A truck can cleave a destructive path, leaving property damage and catastrophic injuries in its wake. Victims in these crashes often benefit from consulting a truck accident lawyer – especially if they face expensive health-care bills and cannot return to work.
In CMV accidents, at least 67 percent of deaths occur to car passengers, as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety explains. If you were involved in a collision with a truck or big rig – especially if driver negligence contributed to the incident – then your attorney can gather evidence and structure your claim.
You may be able to hold the truck owner, driver, employer or manufacturer liable. However, these cases are often legally complex, and recovering compensation is rarely easy.
A truck accident lawyer in Orlando can help you navigate the claims process. Call the Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. at 305-290-1736 to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, read on to learn 10 crucial steps to take after a truck accident:
1. Deal with immediate injuries.
If you were not seriously injured, then you should make sure that other people are okay. Check every single person involved, and call 911 for help.
2. Photograph the accident scene.
If you are physically able to take photographs of the scene, do so. Take pictures of every vehicle involved and injuries to yourself and others.
3. Contact your insurance provider.
Insurance companies conduct their own investigations into accidents. It is crucial that you contact your agent so he or she can assign someone to your claim. Alert your provider as soon as possible.
4. Gather contact information from witnesses.
Witnesses are often in abundance at accident scenes. They see important details that drivers may overlook. Get the contact details of every witness because their testimonies may support your claim.
5. Do not mistakenly implicate yourself.
Although you may have to talk to other people at the scene, it is imperative that are careful about what you say. A simple apology can make you sound guilty.
6. Consider legal help and its benefits.
A truck accident attorney will understand how to structure your claim, gather evidence and quantify the damages. This can prevent you from making mistakes and ensure that you do not pursue less compensation than you deserve.
7. Share all details with your attorney.
Your lawyer will protect your interests but can only do so if he or she knows all of the facts.
8. Conduct your own investigation.
Evidence is crucial to a successful injury lawsuit. You should conduct an investigation into what caused the accident and why. If you have a lawyer, then he or she can help.
9. Identify all possible damages.
To win compensation, you have to quantify your losses. These may include both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost income and emotional distress.
10. File a lawsuit against the responsible person.
There are often several defendants in lawsuits that stem from truck and big rig accidents. You have to determine who is responsible. Depending on the facts of your case, the liable party may be the driver, the company, the owner or the manufacturer.
The Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. can help you avoid mistakes that could compromise your claim. To schedule a consultation with a truck accident lawyer, call 305-290-1736.