Truck accidents are dramatic events, which can leave traffic backed up for hours. Many commercial truck accident victims suffer dramatic and immediate injuries after a truck crash. They never see a police officer stop by the scene because they are bundled into the back of an ambulance and raced to the emergency room. Nonetheless, if you can move after your collision with a truck, then we recommend you take the following steps. These steps will improve your odds of receiving a meaningful settlement from the trucker or trucking company. Call Ponton Law to speak with a Sandy Springs truck accident lawyer if you have any questions.
Request an Ambulance for Any Injured Passengers
Make sure to check that other people are not in a life-threatening situation following the accident. Ask your passengers and anyone else involved in the crash if they need an ambulance, and use your cell phone to call one if they say “yes” or are unresponsive. You should prioritize safety first.
Report the Accident to the Police
An officer should swing by the scene to talk with witnesses and create an accident report, which will prove invaluable. This report is the foundation of many settlement negotiations. Reporting the accident is also necessary if you are so injured you can’t move. The officer should talk to witnesses and note the position of the vehicles.
A police officer can also investigate if the trucker is acting unusual or is possibly intoxicated. We definitely want proof of a chemical impairment, which makes winning a truck accident case much easier.
Swap Information with the Truck Driver
You should share your:
1. Name and address
2. Driver’s license
3. Registration
4. Insurance information
Get the same information from the truck driver, as well as their employer’s name and address. This information is critical for bringing an insurance claim towards financial recovery.
Speak to Any Witnesses about What They Saw
Witnesses can help other people see what happened. Without witnesses, we are left with only the story of the two drivers involved in the crash with semi-trucks. Feel free to ask witnesses what they saw, but try not to inject your own memories. Ask for a way to contact them. Your truck accident lawyer in Sandy Springs will probably want to talk to them regarding your personal injury claim.
Take Photographs of the Vehicles
A major question in truck accident cases is fault. If the trucker is to blame, then you can request compensation from them or their employer. The position of the vehicles is some evidence of what happened. For example, your car might be resting underneath the tractor trailer, which helps us “visualize” how the accident happened.
If you can move around, take photographs of the vehicles from all angles using your phone. Also take a photo that establishes where they are in relation to the road. These photographs might be the only visual information we have from the accident scene.
Write Down Anything Unusual About the Truck Driver
Many accidents are caused by tired, distracted, or intoxicated truckers. We can hold them accountable due to truck driver negligence and crash into our clients and cause injuries.
Document anything that seems suspicious:
- Trucker’s appearance and behavior. Did the trucker have red eyes? Slurred speech? Was he stumbling around when exiting the vehicle? These details could suggest fatigue or intoxication.
- Cell phone. Did the trucker jump out of the truck clutching their cell phone? This could be proof they were talking before getting involved in the crash.
- Apologies. Did the trucker apologize for causing the accident? Did they say, “I wasn’t looking” or “I knew I shouldn’t have been driving so fast”? We can use that evidence to help prove fault.
Share this information with your attorney and with the police officer, if you want them to investigate further.
Get Treatment at the Hospital
Someone who suffers life-threatening injuries might be whisked away to the hospital before the police even arrive. That’s okay. Otherwise, you should head to the hospital as soon as you can after finishing at the accident scene.
Tell your attending physician you were involved in a truck accident and identify where you feel pain. Some common truck accident injuries include:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Fractured ribs
- Broken arms and legs
- Shoulder injuries
- Facial injuries
Your doctor will probably prescribe medication and possibly rehabilitation or physical therapy. You should follow your doctor’s treatment plan until you feel well again. Stopping early is a good way of reducing the amount of compensation you receive.
Decline to Give a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Company
You can open an accident claim by calling your own insurance company. Tell them the day, time, and location of the crash. Also share the name of the trucker and their employer.
However, you should never give any type of statement about what happened. It’s enough to only share the basic details of the crash.
The problem with making a more detailed statement is that you could end up saying something you really don’t mean. Many people are in incredible pain, and it’s easy to misspeak if you haven’t had a good night’s sleep or if you are taking painkillers that cloud your thinking.
Any contributory negligence on your part will likely reduce your compensation by a similar amount. Imagine you were speeding or you cut off a truck. If you are less than 50% to blame, your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. You will receive nothing for your truck accident lawsuit if you are 50% or more at fault.
Avoid Accepting a Settlement
Never accept a settlement for your truck accident claim until you show it to a lawyer for review. The first offer is probably much too low, and giving even verbal acceptance is a major mistake. Some insurers reach out quickly, knowing you probably are not thinking clearly. Instead, wait until you hire a Sandy Springs truck accident lawyer before even looking at a settlement proposal from the defendant’s insurance carrier.
Call an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Ponton Law Today
This is the most critical step. Our Sandy Springs truck accident lawyer can immediately take over your case and negotiate for a favorable settlement. Our experienced truck accident lawyers know how to bring these claims to a successful resolution. Contact us to schedule your free consultation.