Steps You Should Take if Rear-Ended by a Commercial Vehicle
Commercial vehicle accidents are on the rise.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 400,000 crashes in 2014 involved large trucks and another 68,000 involved buses.
If a commercial vehicle rear-ended you, then you can likely receive financial compensation for your injuries. A truck accident lawyer can help, but you should also take the following steps:
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Call the Police
The number one mistake injured motorists make is failing to call the police after being rear-ended by a truck. Without the police, there will be no police report, which is very helpful to have when trying to receive monetary compensation for your injuries.
Some motorists don’t call the police because they do not think the accident caused any damage. However, some physical injuries are slow to develop, and you won’t feel pain until 24 hours have passed. By that point, the commercial vehicle driver is long gone. Remember that no injury is too small, so call the police or ask a bystander to.
Receive Medical Assistance
If your injuries after being rear-ended by a truck are serious, this might be step one. You need to prioritize your health, and you increase the chances of getting better if you receive prompt medical attention. Call emergency services if the accident was particularly serious. If you are too injured to call, ask someone else to.
Try to stop all bleeding by applying a towel or other piece of cloth to staunch the flow. Remember not to move someone complaining of neck or back pain, since they might have suffered a spinal cord injury that can worsen if you move them. Instead, place towels on either side of their neck and encourage them to lie still.
Document Your Injuries
The key to receiving compensation is to have proof of your injuries. After getting rear-ended by a commercial vehicle, you might suffer from any of the following:
- Whiplash
- Back pain
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries, such as concussions
- Broken Bones
- Cuts, lacerations, or abrasions
Each of these injuries is serious, and a doctor can diagnose the precise injury. For example, back pain might be a strain, sprain, broken rib, or herniated disk.
Hold onto all medical records and keep a daily pain journal, noting where you feel pain and its severity. If a doctor prescribes painkillers, then keep the prescription bottles. Also take pictures of any injuries because bruising and swelling will disappear long before you go to trial or settlement negotiations.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment
It is vitally important that you do whatever your doctor says. If your doctor prescribes bed rest, then remember to stay in bed. Likewise, if your doctor wants you to attend physical therapy, you should go to all sessions.
All Mississippi accident victims owe a duty to minimize their injuries. Receive prompt medical intervention and following your doctor’s advice are requirements, not optional. If you fail to mitigate your damages, you will receive less financial compensation.
However, if you do not think you are getting better, you should obtain a second opinion. Don’t simply blow off your doctor’s advice until you meet with another medical professional who can advise you of the proper course of treatment.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Now
After being rear ended by a commercial vehicle, injured motorists need compensation to pay medical bills and replace lost wages. The Harris Law Firm has over 30 years’ experience helping injured victims fight for their rights and the compensation they deserve. For a free case evaluation, contact our firm today.
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