A truck accident usually leaves you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
However, now is the time to protect yourself and your rights.
Whether you are a truck accident victim or a family member of someone involved in a truck accident, knowing the proper actions to take can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Never wait to contact a skilled Bellingham truck accident lawyer who can guide you on what to do after a truck accident, ensuring you make informed decisions.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Seek Medical Evaluation
After a truck accident, the most important step you can take is to prioritize your health and well-being. Even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or injuries, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can develop over time.
By seeking medical attention immediately, you ensure your safety and record your injuries and their connection to the accident. Waiting several days or weeks after the accident to seek medical care can cause the insurance company to question whether you are really injured or if your injuries were caused by the accident or something else.
When visiting a medical professional, give them a detailed account of the accident and any symptoms you may be experiencing. This information will help them evaluate your injuries accurately and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Continue with Recommended Ongoing Medical Care
Following the initial medical evaluation, continue with any recommended ongoing medical care. This may include follow-up appointments, physical therapy, or specialized treatments.
Adhering to your healthcare provider’s recommendations demonstrates your commitment to your recovery and strengthens your case should you decide to pursue legal action.
Consult an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal implications of a truck accident can be complex and overwhelming. An experienced truck accident attorney will protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. A truck accident attorney has in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations specific to this area.
When choosing an attorney, look for someone with a strong track record of success in truck accident cases and who understands all the intricacies involved.
A knowledgeable truck accident attorney will advocate for your rights. By having an attorney by your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal issues on your behalf.
Don’t Post on Social Media or Discuss the Accident with Others
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to share every aspect of our lives on social media. However, after a truck accident, refrain from posting about the accident or discussing it with others.
Insurance companies and opposing legal teams can use your social media posts as evidence against you, potentially undermining your case.
To protect yourself, avoid posting anything related to the accident or your injuries on social media. You may want to discuss a total social media hiatus with your attorney.
Anything you post can be construed to fit the insurance company’s narrative aimed at denying or devaluing your injury claim. Additionally, refrain from discussing the accident with anyone other than your attorney, as statements made to others can be used against you.
Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to settle claims quickly and for the lowest possible amount.
They may contact you shortly after the accident to gather information or offer a settlement. However, their interests often lie in minimizing their financial liability, not providing you with the compensation you deserve. They hope to catch you and get you to agree to a lowball settlement before you take your case to an attorney and realize what your case is worth.
Before speaking with any insurance company representative, consult your attorney. They will guide you on what to say, ensuring you don’t inadvertently harm your case. Let your attorney handle all communication with the insurance company to protect your rights and seek fair compensation.
Retain Any Evidence in Your Possession
Preserving evidence is essential in building a solid truck accident case. After the accident, gather and retain as much evidence as quickly as possible.
This may include:
- Medical bills and receipts: Keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, and treatments. These documents serve as evidence of your injuries and the associated costs.
- Bloody clothing and torn shoes: If your clothing or shoes were damaged or bloodied in the accident, retain them as potential evidence. These items can help establish the severity of the accident and the resulting injuries.
By retaining these pieces of evidence, you provide your attorney with valuable resources to support your case and enhance your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in various scenarios, often resulting in severe damage and injuries due to these vehicles’ sheer size and weight. Here are some common types of truck accidents:
Rear-End Collisions
Due to the impact force, rear-end collisions involving trucks can cause significant damage and injuries to the smaller vehicle’s occupants.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, creating a V shape with the truck’s cab. These accidents typically happen when the truck driver loses control, often due to speeding, abrupt braking, or poor road conditions.
Rollover Accidents
Due to their high center of gravity, trucks are at a higher risk of rolling over. Rollover accidents can occur when a truck takes a curve too fast or when the cargo is improperly loaded, causing the truck to become unstable and tip over.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents happen when a passenger vehicle becomes trapped under the rear or side of a truck. These accidents can be catastrophic, often resulting in severe head and neck injuries or even decapitation.
Wide Turn Accidents
Due to their size and length, trucks require a significant amount of space to make turns. In wide-turn accidents, a truck may swing out to make a turn, potentially colliding with nearby vehicles or pedestrians.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Various factors, including driver error, mechanical failures, and external conditions, can cause truck accidents. Understanding the causes can help establish liability and ensure proper legal action. Here are some common causes of truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long hours on the road without adequate rest can impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities, increasing the risk of accidents. Recent studies show driver fatigue is just as dangerous as intoxicated driving.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a significant concern for all motorists, including truck drivers. Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting GPS systems can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, leading to accidents.
Speeding
Truck drivers who exceed the speed limit put themselves and other road users at risk. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to respond to unexpected circumstances, increases stopping distances, and can lead to loss of control.
Unfortunately, the truck driving industry places heavy time expectations on drivers, tempting them to speed to make their deliveries quicker.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is incredibly dangerous for any driver, but the consequences can be particularly severe when a truck driver is impaired. Impaired driving can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
Sadly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the United States, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths.
Mechanical Failures
Malfunctioning brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures can result in truck accidents. Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for properly maintaining their vehicles and conducting regular inspections to prevent such issues.
Poor Weather Conditions
Inclement weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make driving hazardous for any vehicle, including trucks. Reduced visibility, slippery roads, and limited traction can increase the risk of accidents.
Although you cannot hold truckers responsible for the weather, you can for their driving behaviors, no matter the weather. If they need to adjust their speed and distance or even pull off the road until conditions are better, they are obligated to do so. If they don’t, they can be found liable for any damages that arise.
Who Is at Fault When a Truck Accident Occurs?
Determining liability in a truck accident can be difficult, as multiple parties may be responsible, and many factors come into play. Potential parties that influence fault include:
Truck Driver
Truck drivers may bear the primary responsibility if they drive recklessly, violate traffic laws, or engage in negligent behavior such as distracted driving or driving under the influence. They may also be responsible if they fail to maintain or repair their vehicle.
Trucking Company
The trucking company can be held liable for an accident if it failed to train its drivers properly, pressured them to work excessive hours (leading to driver fatigue), or neglected vehicle maintenance. You can also hold it responsible for hiring a driver with a poor driving history.
Vehicle Manufacturer
If a truck accident occurs due to a mechanical failure, you can hold the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty vehicle parts accountable. This can happen with tires, brakes, or other crucial parts of a big rig.
Third Parties
Other parties, such as those responsible for loading the cargo or manufacturers of defective roadway equipment, may also share liability in some cases. Other drivers may also bear fault for causing an accident.
Determining fault requires a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, and in-depth analysis. As such, seek the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney who can navigate the legal ins and outs and help hold the responsible parties accountable.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can cause severe injuries due to the sheer force involved. Here are some common injuries suffered by truck accident victims:
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can occur when a victim’s head strikes a hard surface or experiences a sudden jolt. TBIs can lead to long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Truck accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can be life-altering and require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and lifelong assistance.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a truck accident impact can easily cause fractured or broken bones. Victims may suffer multiple fractures, requiring surgeries, immobilization, and long periods of recovery.
Internal Organ Injuries
The internal organs can sustain damage in a truck accident due to the impact or being crushed by the force of the collision. These injuries may require surgery and ongoing medical treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and whiplash, are common in truck accidents. These injuries can be painful and may require physical therapy and extended rest periods.
Take Charge After a Truck Accident: Contact an Attorney Today
Knowing the necessary steps to take after a truck accident can protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. Seek immediate medical evaluation, continue with ongoing care, and consult an experienced Bellingham personal injury attorney to guide you through the legal process.
Remember not to post on social media or discuss the accident with others, and avoid talking to the insurance company without your attorney’s guidance. Finally, retain any evidence, including medical bills, receipts, and damaged clothing or shoes.
Contact a well-versed truck accident attorney for professional legal assistance and guidance after a truck accident. Your lawyer will support you through this challenging time and build a successful truck accident case. Don’t wait – reach out for help today and let an attorney fight for the compensation you deserve.