Being hit by a commercial truck can be a devastating experience for the victims. Reach for safety right after the accident. Once you are out of harm’s way, it’s time to focus on the legal aspects.
If you are struck by a large truck like an 18-wheeler trailer, you are likely to suffer severe injuries due to the sheer size of the truck. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, often preventing victims from pursuing legal action promptly, which may delay the timeframe for receiving compensation.
So, what to do after a truck accident? This blog offers a concise overview of the necessary and legal steps you can take.
Steps to Take after a Truck Accident
Immediately after a truck accident, prompt action is crucial. Take the following steps after a commercial truck accident:
Seek Immediate Medical Help
Assess your surroundings and try to move towards a safer spot. Once you are out of harm’s way, call for medical help. Call emergency helplines like 911. Take precautions to protect yourself and others until help arrives. Your action for seeking immediate medical assistance will be considered a crucial step for your truck accident claim.
Document Help
Documenting the truck accident scene might be crucial for gathering evidence and supporting legal claims. Gathering all the necessary evidences are required to get your rightful compensation.
You can document a commercial truck accident scene by:
- Take photographs and videos and capture the accident scenes from various angles.
- Note the date, time, and location of the accident scene, as these details will be crucial for future reference.
- Obtain driver and witness information, including contact details and any immediate testimonies they provided.
Report Truck Accidents to the Authority
Contact the police to report a truck accident. This keeps an official record of the incident that has been created. Try to report the incident honestly. Reporting the accident demonstrates your commitment to seeking medical attention and outlines the necessary steps to take after an accident.
The Complexity of Truck Accidents
Commercial and semi-truck accidents involve far more complexity than car accidents. Multiple parties might be responsible for the injuries, but who is liable in a commercial truck accident? The responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company that loaded the cargo
- The manufacturer of truck parts
- The truck maintenance party
Many trucking companies and their insurance carriers have different teams of investigators who might show concern, but are not here to help. They will try to minimize their client’s faults and deprive you of compensation. Commercial trucks require higher insurance limits than regular vehicles. Although more money is available for compensation, the process might be challenging.
That’s when our truck accident lawyers can help you, seek out the legal challenges, and receive your compensation.
How much is the average settlement for a truck accident?
The average settlement for a truck accident depends on the severity of your case. The settlement amount generally ranges from $100,000 to over $500,000. However, the severity and fault aspect in a case largely influence how much one will receive. The following factors influence the settlement amount in a truck accident:
- Severity of injuries
- Fault and liability
- Insurance coverage
- State laws
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
What evidence do I need for a truck accident case?
As we discussed earlier, evidence plays a crucial role in your truck accident claim. Here are the primary pieces of evidence that are required for a truck accident claim:
Evidence from the Scene
- Photographs and videos
- Witness information
- Police reports
Evidence from the Truck
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data of the Truck
- Truck Maintenance and Inspection Records
- Onboard Communication and GPS data
- Footage from a CCTV camera
Evidence of Injuries and Expenses
- Medical records
- Proof of expenses
Trucking Company and Driver Information
- Truck driver’s information
- Trucking company records
How can we help?
You might still be asking yourself a common question: “Should I hire a lawyer after a truck accident?’ If that’s on your mind, here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather necessary evidence
- Perform expert analysis for evidence documentation
- Identify liable parties
- Understand complex regulations
- Calculate economic damages and non-economic damages
- Deal with insurance companies
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court
- Reduce your legal tension and protect your rights
Final Thoughts
Semi-truck and truck accident injury attorneys at Abercrombie, P.A. have helped numerous clients obtain their rightful compensation. Handling the legal complexities of a truck accident might impose additional pressure upon you. That’s when we can help you with end-to-end legal solutions.
Looking to file for a claim? Connect with us for a Free Consultation Today.
