Whether you're driving, cycling, or walking by a roadside, when you share the road with 18-wheelers, you're always at risk of getting involved in a truck accident.
Although truck operators and drivers are supposed to be well-trained before being asked to take the wheel and go out on the road, many drivers do not follow the rules or know what the rules even are.
Unfortunately, accidents happen and when they do, the smaller vehicles and passers-by around are usually the ones who suffer the most.
Sadly, victims are always a loved one of someone. Whether it is someone's parent, spouse, child or friend, the loss always hurts.
What are the claims you can make in a truck accident?
Victims of truck accidents are allowed to recover "damages". Damages is the term the law calls the compensation paid to victims.
Normally, a personal injury or death resulting from a truck accident will lead to a financial recovery aka compensation for the following:
- Losses you incur as a result of injuries.
- Lost wages in case the injuries affected the victim's work.
- Decreased quality of life and enjoyment.
- Pain and suffering.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Medical bills.
- Emotional anguish.
Actions to take to claim compensations
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
First thing to do it get the victim to a hospital immediately.
The first thing you want to do is get your victim to a hospital where they can be treated.
Even if the loved one is ranting and nagging at the driver when you find them, don't let their immediate physical appearance and mood fool you into thinking they're fine. Many times internal injuries and the pain that will come later from those injuries are hidden by the rush of adrenaline that will follow the crash. Get medical care asap.
Trucks are heavy rigs, and humans rarely go unscratched when struck by them.
Sometimes, the victim might look okay from a glance but might have sustained some internal injuries. The best way to figure this out is to have doctors examine them and x-rays and MRIs run diagnostic tests.
You'll want those medical records to prove the extent of the damage when you're trying to file a claim later.
Hire a reputable Truck Accident Attorney
Once the victim is safely under the care of a medical professional, you can now begin the process of filing a lawsuit against the offending driver and trucking company.
Usually, this process begins with hiring an attorney. Therefore, you'll want to do your research and find a lawyer who has an excellent reputation and is respected by other lawyers. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyer has built a stellar reputation for dealing with truck crash claims.
Among the list of things a reputable truck accident attorney will do for you includes:
- Negotiating with the insurance company: Some insurance firms are notoriously tough to deal with and you will want a specialist lawyer to negotiate with them.
- Conducting the necessary investigation: Don't expect the truck driver to just concede their wrongdoing. You'll need an expansive investigation process to get to the root of the reason why the driver drove recklessly in the first place. Most companies have their defense lawyers, insurance company representatives, and even purported "experts" out at the crash site within MINUTES of the crash! Their jobs are to minimize their driver's negligence and find excuses on why their driver is not responsible. You want a lawyer to hire real experts to download the black box, recreate the crash, examine the physical evidence, and read the rules.
- Preparing claim forms and supporting documents: You need to get a seasoned truck Atlanta truck accident lawyer has built a stellar reputation for dealing with truck crash claims. He will gather your records, talk with your doctors, send out open record requests, meet with witnesses, and file the lawsuit.
Hiring a first-class lawyer is the most important step in the process. So, don't settle for a less-than-competent lawyer.
Get the right information about or from the driver
If you're able, gather as much information about the truck company. Take photos of the tractor and the trailer. Try and get their DOT number. If you can, get the police officer to give you the information and avoid speaking directly with the driver of the commercial truck.
Also, get the witnesses information. And if possible, though this is often hard to do, get the driver to say what he or she was doing at the time of the crash. Maybe they will acknowledge and admit their errors. Finally, take down the plate number details, name of the truck, what items the truck was carrying, any logo/design on the truck.
Gather necessary evidence but listen to the paramedics
A truck accident victim needs to listen to their body and the EMS responders. If you leave in an ambulance, that's okay. Tend to your body and heal. The police will hopefully have done their job and can give you the information you need to order a police report. Hiring a seasoned truck Atlanta truck accident lawyer will make a big difference and that initial report will be used by the lawyer to go build and win your case.
