If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, there are essential measures to take right away to protect yourself and receive proper medical treatment.
Matthew Mincone, an experienced Tampa truck accident lawyer, outlines five steps you should take immediately after a truck accident to protect your rights, secure necessary evidence, and ensure your health and legal interests are fully safeguarded.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately After the Truck Accident
The most urgent thing you must do is to get medical attention for any injuries sustained in the truck crash. Even if the injuries seem minor, conditions like concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal damage may take hours or even days to manifest. Don’t delay – get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after the collision. This serves two important purposes: first, it ensures any medical issues are promptly diagnosed and treated, and second, it creates a documented record of your wounds and any treatments that can support an injury claim later. With over 40,000 fatalities from road accidents reported in 2023, it’s critical to get checked out.
- Report the Truck Accident to Authorities
You’ll want to make sure the truck accident is reported to the appropriate authorities. Inform the police so they can complete an official report detailing critical details like the time, location, road conditions, witness statements, and any traffic violations. Be sure to get a copy of the police report for your records. This official documentation will provide vital evidence if you pursue legal action against the trucking company. In 2023, about 70% of all passenger vehicle fatalities involved a large truck, so having an official report is crucial.
- Document the Truck Collision Aftermath
In addition to the police report, gather as much documentation as you can about the accident scene and aftermath. Take photographs of damage to both vehicles, skid marks on the road, injuries to any victims, and other relevant evidence. Get contact details for any witnesses who saw what happened. All of this will help investigators reconstruct the collision and could bolster an injury claim. Consult a truck accident lawyer about the best strategies for documenting the scene. With the number of road accidents per million people in the U.S. expected to reach just over 7,100 this year, thorough documentation is key.
- Do Not Admit Fault or Accept a Settlement Yet
In the aftermath of a traumatic truck collision, the trucking company or its insurance provider may pressure you to accept a quick settlement. Never admit fault or accept a settlement before consulting an expert attorney, as doing so could jeopardize your ability to seek fair compensation. Signing anything prematurely could limit your ability to pursue fair compensation.
- Consult a Truck Accident Attorney
The most important step is connecting with a truck accident attorney specializing in truck injury cases. An experienced attorney can handle complicated legal matters while you focus on recovery. Specifically, they can investigate who was at fault, negotiate with insurance providers on your behalf, and determine the full extent of damages you are owed. A truck accident attorney can represent your interests in court if a lawsuit is necessary. Seek a reputable truck accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Taking the right legal and medical steps after a truck accident is crucial. Prioritize treatment, document everything, and seek legal counsel before making decisions. With the right approach, you can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
