Truck collisions can result in devastating injuries and fatalities. Over the last 10 years, there has been a significant uptick in deadly truck crashes, with more than 5,000 large trucks involved in fatal accidents in 2023 alone. This represents a 43% increase over the previous decade. With many thousands more injured in truck accidents annually, it’s vital to know how to respond if you or a loved one is hurt in a crash with a large truck. Truck accident lawyers can help guide victims through the legal and recovery process after a serious collision.
This article outlines five critical steps to take after sustaining injuries in an accident with a commercial vehicle.
https://pixabay.com/photos/semi-accident-crash-truck-2659732/
-
Contact Emergency Services
First, call 911 to report the accident and get emergency medical assistance on-site ASAP. Paramedics can administer potentially lifesaving care and transport injured victims to the hospital for urgent treatment. Every minute counts when minimizing accident injuries, so immediately call for help.
-
Get Checked by a Medic
Over 70,000 people were injured in truck crashes nationally in 2022. Even if you think you have come out unscathed, it’s essential to get examined by a doctor. Some trauma like concussions or internal bleeding may not show obvious symptoms right away. Let medical professionals thoroughly evaluate your condition. Prompt treatment can prevent some wounds from causing lasting health effects. Medical records also provide vital evidence if legal action is needed later.
-
Document the Scene
While awaiting first responders, document accident details like vehicle damage, tire marks, and position of cars. This evidence can help investigators determine causes and fault. Attorneys can use scene details to build strong cases if necessary.
-
Report the Accident
Contact the police to file an official accident report with your statement of events. Ensure this information is accurate, as the report will be a crucial record. Also, notify your insurance provider about the collision immediately. You may need to submit a claim for expenses like car repairs, medical bills, and more. In approximately half of truck vs. passenger vehicle crashes, the truck hit the smaller vehicle.
-
Consult an Attorney
One key move after a truck accident is consulting a personal injury attorney ASAP. An experienced lawyer can advise you on next actions and protect your rights. Given the complex insurance and regulations in truck crashes, legal help is highly recommended.
Attorneys can investigate causes, establish liability, communicate with insurers, and pursue injury compensation. Data shows most truck companies settle litigation under $1 million for $400k-$450k on average. Settlements over $1 million had a mean payment of $3.1 million to plaintiffs in 2019.
Don’t go it alone after a truck accident. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney can help you get full compensation.
Truck collisions often result in life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one are hurt in a truck crash, remain calm and take steps to safeguard health and legal rights. Get emergency care, document the scene, file a report, and contact a lawyer to pursue maximum damages. Knowing what to do after a truck accident can lead to the most favorable outcome physically, financially and legally.
