What To Do Immediately After A Truck Accident: A Step-By-Step Guide
The actions you take after a trucking accident can have a major impact on your chances of obtaining compensation. The Louisiana Law Lady, a seasoned attorney, will walk you through the steps to take in the aftermath of an accident to help you obtain maximum compensation. Consider booking your free case review at (504) 470-3511 to discuss your next steps today.
What to Do if You are Involved in a Truck Accident: 8 Steps
The steps you take after a truck accident can make all the difference to your recovery. Lauren has created an 8-step guide to provide an idea of the proper actions to take following a truck accident.
#1: Stop, Pull Over, and Remain Calm
The moment of the accident can feel overwhelming and emotions often run high. It is crucial to stop regardless of how minor you think the accident is. If your vehicle is in an unsafe location, try to move it to the side of the road. The calmer you remain after the accident, the safer your response will be. A clear head will allow you to proceed through the next steps with more confidence and ease.
#2: Call the Police
Call 911 immediately after the collision. Involving the police helps ensure that the facts of the accident are accurately reported by the authorities, which will become critically important as the accident is investigated by insurance companies down the line.
#3: Seek Medical Attention
It is possible to sustain injuries without knowing it. Many issues, like soft tissue injuries or internal bleeding, are not noticeable until days, weeks, or even months after the accident. An official medical report can help not only document your injuries, but substantiate your claim as well. Without official medical documents assessing your accident-related injuries, it may be easier for insurance companies to pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer.
#4: Try to Identify any Witnesses to the Accident
Assuming you are not immediately injured as a result of the accident, it can be helpful to scope out the scene of the crash to collect statements from any witnesses. Be sure to collect contact information from potential witnesses as well, and point out these witnesses to the officer when they arrive at the scene.
#5: Take Photographs and Videos of the Accident
Louisiana’s comparative fault system means that multiple parties can share the blame for the crash, so it is important to collect as much evidence as possible. Even if you believe that you did not contribute to the accident, photographs and videos of the vehicle can make all the difference when your Louisiana trucking accident lawyer works to substantiate your claim down the line. If other people took photographs of the accident, or have dash cam footage that they are willing to provide, ensure that you receive copies of this evidence.
#6: Avoid Admitting Fault or Liability
What you say at the scene of the accident matters, so avoid admitting fault or liability for the accident. Be mindful of what you say, avoid apologizing, and keep your calm at every step of the process. Being involved in a truck accident can be frustrating, but getting angry or admitting fault will only harm your case. At LA Law Lady, we encourage our clients to let the evidence speak for itself.
#7: Assess the Damage to Your Vehicle
Before fixing any of the damage to your vehicle, have a trusted mechanic perform a thorough assessment of all damage. There may be internal damage to your vehicle that is not immediately apparent, which can be recovered during your trucking accident claim.
#8: Contact an Experienced Trucking Accident Lawyer
When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, the trucking company may try to get involved as quickly as possible to mitigate the fallout. Insurance providers will often reach out to victims immediately to extend a settlement offer. This settlement is designed to benefit the companies involved, not the victim. Contacting an attorney ensures that your rights are protected, your needs are prioritized, and your financial recovery is centered during the negotiation and settlement process.
Speak with a Knowledgeable Trucking Accident Attorney at LA Law Lady
If you have been injured in a truck accident, time is of the essence. Evidence can quickly fade and deadlines can slip by if you are not careful. At LA Law Lady, our experienced attorney is here to fight for the compensation you need to recover after an accident. Consider contacting her today at (504) 470-3511 for your free consultation to discuss your legal options and begin putting this difficult time behind you.