Hiring a Spring personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a truck accident in spring is critical. The trucking company and their insurance company might investigate the accident before you or your lawyer. This head start allows them to defend against a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Following these steps can help protect your rights if you are involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle in spring.
Stop and Report the Accident
Anyone involved in a vehicle accident is required to remain at the scene of the accident. Ascertain your safety and, if possible, move your vehicle from the road. Turn on your hazard lights, place cones around your vehicle, and, if possible, light road flares to ensure other drivers can see your vehicle. This will aid in the prevention of another accident.
Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or killed in the accident. Otherwise, contact the cops or the state highway patrol. When an officer arrives, he or she will assess the situation, complete an accident report, and instruct you on your next steps. Request a copy of the accident report for your records and to use as evidence if you need to go to court regarding the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
It is critical to seek medical attention following an accident, whether you are injured or not. If you do not receive treatment at the scene of the accident or are not immediately transported to the hospital, see your doctor as soon as possible. Allow a medical professional to examine you and determine whether you require treatment. If you do not seek medical treatment or follow treatment recommendations, you may be unable to seek compensation for your injuries later on.
Determine Other Parties Involved
Examine the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident for any identifying marks or signs. While the truck driver may be at fault, the company for which he or she is driving may also be liable for your injuries and vehicle damage. This information is critical for holding all potentially liable parties accountable for their role in causing the accident.
Exchange Data with the Other Party
While at the crash site, it is critical to exchange information with the other party. When the other party flees the scene of the accident, it can be difficult to find them. Having their name or the company name is not sufficient. Obtaining their contact information will make it easier to seek compensation.
Make a note of the driver’s name, address, phone number, email address, driver’s insurance company, policy information, driver’s license number, employer’s name and contact information.
Look for Eyewitnesses
Always look for witnesses at or near the scene of an accident. You can obtain a witness statement on your own or simply ask for their contact information in case more information about the accident is required. These individuals may be called to testify in your case. You can also look over the accident report to see if the responding officer spoke with any witnesses you may have missed.
Keep a Record of the Accident
Using your phone or a camera, photograph the accident scene and your injuries. These photographs can be used as evidence to show who was at fault for the accident, the extent of your injuries, the amount of damage to your vehicle, and any other pertinent information. Photographic evidence is difficult to refute, and photographs can be used to reconstruct an accident and determine how it occurred.
Use Your Words Wisely
An insurance adjuster will contact you following the accident. You must be extremely cautious about what you say to the adjuster because anything you say can be used against you. Before speaking with the insurance adjuster, it is best to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can advise you on what to say and what not to say.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you believe you are entitled to compensation for the injuries and damage sustained from a truck accident in spring, contact a reputable attorney to obtain the justice you deserve.