With trucks weighing up to 30 times more than regular cars,
these juggernauts can cause serious harm when something goes wrong. Knowing
what steps to take immediately after a truck accident can help protect your
health, rights, and future claims.
Assess the Scene
There's always a lot happening in the immediate aftermath of
any accident. If you're involved in an accident with a truck in or around the
Miami or Palm Beach area, your first instinct will probably be to call a truck accident lawyer in Boynton Beach, but there are a few things to get to
first.
Begin by checking if you or anyone else in your vehicle is
injured. If you can do so safely, move your vehicle to the side of the road to
prevent further collisions. However, if the vehicle is too damaged or moving,
it could cause more harm; it's best to leave it where it is and wait for
emergency services. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the
accident.
Contact Emergency Services
If you or others are injured, prioritize getting medical
help. Even if injuries seem minor, they should be checked by a medical
professional, as some symptoms may not appear immediately. Contact
emergency services by dialing 911 and inform the dispatcher of the location of
the accident, the number of people involved, and any known injuries. Police
will arrive at the scene to control traffic, document the accident, and create
an official accident report, while paramedics can provide medical assistance to
anyone injured.
The police report will be critical evidence for insurance
claims and any potential legal proceedings. Ensure you get the name and badge
number of the responding officers and find out how to obtain a copy of the
accident report for your records.
Document
Documenting injuries is crucial for any future legal claims. Use your phone to take
pictures of injuries, the accident scene, and vehicle damage. These photos will
serve as substantial evidence should there be a clear case against the truck
driver.
Additionally, gather information from all parties involved,
including names, contact details, driver's license numbers, and insurance
information. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information and
statements as well. Keep a detailed record of everything you observe and the
steps you take following the accident.
Contact a Lawyer
Truck accidents often involve complex legal and insurance
issues because the vehicles are usually owned and run by a company, while the
individual may have been at fault. Contacting a lawyer specializing in truck
accidents is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair
compensation. A lawyer can help you navigate interactions with insurance
companies, gather and preserve evidence, and build a strong case on your
behalf.
Don't sign any documents or make any statements to insurance
adjusters before consulting with your lawyer. Insurance companies may attempt
to minimize their payout, and a lawyer can help ensure you are fully
compensated for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. Settlements
involving truck accidents vary wildly and depend on the circumstances, but the
largest recorded payout involving an 18-wheeler came in at a massive $150 million.
Conclusion
Being involved in a truck accident is a serious and often
traumatic event. It's not a situation that any of us would wish to be in, but
knowing what to do if you're involved can make all the difference. Acting
quickly and prudently in the aftermath of an accident can help ensure you
receive the support and compensation you deserve.
