No one ever expects to be involved in a car accident. But, if you are unlucky enough to be involved in a collision with a truck, it is important to know what steps to take next. Whether the accident was caused by the truck driver’s negligence or poor road conditions, there are certain steps you should always follow to ensure that you are protected.
Keep reading to learn why a Charlotte, NC based law firm such as Rosensteel Fleishman can help if you’re in need of a truck accident lawyer to represent you in a truck or auto accident injury case in North Carolina.
See a Doctor
Irrespective of the injury type, we strongly advise seeking medical attention after the accident. This is because injuries can be hidden and may not manifest until later. If you don’t get medical attention, it could be difficult to prove that an injury was caused by an accident in court.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
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If you were injured in the accident, you might want to speak to a Chicago truck accident lawyer about your legal options moving forward. They will be able to help you in ways such as:
Claim Filing
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, your lawyer can help you file a claim against the truck driver or their insurance company. This is often required to receive compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Your lawyer will also be able to help you fight back against any companies that try to deny your claims. They’ll work with investigators and medical professionals who can provide evidence of your injuries.
Help With Negotiations
After a truck accident, you will likely need to deal with the insurance company. However, insurers are notorious for denying claims and trying to pay as little money as possible. Your lawyer can help you fight back against this and may even be able to negotiate a settlement that would result in more compensation than if you were left on your own.
Help You Get Medical Treatment
A truck accident lawyer can help you get the medical treatment you need by contacting doctors and other medical professionals who can help you recover from your injuries.
Injury Compensation
A truck accident lawyer can help you recover damages for your injuries, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. If your injuries are severe, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Dial 911
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The police will create an official report of the accident, which will be important when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Make sure to get the name and badge number of the officer who responds to the scene. The officer will also consult you on how you can try your best to prevent such accidents in the future.
Exchange Information
You will need the truck driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance information. It would help if you also took pictures of the damage to both vehicles and any injuries you sustained.
Contact Your Insurer
Your insurance company will need to know about the accident to process your claim. Be honest with them about what happened, and don’t try to hide any information.
Stay Calm and Collected
When something as serious as a truck accident happens, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Remain calm and collected, and try not to speak with anyone until you have spoken with an insurance representative or your lawyer. It is also important not to make any sudden moves; wait for authorities to arrive before making any decisions about your injury or legal case.
File a Legal Claim
Source: liveabout.com
If the truck driver’s negligence caused the accident, you must file a claim with their insurance company to receive compensation for your damages. Ensure all documentation related to the accident, including medical bills, police reports, and eyewitness statements.
That being said, keep these tips in mind when filing a legal claim against the truck insurance company:
Prove fault
To win a legal claim against a trucking company, you must prove that the truck driver was at fault for the accident. This can be done by gathering evidence such as witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and the police report.
Prove suffering
To receive compensation from a trucking company, you must prove that you suffered damages due to the accident. This could be in the form of therapist consultation or medical bills. Anything to prove that life became difficult for you after the mishap.
Settling options
It is often possible to settle a legal claim against a trucking company without going to court. This can be done by negotiating with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. If an agreement can be reached, it will likely be for less than what you would receive if you won in court.
Document the Evidence at the Scene of the Accident
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If you have been in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is document the scene. This includes taking photos and videos of the accident, as well as any damage done to your vehicle. It is also important to document any injuries that you or other people may have incurred in the crash.
If possible, try to get witnesses to come and talk to you about what they saw. Ask them if they were driving slow or if they saw anything out of the ordinary before the accident. Also, ask for their phone numbers so that you can contact them later if needed.
Do not move your vehicle until someone from your insurance company or an emergency services provider arrives. If your vehicle is moved before an official arrival, it can complicate the investigation and reconstruction process.
You must calculate the damages
Once you have gathered evidence, you will need to calculate the damages you have incurred due to the accident. This may include medical bills, loss of job, damage to property damage, and your suffering.
Final Word
Truck accidents can be scary and overwhelming. But, if you follow the above tips and avoid obvious mistakes, you can protect yourself and your rights. If you still have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask us in the comments.
