Steps to Take After An 18-Wheeler Accident

It is a chaotic moment after you have been involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler and are nursing an injury. You could be figuring out what to do next to safeguard your legal rights. This article takes you through the vital steps after such a traumatic event. It also provides insights on how to protect your claim.

Get Medical Attention

After an accident, it is easy to assume that being discharged from the emergency room means your injuries are not severe. Emergency rooms prioritize life-threatening injuries and may discharge individuals with serious injuries.

Following your ER visit, it is crucial to heed the advice of medical professionals. They may recommend follow-up care with specialists or a primary care physician. This step is pivotal in your journey toward resolving your truck accident claim.

Documentation Required to Help Your Case

Following an accident, you might not have had the chance to exchange information with the truck driver responsible for the collision. An investigating officer will likely contact you and provide the necessary details. You will need the truck driver’s name, the trucking company’s name, and their insurance information.

Additionally, obtain the name and phone number of the investigating officer. Eyewitnesses, if available, can be invaluable in strengthening your case. If there are independent witnesses, ensure their identification and keep their contact information handy.

Photographs are Always Helpful

If you or a family member can take photographs of your vehicle, the accident scene, or the 18-wheeler involved, it can greatly benefit your case. These visual records provide a vivid representation of the incident.

If you have the opportunity, document the final positions of the vehicles involved or capture other crucial evidence through videos or photographs using your cell phone. Such visual proof can be a compelling asset in your favor. And even if you cannot take photos at the scene, gather photographic evidence before your vehicle is released.

Do Not Give a Recorded Statement

Attorneys strongly advise against providing a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. It is essential to understand that what you say while being recorded may not work in your favor. If you find yourself in a situation where you must provide a recorded statement, be prepared for potentially tricky questions.

Keep your responses concise and truthful, and consider consulting a seasoned truck accident lawyer before proceeding. When it comes to recorded statements, speaking with an 18-wheeler injury lawyer in Houston first can help you navigate this challenging terrain.

Following an accident injuring you, reaching out to an experienced attorney is wise. Speak with an attorney before engaging with an adjuster representing the trucking company.

When to Get a Lawyer for an Accident with a Big Rig

Because commercial vehicle crashes are complex and can have various causes hiring an experienced 18-wheeler attorney right away is important to protect evidence and prove a strong case. The best time to hire a semi-accident lawyer is as soon as possible after the crash.

Selecting an Attorney for an Accident with a Semi

This holds especially true in the context of truck accidents. You want an attorney with substantial experience and a history of success in handling truck accident cases. When considering potential attorneys, it’s of paramount importance that you conduct your due diligence.

Investigate their past performance in 18-wheeler crash cases to ensure you make a well-informed choice. Ask if they are prepared to sue the truck driver. Many attorneys are reluctant to file a lawsuit or take a case to trial. The attorney you choose can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. It is a decision that merits careful consideration.

Do not let the aftermath of a truck accident leave you helpless. Take action, seek your support, and move toward a brighter future. By following these crucial guidelines, you can better protect your legal rights and improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Also, your choice of legal representation can be the key to successfully resolving your case.