain initial medical care. However, it is not uncommon for insurers to deny care after the first day under the appearance that the injuries and symptoms you are now experiencing are from a different event.
Gather Information
Gather as much information as possible about the truck at the scene of the accident. Write down everything you remember, or have someone write it down for you if you cannot due to your injuries. Try to remember details such as the name of the trucking company or the name that is on the trailer. If you see any type of DOT numbers on the truck, write them down. If the driver is wearing a uniform shirt, note the name of the company.
Gather contact information from witnesses to the event. Many times the police will include this information on their report, but not always. If you are able to, take pictures at the scene of the accident including the surrounding landscape where the accident occurred. Make sure that you also write down any information you remember about the weather, road conditions, any surrounding construction, or what you saw just before the accident occurred.
Speak to a Trucking Accident Attorney
Do not provide any written or oral statements to any insurance adjuster or company representative before speaking to an attorney. It is very important that you protect your rights as a victim of a trucking accident. You must remember, anything you say in these statements, regardless of how harmless it may seem, can be used against you in your claim for compensation.
Speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Your attorney will protect your rights and work with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive all the proper medical care and fair compensation for your losses.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you are encouraged to speak with one of our trusted attorneys today about your case. During your no cost consultation, our attorneys will explain to you your rights as a victim and inform you what services they can provide to help you through this difficult time.
Your free, first-time, no-obligation consultation with a licensed Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney regarding your unique situation is available by calling:
888-529-3111 Monday-Friday, 8am to 6pm.
— Jack Ter-Saakyan, Esq.
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