What To Do After a Serious Truck Accident
If you were involved in an accident with a large truck or tractor-trailer, it is likely that there was serious damage to your vehicle and you may have suffered traumatic, debilitating physical injuries. This is not surprising since many major truck accidents result in the smaller vehicle taking the brunt of the damage, as opposed to the tractor-trailer.
After the accident, there are some important steps you need to take. Below is a summary of those vital steps.
Seek medical attention right away
One of the first things you’ll want to do after being involved in a serious tractor-trailer accident is to get medical attention at the nearest hospital. If you were knocked unconscious or suffered broken bones in the collision, you will likely be transported to a hospital via ambulance or helicopter.
Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle
As soon as you are able, take photographs of the damage to your vehicle. In many car-truck crashes, the car winds up seriously damaged and may even be totaled. If this is the case, having photographs that illustrate the significant damage can be helpful if, and when, you decide to take legal action against the trucking company.
Review your insurance coverage
In a trucking accident, you may be able to access coverage through your car insurance and the truck driver’s and truck carrier’s insurance. Your insurance may be accessed if it turns out the truck was uninsured, but most large trucking companies carry a large amount of insurance coverage. However, getting compensation through that coverage will not be easy. Many large trucking companies also employ a team of insurance adjusters and defense attorneys focused on reducing or denying your injury claim. In fact, if a serious accident occurs, the trucking company routinely sends out a team of “adjusters” and “analysts” to investigate the wreck shortly after it happened. Why? Because they want to immediately begin assessing their exposure to liability and possible damages.
Speak to an experienced Florida truck accident injury lawyer
After a serious truck accident, you will likely need time to fully recuperate and pick up the pieces of your life. You may have been forced to spend days, or even weeks, in the hospital. This can result in significant medical bills and missed time from work. Gillette Law, P.C. is here to help. We have represented numerous clients who have suffered significant injuries in major accidents, including truck accidents. If the truck operator caused the wreck, you probably have a viable personal injury claim against both the truck operator and the trucking company. You could be able to pursue restitution for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It is important to speak to a Florida truck accident lawyer sooner rather than later. Why? Because time is of the essence with truck wreck cases. As mentioned earlier, the trucking company will probably have a team of adjusters and defense lawyers working to deny your claim shortly after the wreck. You need representation sooner rather than later so vital evidence can be collected and preserved. You also need to let the trucking company know that you’re serious about getting restitution for the damages you have suffered. Hiring an experienced Jacksonville injury attorney sends that signal.
