In the days following a truck accident, you should seek medical treatment, ensure there is a report of your accident, and file an insurance claim. You may also want to consider hiring an attorney from our firm to help pursue your financial losses. We can assist you in the legal process after reviewing your case during a complimentary consultation.
Seek Medical Care for Your Injuries
A large, fully loaded truck or 18-wheeler can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is up to 30 times the weight of a passenger vehicle. Because of this size difference, when 18-wheelers and smaller vehicles collide, those in the passenger car are more likely to suffer serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
Often, these injuries require emergency treatment at the time of the crash, however, some injuries may go unnoticed until after your collision. For example, the symptoms of whiplash or a concussion may take days to present themselves. If an injury develops, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Not only can medical care be vital for your health, but seeing a doctor also establishes an official record of your injuries for your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Once you have seen a doctor, be sure to follow all of their recommendations. Ignoring medical advice could worsen your injury and give the insurance company grounds to reduce or deny your claim. Keep copies of your medical records and medical bills for your case records.
You May Be Able to Recover the Cost of Your Medical Treatment
If you have severe injuries, the cost of medical treatment and other accident-related expenses can add up. We can help you pursue compensation for:
- Past and future medical care
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Personal property damages
- Wrongful death compensation
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
Follow Your State’s Laws for Accident Reporting
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), each state has laws regarding when and how to report a traffic accident. In general, you must report accidents involving bodily injuries, death, or property damages above an amount established by your state. Usually, the law enforcement officer present at the scene of the accident completes this report.
If law enforcement did not come to the scene, you may need to report the accident yourself. Depending on your state’s laws, you could have anywhere from 5 to 30 days to do so. Our accident attorneys can help you learn more about the rules where you live, find out if your accident was reported, and help you obtain the required documents for your case.
File Your Insurance Claim As Soon As You Are Able
Usually, you can begin seeking compensation by filing an insurance claim against the at-fault party. Liable parties in a truck accident may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the truck
- The manufacturer of the truck or its parts
- The owner or loader of the truck’s cargo
- A third-party driver
- The entity in charge of the roadway where your accident occurred
You will want to file your insurance claim as soon as you can. Most insurance providers have a deadline for seeking a settlement. There is also a deadline for taking legal action if you cannot resolve the case through insurance, known as the statute of limitations.
Every state has a statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Usually, this is anywhere from one to five years. If the deadline expires, the court will likely bar you from taking civil action. Our lawyers can inform you about the statutes in your state and let you know about exceptions that may shorten your time limit.
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It Can Be Beneficial to Seek the Help of Our Personal Injury Lawyers
Truck accidents can be complex. They may involve severe injuries, expensive damages, and multiple liable parties. Pursuing an insurance claim or taking legal action can seem daunting. Enlisting the services of a lawyer familiar with truck accidents can take the burden off your shoulders. Our lawyers can:
- File your insurance claim
- Identify the at-fault parties
- Gather evidence
- Make a case for negligence
- Review your settlement offers
- Negotiate for the most advantageous settlement possible
- Help you pursue a lawsuit, if needed
We are happy to serve local communities from our law offices across several states, including Louisiana and Alabama. Therefore, if you were in a crash in New Orleans, our New Orleans truck accident attorneys can assist you in your pursuit of justice and compensation.
Do Not Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage of Your Situation
Insurers want to settle for as little as possible in order to increase their profits. To that end, they may try to pressure you to accept a hasty settlement or look for reasons to deny your claim.
If an insurance agent contacts you, be polite and brief, do not provide them with details about your accident or injuries, and know that you do not have to accept their first offer. You can let them know that all future contact should go through your lawyer when we represent you.
Contact Morris Bart, LLC for Help with Your Truck Accident Case
Our team at the Morris Bart law firm can help you seek financial awards for your accident and injuries. Call us at (800) 537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
