What to Do After a Truck Accident
Speak with an El Paso 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer to Learn More
There are few things more terrifying than being involved in a truck accident. You may be seriously injured with insurmountable medical bills. You may be unable to work or even to get to the grocery store. Trucking accidents are rarely minor. They frequently result in serious, even catastrophic injuries.
The things you do in the days and weeks after a truck accident can deeply impact your right to compensation. It is imperative to take action quickly, as you may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages.
Trucking accidents can be complex. There may be multiple parties responsible for the crash or several insurance policies to consider. Trying to take on a liable party by yourself could result in you settling for less than your case is worth. Because of this, it is essential to speak with an El Paso 18 wheeler accident lawyer right away. Luckily, Aranda Law Firm is here to help. Contact us online or call (915) 996-9914 to learn more.
After a truck accident, it is important to:
1. Contact 9-1-1
The first thing you should do immediately after a truck accident in El Paso is to contact local law enforcement. Let the dispatcher know if you or someone else has been injured as a result of the accident. They can send emergency medical personnel to assess the injuries at the scene and transport injured parties to the hospital if necessary. In addition, the responding officer can begin an investigation into who or what caused the accident.
2. Collect Evidence
Evidence often proves critical in truck accident cases and can help your truck accident lawyer best assist you. If you are able to, you should take pictures and videos at the scene. Document your injuries and any property damage that resulted from the crash. You will also want to make note of the road and weather conditions that may have contributed to the collision. A personal injury lawyer can help put evidence together.
As the case progresses, you will want to also retain evidence related to your damages. All medical records, including your initial evaluation and treatment plan, should be kept and given to your attorney for review. In order to obtain compensation for your lost wages, you will need to provide proof of income and any time that you were required to miss work due to your injuries.
3. Seek Medical Treatment
Many people leave an accident without knowing the severity of their injuries. They wait days or weeks to be evaluated by a medical professional. Unfortunately, the delay in treatment only exacerbates their injuries, causing more harm.
Even if you do not believe that you were seriously injured after a truck accident, you should still seek medical treatment immediately. Do not wait to be evaluated. Follow the treatment plan provided by your care team, and be sure to get any new symptoms evaluated as soon as possible.
4. Obtain Eyewitness Information
In addition to physical evidence, your case may be aided by eyewitness testimony. If there were witnesses to the accident, make sure you obtain their contact information. Passengers or other motorists may be able to corroborate your version of events, which will help your El Paso 18 wheeler accident lawyer prove that another party was liable for the accident.
5. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
Finally, you need to consider contacting an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in El Paso. An attorney can help you navigate the claims process and determine whether you have a valid claim for damages. They will provide you with dedicated representation, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome in the case.
Insurance companies frequently try to deny valid claims or downplay injuries in order to pay a lower settlement. You should not have to settle for less than your case is worth. Working with an 18 wheeler accident lawyer from as early in the process as possible can help make sure you receive the compensation you deserve after a trucking accident in El Paso.
What Not to Do After a Trucking Accident
While there are several steps that you should take after a trucking accident, there are also some things that you should avoid doing to protect your right to compensation.
First, you should not return to work before you are ready or without receiving a release from your doctor. Returning to work too early can make your injuries worse.
Next, you should not speak to the insurance company or make a statement without first speaking to an attorney. What you say can and will be used against you. The insurance company may try to use your statement to put you at fault for the accident.
Finally, you should not wait to file a claim. There is a statute of limitations on all truck accident claims. Failure to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations may result in your claim for damages being denied. Working with a lawyer can help ensure you meet all legal deadlines and that your paperwork is filed correctly, saving you time and money. Call (915) 996-9914 today to schedule a free consultation.