Accidents involving gigantic trucks result in life-threatening injuries and fatalities. As per statistics, more than 100,000 Americans suffer from deadly collisions involving massive vehicles. Most fatal injuries are the result of the immense weight and size of the trucks. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a trucking accident, our auto accident attorneys in Lake Charles are available for assistance. For your convenience, we’ve prepared a comprehensive 7-point checklist on the steps to follow after a trucking accident:
1. Seek prompt medical attention:
The first thing that should be done after a trucking accident is to seek medical help. In the aftermath of a trucking accident, you need to understand that time is of utmost importance. Even if it appears to be less significant, medical documentation helps you to file a successful trucking accident claim.
2. Get the assistance of police:
A detailed police report of the crash may not be available until a few days after the accident. However, a documented police report can turn out to be a critical piece of evidence in your claim.
3. Seek immediate help from experienced trucking accident attorneys:
Seasoned trucking accident attorneys have years of experience in handling complicated trucking accident cases. However, you need to get in touch with them right away! Our injury lawyers in Lake Charles at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess have experience of tackling a wide range of complex processes. Once you contact the attorneys here, they will analyze all the facts presented and determine whether you have a viable claim. For instance, they may reveal crucial evidence such as the truck was not maintained and had been driven for a long period without any break. Such facts may help to convince the jury and assist you in obtaining maximum compensation for all the injuries and damage.
4. Inform your insurance company about the crash:
Call your insurance agent to report the accident. If your insurance company provides an option, you may also choose to file a report online. If you’ve already hired a lawyer, the legal representative can help you with this step.
5. Don’t trust the insurance company:
After an accident, insurance adjusters attempt to play nice with you and your family. However, it’s essential to understand that insurance companies are in the business to make money and their ultimate plan is to pay a minimum offer that doesn’t help to pay for all the injuries and damage. Thus, you need to ensure that you don’t divulge all the facts to the insurance company.
6. Document all the details at the scene of an accident:
Not documenting important details at the scene of an accident is one of the most common mistakes. For a successful trucking accident claim, it’s crucial to capture all the following details:
- Causes of the accident
- Road conditions at the time of the collision
- Witnesses
- Name and insurance information of the truck driver
Also, it would be best if you document the extent of damage and injuries through photographs and videos. You can use your smartphone cameras to document the extent of damage of all the vehicles involved.
7. Know the right time to speak:
Some insurance adjusters come to the scene of the accident and try to procure information from you. However, it’s advisable to refrain from providing any statements without legal assistance. Make sure that you do not sign anything that is not presented by your lawyer.
After a truck accident, you are at a disadvantage in dealing with the truck company and its insurance company. It’s, therefore, critical to get in touch with a competent attorney who can help you secure higher compensation. Remember, insurance companies offer settlements that do not cover your expenses adequately. For further legal assistance, reach out to our seasoned accident attorneys in Lake Charles, LA. Call us at (337) 214-8479
