The Unexpected Life Skill Everyone Needs: Knowing What to Do After a Truck Accident
Nobody plans on getting into a truck accident.
But unfortunately…
Truck accidents occur multiple times every day across the United States. When they do happen, most people don’t know what steps to take. Losing this knowledge can cost truck crash victims thousands of dollars in compensation.
Fortunately, by learning what to do after a truck accident, you can ensure your rights are protected and you have the best chance for maximum recovery.
You’ll Learn:
- Why Truck Accidents Are Different From Car Crashes
- Everything You Need To Do After A Crash
- How To Protect Your Right To Compensation
- Mistakes That Will Destroy Your Claim
Why Truck Accidents Are Different From Car Crashes
Truck accidents are far more than just larger car crashes.
FleetOwner reports that fatal accidents involving big rigs are trending upward by about 49% over the past decade. Further research shows no signs of that number dropping anytime soon.
Truck accidents are unique for several reasons:
Large trucks carry an immense amount of weight. Semi trucks can haul upwards of 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The average automobile on the other hand? About 4,000 pounds.
That’s a ratio of 20-to-1 working against you and your passengers.
As a result injuries tend to be more severe, medical bills can skyrocket, and recovery takes much longer. Not only that, but the financial importance of truck crash compensation becomes much greater.
However, there’s one more issue to consider…
There can be multiple parties responsible for a truck accident. Between the driver, trucking company, load loader, and manufacturer there are several responsible parties that could be blamed for the accident. Determining who is at fault will take investigation. Speaking with an experienced truck accidents lawyer can help you navigate these difficult issues and determine who is at fault.
Everything You Need To Do After A Crash
The steps you take after a crash with a big rig are extremely important. How you handle yourself could make or break your case.
Here’s what to do after a truck accident:
Step 1: Ensure Safety
If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and check for injuries to yourself and your passengers. Call 911 immediately.
Step 2: Document the Scene
This step is often overlooked.
Retrieve your cellphone and begin documenting as soon as possible.
- Take pictures of all vehicle damage. Include photographs from multiple angles
- Photograph the overall accident scene and surrounding road conditions
- Take photos of any visible injuries
- Take screenshots of the current weather and traffic conditions
Step 3: Collect Information
Gather contact information from the truck driver and any potential witnesses. Write down the trucking company name that is located on the side of the vehicle. Obtain the truck’s license plate number and DOT number.
Step 4: Seek Medical Treatment
Did you know…
Injuries can take time to appear after an accident. Internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, and soft tissue damage are often invisible during the immediate aftermath of a collision. By seeing a doctor and obtaining medical treatment, you create documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
This medical documentation is important evidence.
How To Protect Your Right To Compensation
Here’s a tough truth…
Insurance companies do not care about accident victims. Their job is to settle claims for the lowest amount possible.
Once you understand that, everything you thought you knew about filing a claim changes.
Don’t Give A Recorded Statement
Insurance agents will try to gather a statement from you as soon as possible. While they can seem friendly and helpful, anything you say can be used to deny or lower your compensation.
Politely refuse to give a statement until you speak with legal counsel.
Document EVERYTHING
Documentation is how cases are won. Create a filing system and keep:
- All medical bills and documentation of treatment
- Receipts for expenses caused by the accident
- Documentation of lost days of work and paychecks
- Write daily about pain levels and how the injury is limiting you
Know Your Damages
According to NHTSA data, occupants of passenger vehicles killed in large truck accidents account for around 70% of all fatalities. Truck accident compensation doesn’t just pay for current medical bills. It can provide financial recovery for future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and reduction in quality of life.
Mistakes That Will Destroy Your Claim
Nobody goes into an accident thinking, “you know…I may ruin my ability to recover financially from this…” Unfortunately, accident victims are their own worst enemies by making these avoidable mistakes.
Don’t Accept Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies love to make early settlement offers. It makes them appear like they’re helping…
But those early offers almost never cover the true costs of your injuries. If you accept, you give up the right to seek any future compensation should medical bills continue to rise.
Act Quickly
Statutes of limitations exist for a reason. If you wait too long to file a claim, you lose your right to compensation altogether. Quick action also prevents the loss of evidence.
Don’t Post On Social Media
Social media accounts are used by insurance investigators on a daily basis. They’re looking for anything you post that may discredit your injury claims. A simple photo of your family vacation can be used to claim your injuries aren’t that bad.
Put the phone down until your case is settled.
Don’t Ignore Medical Advice
Failing to see doctors, or ignoring prescribed treatment are surefire ways to hurt your claim. Insurance companies love using these gaps in medical treatment to argue your injuries can’t be that bad if you’re not seeking help.
GET HELP
Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness. If you’re experiencing trouble following through on prescribed treatment, ask for help. Your doctor may be able to connect you with other resources to ensure you can comply with your care plan.
Wrapping Things Up
Learning what to do after a truck accident is more than just a handy tip to know. It’s actually one of the most important life skills you will learn to help protect yourself financially and make sure you are treated fairly.
After a crash with a commercial vehicle happens it can seem like your world is turned upside down. Not only do you potentially have serious injuries that require time to recover from. But you also deal with multiple parties, complicated insurance issues, and so much more.
Following these steps will ensure you have the best chance for maximum recovery after a big rig accident.
Remember:
- Safety first and document the scene
- Seek medical attention
- Don’t give statement to insurance companies
- Keep detailed records of damages and losses
- Don’t post on social media until your case is resolved
