Accidents occur when we least expect, and most at times, many don’t know how to handle the situation well. This can be frustrating, regardless of whether the accident is between a large truck or any vehicle. In most cases, the damages can hurt you in the form of property and personal injury. To help you, let’s go through a few steps to follow for a personal injury claim after a truck accident.
Get Medical Attention
For starters, it is imperative to visit a doctor to ascertain whether you have been hurt or not. Externally, you may look OK, but it is essential to have the doctor check the internal organs to confirm your health status fully. It is best to beware of minor injuries that can evolve. So don’t take any risks! Moreover, seeing a doctor enhances your claim case since you are able to document the injuries sustained during the accident for the claim.
Contact the Police
You should also reach out to law enforcement immediately. They usually arrive at the scene promptly, to get the evidence before it is distorted. They also need to prepare a report for the same. The report from law enforcement is also important in the claim you will file later.
Gather Evidence from the scene
Pictures are powerful, and they can capture details that a verbal description can miss. If you are in good condition, take photos of the scene from various angles capturing all the vital information the vehicles involved the level of damage and if anyone or anything within the vicinity was affected. Remember also to take photos of your injuries. Moreover, it is vital to also ensure that the police take pictures of the scene.
The point is that you need to get as much information as possible. This includes names, addresses, of the driver and the vehicle, the driver’s license number, insurance company, the names and numbers of the individuals at the scene that can give more information on the accident. The individuals will act as the eye witness to your claim. Finally, you can also get the vehicle DOT license number for the trailer and truck.
Leave everything as it is
Normally, when your vehicle doesn’t look severely damaged, you might be tempted to move it. However, it is important to leave everything as it is until an appraisal is done. The estimated repairs can fall under your claims. Let the experts in claims can help ascertain that the vehicle was damaged and the extent of the damage.
Find an Experienced Attorney
One of the most vital decisions you should make after a truck accident is to contact a competent injury attorney. It is essential to have an experienced injury attorney whether or not you’re the one on the wrong. There is an excellent guide compiled by a Nashville truck accident attorney (wishes to stay anonymous) on the essence of having an attorney on your side. The bottom line is that it’s the best way to improve your odds of winning your case. The truck company will most definitely get a lawyer of their own to minimize, if not do away with the liabilities. It is equally necessary for you to have your attorney fighting for your rights and needs. The truck attorney will handle every communication and investigation steps.
In Conclusion:
It is imperative to know the guidelines to follow when you are involved in an accident with a truck. The first step is to see a doctor, then contact law enforcement, take photos, and get maximum information among other ways you can protect your rights. It is also very critical to get an attorney to fight the case on your behalf since the truck company will hire an experienced attorney to reduce the damages the company can incur.
