Truck accidents are one of the most catastrophic events on the road. Unfortunately, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, approximately 450,000 reported large truck accidents occur yearly in the United States, many of which result in significant injuries or even fatalities.
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make these accidents particularly daunting. The consequences extend beyond the immediate incident, with potential legal, medical, and insurance matters to navigate. After a truck accident, an experienced Phoenix truck accident attorney can pursue the compensation you deserve for your devastating injuries and losses.
Seeking Medical Attention
After a truck accident, seek medical attention, even if you feel fine initially. The adrenaline rush that often follows such traumatic incidents can mask pain and discomfort, making some injuries hard to detect without professional medical help.
Prompt medical attention ensures you're in good health and establishes a record of your injuries, which you need in legal and insurance matters. Follow your treatment plan and keep up with all care provider instructions as you recover from your injuries.
Potential Injuries From Truck Accidents
The sheer size and weight of a truck can lead to severe injuries. These can include fractures, lacerations, burns, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, and, in the worst case, fatalities. The extent of injuries can depend on the speed at which the accident occurred, the size of the truck, and the safety measures in place.
Documenting Your Injuries for Insurance and Legal Purposes
When you seek medical treatment, document everything. This includes hospital visits, medical procedures, prescribed medications, therapies, and any other form of treatment you undergo. This documentation serves as proof of the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with them.
You need copies of all medical records when negotiating a settlement with insurance companies or pursuing legal action. Keep copies of any medical bills you pay at the time of treatment, including copays and deductible amounts that you may need to pay before receiving care.
You can claim compensation for all the financial losses you sustained because of your truck accident. Documenting those bills can go a long way toward establishing your losses. Your lawyer can also work with medical experts to estimate potential future medical costs.
Following Your Care Providers' Instructions
After a truck accident, your care provider may tell you what you can and cannot do after the accident. Your care provider will recommend procedures you may need to undergo to increase your odds of a full recovery and activities you must avoid during the recovery process.
Not only does following those instructions make a big difference in your recovery, but ignoring them can interfere with the insurance claim following your truck accident. The insurance company may, for example, try to claim that you limited your recovery by ignoring those instructions, especially if you suffered any complications or setbacks.
Contacting an Attorney
Enlist legal assistance after experiencing a truck accident. A truck accident lawyer plays an essential role in the claim process and can ensure that you understand your rights as you fight for fair compensation for the injuries you sustained.
Evidence Collection
An attorney will start by collecting evidence related to your truck accident. The sooner you get in touch with a lawyer, the sooner they can begin collecting evidence on your behalf. Witness memory can fade quickly, making it critical to secure statements from any witnesses as soon as possible. Video footage may risk deletion.
The changing seasons can also affect the accident scene, making it more difficult to tell what led to your injuries. A lawyer can make sure you collect and secure all relevant evidence so you can use it in your claim.
Evidence collection is particularly important in truck accident cases. Not only does your lawyer need to review evidence directly related to the accident, but they may also need to examine the driver's logbook to get a clearer idea of how many hours the truck driver spent on the road and whether they adhered to federal Hours of Service regulations.
They may need to determine who loaded the vehicle to check whether they loaded it correctly. They may also look at truck maintenance records to ensure the company complies with regulations.
A lawyer can quickly check important details and collect the evidence you need to clearly establish your claim.
Negotiation
As you move into the negotiation phase of a truck accident claim, legal support proves invaluable. Insurance companies often minimize the compensation they pay out after an accident to protect their finances. They may make it difficult to secure the compensation you deserve by making a low initial settlement offer or pressuring you to accept some level of liability for the accident.
During negotiation, your lawyer will represent your best interests and clearly present all damages you deserve. A lawyer will secure the best possible outcome for you rather than focusing on the insurance company's needs.
Court
Like other injury claims, most truck accident claims settle out of court. If you must go to court to deal with your injury claim, hire a truck accident lawyer. A lawyer can present your case in court, showcase the full range of evidence, and make sure the court fully understands the losses you suffered because of the accident.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Let your truck accident lawyer deal with insurance companies after a truck accident to recover compensation for your losses.
Steps to Take When Dealing With Insurance Companies
The first step involves reporting the accident to your insurance company. Promptly notifying your insurer, even if you believe you didn’t cause the truck accident. Provide accurate information just as you did with law enforcement officers. Get a copy of the police report, as it contains vital, detailed information about the accident.
Your insurer will open a claim and assign you a claims adjuster who will oversee your case. This person will guide you through the remaining steps, which may include arranging for a vehicle inspection, obtaining estimates for repairs, and conducting their own investigation into the accident.
If you contracted a lawyer to help with your truck accident claim, let the lawyer report the accident to the insurance company for you.
You may need to deal with your insurance company if you need to use your personal injury protection, MedPay insurance, or underinsured motorist coverage to handle a percentage of your claim. A lawyer can make every step of the process go smoothly and provide the support you need.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing an Insurance Claim
When dealing with insurance companies people may admit fault or make statements that suggest liability.
Insurance adjusters aren't on your side—their primary goal is to minimize the amount they pay out. Stick to the facts of the accident and let the investigators determine fault.
Another mistake is accepting the first settlement offer. These initial offers are often less than you deserve. Remember, your lawyer can negotiate.
Your lawyer can fully explain your policy, including what it covers and the amount of your deductible. This can prevent disputes and misunderstandings down the road. A lawyer can explain the terms of your policy, including any damages you can claim. In some cases, a lawyer can even identify coverage you may not have known you had.
Reporting Your Truck Accident to the Other Party's Insurance Company
When making an insurance claim against another party, you will need to deal with the other party's insurance company. The insurance claim process can quickly become complex, especially if the other party's insurance provider doesn't want to pay for the accident. A lawyer can more clearly establish the facts of your case, which can make it easier for you to get fair compensation for your losses.
When to Hire an Attorney
If you sustained serious injuries in a truck accident or the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, seek legal representation. An experienced truck accident attorney can evaluate your situation, advise you on your rights, and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. They can also take your case to court, if necessary, to seek the compensation you deserve.
Legal Considerations After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, you don't just deal with insurance claims and physical injuries; you must attend to numerous legal considerations. A lawyer who understands your legal rights and potential legal actions can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Navigating it properly can secure the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Truck Accident
As a victim of a truck accident, you may seek compensation for your injuries and losses. This includes medical bills, loss of income, damage to your vehicle, pain, and suffering. Your lawyer can provide you with comprehensive information on your rights, potential claims, and the legal process.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Truck Accident Cases
Hiring a lawyer can make dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and recovery after a truck accident easier.
An experienced truck accident attorney can handle all the legal procedures, negotiate with the insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court. They can also explain your rights and the potential claims available to you, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Truck accident cases can involve multiple parties and extensive evidence. A skilled attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. They also understand the specifics of truck accident law, including federal safety regulations and the duties of trucking companies, which your case will involve.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
If you suffered injuries or losses in a truck accident, you don't need to navigate this challenging period alone. Legal representation can provide the necessary guidance, alleviate your stress, and, ultimately, help ensure a favorable outcome. Contact an attorney to understand the best course of action for your situation.