Seek medical attention right away. While most truck accidents cause obvious injuries, some common injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, have delayed-onset symptoms. Even if you feel fine, you need to see a doctor right away. Follow your doctor's instructions and document everything from each of your medical appointments. This not only protects your health but also protects your legal rights in the event that the trucking company tries to dispute your injuries.
Get a copy of the police report. Pay particular attention to the Unit Page that describes the truck that hit you. In the bottom left section of this page, you'll find the carrier's name and address as well as other important information about the truck. This is critical to pursue a claim against the trucking company.
Document your injuries. If you have any visible injuries, take pictures of them. Write down how you're feeling each day and how your injuries have affected your life. Remember, the trucking company is going to dispute the extent of your injuries, and having a written record can make your case for compensation much stronger.
Don't talk to the trucking company. If someone from the trucking company or their insurance company contacts you, politely decline to answer their questions. Let them know that you have retained an attorney and that all of their inquiries should be directed to your lawyer. That way, we can make sure that your rights are protected.
Don't accept a settlement offer. It's very common for insurance companies to offer "low-ball" settlements after any motor vehicle accident to get the injured person to go away. With truck accidents, you need to be especially cautious: there are usually multiple insurance companies involved, and accepting a settlement offer from one insurance company can bar you from recovering from the other insurance companies as well. That's why it's important that you review any settlement offer with your attorney before you accept the insurance company's money.
In short, what you need to do after a truck accident is contact us right away. We'll take care of all the paperwork and deal with the trucking company so that you can focus on getting better.
When you've been injured by a commercial truck, take action. Give us a call at 1-877-962-4373 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. You can come to our offices in Fort Wayne or South Bend, or we can come to you.
