When you end up in a truck accident, it’s not exactly a pleasant experience. Obviously, the threat to your life and safety is the biggest concern but you’d be surprised at the number of aspects you need to keep track of.
Now, you may wonder why we aren’t focusing on the crash and the trauma from that. Yes, that is important as well, but modern cars are designed to be surprisingly resilient when it comes to crash safety.
That said, the logistical burdens that you end up dealing with after the accident can be more annoying and troublesome than recovering from the physical injuries itself.
This is particularly the case when you consider that hospital bills can reach five figures or more. That isn’t exactly an ideal situation when you are trying to get back on your feet.
Thus, in this article, let us look at what you should really be prioritizing when you end up surviving a truck accident.
Medical Records, Police Reports and Insurance Claims: The Fundamental Steps
It’s easy to get carried away shortly after the accident. You have family and friends reaching out and you may want to simply rest and give yourself some time to recover. However, you want to keep in mind that seemingly simple injuries have a tendency to spiral out of control if ignored.
As Injury Treatment Solutions states, the human body is capable of having hidden injuries that don’t show up right away. These include whiplash, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, and even PTSD.
Thus, even if you feel okay and there are no major issues you can detect, get yourself checked out anyway.
Once you know that your physical recovery is on track, your second priority should be filing an official report. Why? because police reports and medical records are all critical pieces of evidence that you will need for insurance claims and potential lawsuits.
It will include information on:
- Parties involved: Drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Accident description: Location, time, weather, and cause (as determined by the officer).
- Vehicle damage: Extent of damage to all vehicles involved.
If there were no officers at the scene, actively seek out witnesses and get their written statements or contact information. Their testimonies can be crucial in your case.
Request a copy of the report from the responding officer or the police department where it’s filed. This document will be essential evidence when filing insurance claims. If you disagree with any details in the police report, politely point them out to the officer and request a correction.
Remember, insurance companies can be a pain to deal with, and delaying too much can make them raise questions when filing for damages. During this period, ensure that you get your paperwork in order. This includes taking photos of your damaged vehicle and injuries to your body, finding witness statements if possible, and exchanging information with the truck driver.
Ideally, you should have done this at the scene of the accident, but it’s naturally not possible in some situations.
Once you have checked off the boxes from these tasks, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Before you do, ensure you have your story straight with all the relevant details in place and familiarize yourself with your own insurance policy, including coverage limits for medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
Maintain a record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, car repairs, transportation costs, and lost wages. This detailed record simplifies the claims process and strengthens your case.
Remember: Don’t discuss fault or admit any responsibility at the accident scene or with insurance companies. Focus on providing factual information. They may try to downplay your injuries or offer a low settlement. Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer familiar with truck accidents can be highly beneficial in navigating the legal aspects and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Don’t Settle Quickly: Insurance companies may pressure you to settle your claim quickly for a low amount. Don’t agree to anything until you have a clear understanding of the full extent of your injuries and potential losses.
Finding Legal Assistance to Ensure Compensation
According to TorHoerman Law, seeking legal assistance is a crucial step in the pursuit of fair compensation for most truck accident survivors. In most cases, if your documents and records are in order, you shouldn’t have too much trouble with compensation.
However, there’s a chance that you end up dealing with stubborn insurance agents or the truck driver could have lawyered up and filed a case against you.
In such situations, you want to ensure that you have strong legal advice from an established local firm. As an example, let’s consider the case of Missouri. Here, truck accident survivors can gain valuable support from local attorneys versed in state traffic laws, insurance regulations, and challenges linked to trucking accidents.
A local legal expert, such as a St. Louis trucking accident lawyer, can counsel properly with their understanding of Missouri’s legal system. This can be instrumental in building a strong case for yourself.
St. Louis, much like other metropolitan areas, frequently experiences distinctive factors that contribute to truck accidents. According to AJOT, significant developments in 2022 solidified St. Louis’s standing as a central transportation hub. Cities of this nature often operate under specific regulations and exhibit distinct accident patterns.
The importance of finding a local law firm is easy to see here. They would have had prior experience dealing with Missouri’s Department of Transportation and even have connections that can help you with your case. It may be tempting to contract lawyers online, but you are better off with someone on the ground, who is well-established in your state.
It may feel like a little extra effort, but the benefits far outweigh any inconvenience.
In conclusion, dealing with a truck accident doesn’t always have to be a difficult situation. Often, problems arise because people fail to prioritize tasks properly. They let themselves be carried through the experience, influenced by advice from family and friends.
As a result, some of the critical steps that need to be taken post-accident are overlooked. Time is really of the essence and delaying too long can cause you to run into a lot of trouble, not just for your health, but also with claiming the compensation you deserve.