Being involved in a truck accident can be both frightening and traumatizing. In addition to potentially suffering serious injuries, lives are often lost in these crashes. Accidents involving trucks and smaller vehicles are particularly perilous. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in such an accident, it’s crucial to understand the steps you must take to protect your rights.
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, our proficient legal team prioritizes helping our clients recover maximum compensation for their injuries and losses. However, to a great extent, our ability to do so relies heavily on the actions of the injured victim, and the measures they take immediately following the accident. Therefore, you should be well-informed about what to do after a truck accident in Katy.
Here are some of the most essential steps you must follow to safeguard your legal rights while also ensuring your safety.
Calling the Police
Unfortunately, truck accidents are often very tragic, frequently resulting in deaths or severe and permanent injuries. State laws require that such accidents be reported to the police. In addition to assisting injured victims and securing the scene, an investigating officer will be dispatched to unravel the mystery surrounding the crash. Based on their findings, it may become easier to establish liability and determine whether you have a legal claim for compensation.
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Seeking Immediate Medical Evaluation
As mentioned previously, the risk of suffering significant harm in a truck accident is higher than in other types of accidents. This risk is attributed to the sheer size and weight of the truck involved. If you are visibly injured, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance or have someone call an ambulance for you. However, there may be unique scenarios where you appear to be unscathed. Even so, if something feels off, it is vital to seek a medical evaluation. The adrenaline rush and anxiety that follow a horrific semi-truck crash may cloud your judgment, making it difficult to realize that you have been injured.
Follow Up with Medical Treatment
Seeking medical evaluation and following up with treatment go hand in hand. Failing to follow your doctor’s plan opens a loophole through which insurance companies may deny your claim. Insurance adjusters will argue that your injuries preexisted, or you were not as severely injured as you claim. In the end, you receive far much less settlement than you deserve. You may also lose your case altogether. To avoid this, you should ensure that you follow your doctor’s treatment plan to the letter.
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Photograph & Record the Scene
If you are able, please remember to take photos and videos of the scene. Be sure to capture images of the vehicles involved, any injuries sustained, property damage, and any other relevant details at the scene. This evidence may be crucial later when building your injury case. If you can’t do this by yourself, consider enlisting a Katy attorney or someone you trust to handle this task on your behalf after the tractor-trailer wreck.
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Exchange Information with Parties Involved
Before leaving the accident site, make sure to exchange personal information with the truck driver and any other parties involved. This information should include their names, contact numbers, addresses, and insurance details. Collecting this information will facilitate your attorney’s efforts to connect with them when considering filing a claim. Remember, specific actions must be taken, and without this essential background information, the intended party might become untraceable, potentially hindering your legal proceedings.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If you have a personal insurance policy, it’s wise to inform your insurance company about the truck accident. Regardless of who is at fault, you may be able to recover compensation from your own insurance company if you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage. By doing so, you provide them with the opportunity to prepare for the accident claim process.
Retain a Skilled Attorney
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by both state and federal governments, and a myriad of rules come into play when an accident occurs. Without a legal background, navigating these complexities can be extremely challenging, making it difficult to protect your rights. The most prudent decision you can make following an 18-wheeler collision in Katy is to retain a skilled attorney. With their expertise, you will have a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome. Your legal team will work diligently to establish fault and build a robust, indisputable case against the defendant.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Speak with a Lawyer in Katy About Your Next Steps
Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatizing experience. Victims often grapple with haunting memories of a near-death encounter. Although filing a claim might not be your immediate priority after a crash, following the steps previously discussed could safeguard your rights for the future. Schedule a free case evaluation with our attorneys to explore what actions to take after a truck accident in Katy.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
