Are you wondering what to do after a truck accident? Well, there are many steps to take after a truck accident to protect your health, your finances, your legal rights, and your peace of mind. Put in the simplest terms, you need to consult with a healthcare provider, alert the authorities, collect evidence, and contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
One of the most helpful steps to ensure your multiple needs are covered is to hire an experienced attorney immediately. Harris Law Firm, PLLC’s truck crash lawyers has been in practice protecting collision victims for more than 40 years, and we have the legal expertise to help make sure an at-fault driver is held fully accountable for the harm they have caused you.
Dealing with a Truck Accident: What Steps to Follow
The following is a list of what actions to take following a truck collision:
- Contact the police,
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver,
- Collect witness information,
- Take pictures of the scene,
- Seek medical attention,
- Speak to an attorney,
- File an accident report with the police within 10 days (if police don’t respond to the scene),
- Collect evidence of your losses (including medical reports, pictures, receipts, wage statements, repair reports, etc.),
- File a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, and
- Initiate a civil lawsuit if the insurance company does not make an adequate settlement offer (you must do this within three years).
As you can see, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself after a truck accident. This can be a daunting list, but having a strong advocate from Harris Law Firm in your corner can make this undertaking easier.
After a Truck Accident: What You Need to Know
A truck driver who is at fault for the injuries you suffer needs to fulfill several obligations, but remember that you have post-accident obligations as well. Some of your obligations are dictated by the law, and fulfilling some obligations is crucial to a successful claim.
Your Legal Obligations
If you are in an accident that results in a physical injury or more than $250 in damages, you must file an accident report with the police within 10 days. If you neglect to file this report, you could be found guilty of a misdemeanor. And given the size of the typical truck, a truck collision that does not end with more than $250 in damages or an injury is unlikely.
You must also make sure that you take legal action within three years. If you do not file your insurance claim and lawsuit within this period of time, the statute of limitations could bar you from ever seeking legal recovery.
Immediately Addressing Your Health Needs Is Crucial
No matter how few symptoms you experience after a truck accident, you should seek medical attention right away. This is vital to giving yourself the best chance at full rehabilitation. Also, there are many grave, latent injuries a crash victim can suffer, and your failure to quickly request a medical examination, treatment, and monitoring could foreclose your right to recover damages for your injuries.
Filing an Insurance Claim Is Likely Your Best Option
Between lost wages, medical bills, and changes in the quality of your life, you can rack up thousands of dollars in expenses after a truck collision. And these are thousands of dollars that an at-fault truck driver might not have. This is why filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier is often necessary if you want payment for every loss you suffer.
Insurance companies have the funds to cover your needs, but you should be wary of giving an insurance company any statements or negotiating with it without the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney. Although insurance companies are flush with cash to pay out claims, they find tricky ways to undervalue your losses or deny their connection to the at-fault driver’s conduct.
Coping with a Truck Accident: What Steps to Take
Do not forget to take care of yourself and give yourself grace when you are suffering from the effects of an accident. There are many legal tools you can use for support and comfort.
If you cannot jump right back into work and do not know what to do in the aftermath of a truck crash, ask your attorney about your right to claim job-protected, unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Your attorney might be able to negotiate with the insurance company regarding wage replacement payments to cover your expenses during your unpaid leave period. Also, remember that the insurance company must cover treatment for any mental health struggles you experience because of the crash, so do not be afraid to reach out to a therapist about your pain.
After a Truck Accident: What You Should Do
Each accident case is different, and each accident victim’s needs are different. Speaking to an experienced attorney can help you know what to do after being in a truck accident. In addition to consulting with an attorney, you should be speaking with healthcare professionals and any professionals responsible for repairing damaged property.
Give Us a Call Today
At Harris Law Firm, our motivation is to get you the compensation and legal relief you deserve after a crash. We provide our legal expertise to accident victims throughout Mississippi, and we are here for you. If you need a compassionate and sophisticated advocate, please contact us today. You can reach out to us online or call us at 662-335-4171 to schedule a free consultation.
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