Being involved in a truck accident is certainly not something anyone wants to go through. Due to their large size, trucks can cause catastrophic injuries and even death. If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to know what to do. Check out these steps to take after a truck accident.
Knowing the right steps to take can help protect your rights and make the process easier. Contact a Chicago 18 wheeler accident lawyer if you have any questions or need help filing a claim.
Call the Police
Calling the police may seem like the obvious thing to do, however, ensure a police report is filed right away. This ensures there’s a full record of the accident.
The police will investigate the accident, talk to witnesses to get their statements, and potentially review video evidence. This is critical if there’s a dispute about what happened or who was at fault.
1. Get the Truck Driver’s Information
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you should get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. You should also get the name and contact information of the trucking company that the driver works for. It’s important to have this information to contact the truck driver or trucking company if you need to.
2. Take Pictures and Video of the Scene
Taking pictures/video of the scene may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people neglect this simple task. By taking pictures of the scene, including the positioning of the vehicles and the damage involved, you’ll have a visual record of the accident that can be invaluable when it comes time to file a claim or appear in court. If the other driver claims the accident was your fault, you’ll have incontrovertible evidence to help back up your story.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, getting medical attention after a truck accident is very important. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but may still cause long-term pain and suffering. Getting prompt medical attention will also help create a record of your injuries, which is critical in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
4. Avoid Posting to Social Media
It’s no secret that social media can be a dangerous place. If you’re not careful, what you share on social media could come back to bite you.
If you’re involved in a Chicago truck accident, avoid posting on social media. Why? Because anything you say could be used against you later in court.
Even something as innocuous as a Facebook status update could be used to discredit your claim. So play it safe and stay off social media until your case is resolved. After all, it’s not worth risking your entire case to post an update to social media.
5. Get Witness Information
If there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their contact information and, if possible, a statement from them about what they saw. This can be extremely helpful in proving your case later on.
Even if there are no witnesses, though, it’s still important to take some time to gather your thoughts and write down everything you remember about the accident. This will be invaluable when you sit down with an attorney to discuss your case.
6. Don’t Give Any Statements to the Insurance Company
This may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. A call can be used as evidence against you if it is recorded.
The other party may try to use something you said on the call to argue that you were at fault for the accident. Recordings can be used to harass you or intimidate you into settling for less than you deserve.
7. Get Your Vehicle Appraised
Getting your vehicle appraised will give you an idea of the extent of the damage and how much it will cost to repair or replace your vehicle. It is also a good idea to get multiple appraisals, as different insurance companies may have different standards for what is considered a total loss.
Once you have an accurate appraisal, you can begin filing a claim with your insurance company. If you have questions about the appraisal process or need help filing a claim, an experienced truck accident attorney can assist you.
8. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a friend or family member are involved in a truck accident in Chicago, contact an experienced truck accident attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected. A Chicago truck accident lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of your legal case and to obtain the evidence necessary to ensure a successful result.
When choosing a truck accident attorney, it is essential to pick one with experience handling similar cases in Chicago. The attorney ought to likewise be somebody you feel great working with and ought to be from a respectable law office.
How Much Can Victims Recover After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, you may find yourself buried in medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Fortunately, you may have a right to recover compensation by filing a personal injury claim. How much you can recover will depend on numerous factors, including the severity of the injuries, the amount of medical bills and lost wages, the duration and type of medical treatment required, the amount of pain and suffering, and how well your injuries resolve. Accident victims should always consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure they receive the full compensation they deserve.
Take the First Step and Call a Truck Accident Lawyer
Experiencing a truck accident is a harrowing event that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and alone. However, it’s important to remember that you have legal rights and that there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your interests. First and foremost, if you’ve been injured in a truck accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you’ve taken care of your health, the next step is to contact an experienced Chicago trucking accident lawyer.
A truck accident attorney can help guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Taking the above steps will give you the best chance of success in recovering the maximum compensation.
