Being involved in a trucking accident can be overwhelming. The size and weight of trucks often make these accidents more severe than typical car collisions, leading to serious injuries and significant property damage. Knowing what to do immediately after the accident is critical to protecting your rights and ensuring your health and safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should do if you’re ever in a trucking accident.
Call First Responders
The very first thing you should do is call 911. Even if you believe you aren’t seriously injured, it’s important to have law enforcement and medical professionals on the scene. Trucking accidents often involve substantial damage, and you’ll need an official police report for insurance and potentially legal reasons.
The police will document the scene, interview witnesses, and create an accident report. This report will be crucial in determining fault and can be a valuable piece of evidence if you later need to seek compensation through a personal injury lawyer.
Get Any Necessary Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority after any accident. Even if you think you’re fine, it’s possible to have injuries that aren’t immediately noticeable. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage, might not show symptoms right away. Therefore, it’s important to get checked by medical professionals as soon as possible, whether it’s at the scene or a local hospital.
Getting medical attention immediately also establishes a record of your injuries, which can support your case if you need to pursue a claim with a Lubbock personal injury attorney.
Gather Photos and Evidence
If you’re physically able, take as many photos of the accident scene as possible. Document everything: the positions of the vehicles, damage to your car and the truck, skid marks, debris, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These photos will serve as evidence and could help your personal injury attorney in Lubbock build a strong case for you.
Make sure to get pictures of the truck’s license plate and any identifying numbers on the vehicle. These details could be important in identifying the trucking company responsible. Additionally, if there are witnesses, try to gather their contact information so they can provide statements later, if necessary.
Exchange Insurance Information
After ensuring everyone’s safety and gathering evidence, insurance and contact information should be exchanged with the truck driver. This includes their driver’s license number, insurance policy details, and the name of their employer or the trucking company they work for.
Avoid discussing fault or admitting blame at the scene. Anything you say can potentially be used against you in insurance or legal claims. Let the police handle the investigation, and if questions arise, your Lubbock personal injury attorney can help navigate the situation.
If Issues Arise, Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses, it may be time to contact a personal injury lawyer. Trucking accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties, from the driver to the trucking company and their insurers. Having an experienced attorney like Matt Witt on your side can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Witt Law Firm, a personal injury attorney office in Lubbock, specializes in cases like these and understands the intricacies of Texas trucking accident laws. He can help you negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court to protect your rights.
Get Hit? Call Witt!
Trucking accidents can be life-altering, both physically and financially. By following these steps—calling first responders, seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, exchanging information, and consulting a Lubbock personal injury attorney like Matt Witt—you can protect yourself and your legal rights.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a trucking accident, don’t wait. Contact The Witt Law Firm today for a consultation. Matt Witt and his team are dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the complex world of personal injury law, ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve.