Every year, several truck accidents leave thousands of people talking about “near misses” or having their lives dramatically disturbed. These giant cargo vehicles are essential for the national shipping of goods from state to state, and they contribute to the economy in this way. Nevertheless, they are also very heavy, which means that they could convert themselves into the most terrible road accidents.
The accident involving an 18-wheeler remains not just a figure but a story of a lot of people. Such incidents often cause severe physical injuries, considerable mental trauma, and, in rare cases, fatality.
Apart from the victims who are immediately affected, the accident itself often results in an impact on the larger community, the extended families, and sometimes even trade and commerce.
An 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer can help you out in such matters.
Actions that Need to be Taken After a Truck Collision
The ability to cope with all the consequences and legal implications associated with an accident involving an 18-wheeler truck is only possible with a good mind and knowledge. Here are some of the essential first steps usually taken after a life-threatening accident like a truck accident occurs.
The first and foremost priority of the responders at the accident scene is the safety of all the parties involved.
One needs to ensure the safety of every involved party and should minimize any sort of potential harm.
It is best to move to a sheltered spot where it is not possible to fall off the road or cause further injuries or accidents. When it is not possible to leave your vehicle on the road, put on the hazard lights. That’s what the other road users should do if you can’t move.
Take check of your own well-being as well as that of your fellows. Attempting to move in case of severe trauma or if it exacerbates the injury should be avoided. Also, you should call the emergency number as soon as possible, even if the wounds appear harmless.
Utilize your smartphone or camera to capture images of the accident site, including all of the vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signaling or signals, if any.
In case there are witnesses, write down their names and phone numbers, as well as ask them to prepare a statement about what they saw while on the scene.
Recognition of Your Rights As a Victim
Knowing your rights is the prerequisite for the reimbursement you are entitled to and to make the recovery process less traumatic.
Having information about your rights is what pushes you to make decisions that are based on knowledge during the healing and legal process. It allows you to stand up for yourself during communication with insurance, legal counsel, or other personalities that became part of the aftermath of the accident.
In addition, some parties may try to reduce the benefit that a victim may stand to get from a claim. Knowing your rights, make sure you recover your damage claims in full, which includes medical expenses, wage loss, the repair or replacement of the property, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Navigating Insurance Claims
If an accident with an 18-wheeler truck occurs, this becomes a major step in claiming insurance for the loss you suffered. This procedure can be complex and complicated, but appreciating how to cross it effectively can enable you to ensure that you’re properly compensated.
Your insurance company should be the first to be notified right after the accident has happened to them. Many policies want the claimants to submit their reports as soon as possible, and they want the claimants to cooperate fully in the investigation.
It is advisable that you provide a detailed description of the accident in your claim report initially. Such a description should include the date, time, and place of the accident, as well as a vivid description of what happened. Your adjuster will also require the statements of the truck driver and any information that you were able to get at the accident scene.
The claims adjuster will start with a preliminary investigation of your case where he/she could examine the vehicles for damages, check out your treatment notes, and determine the fault using the evidence available.
The Role of Legal Assistance
One of the most critical moments includes knowing the right time to hire a truck accident attorney for your case. And this case of taking legal representation should be done with seriousness.
If the accident caused a traumatic brain injury, representation of legal counsel is something that should not be taken for granted. Involving these cases may include a huge compensation and take a team for negotiation and prosecution with expertise.
In case of the dispute between who was wrongful a lawyer can do wonders. The attorney skilled in accidents involving trucks will secure for you a favorable outcome and compensation that is fair by talking on your behalf.
Conclusion
Awareness of the severity of truck accidents as well as road users would be the initial step in creating a safer setting. It is thus a wake-up call for stakeholders such as individuals, communities, and policymakers to work in hand to minimize these occurrences and facilitate a road environment that is safe for all.