What to Do After a Fatal Truck Accident? A Quick Guide
When a large truck and a smaller car collide, it can cause significant damage. If someone is killed in the collision, it is important to have a good lawyer to help protect your interests.
Here are the crucial steps you have to take after a fatal truck accident:
If the truck accident resulted in a fatality, you should report it to the police as soon as possible. You should also notify the truck driver's employer or the truck company if possible. Dialing 911 will be a good first step to take in this scenario. Remember that the accident should be reported to the police within five days.
If you have survived the accident, you need to seek medical attention immediately. If you do not do this, the truck company may contest your injuries and accident. That is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon after the accident occurs as possible. This will also ensure that you will have full documentation of your injuries and how they occurred.
If you are able to get information about the truck driver and the truck company, it will greatly help your case. This information may be important in the event that you wish to file a truck accident lawsuit later. The information that you should get includes the truck driver's name, address, phone number, and license plate number. You should also get the name of the truck company and their address.
If you are able to, you should call a truck accident attorney as soon after the accident as possible. This is because the attorney will be able to investigate the accident and begin to build your case. The attorney will also be able to protect your legal rights and ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
If you are able to, you should ask the witnesses for their contact information. You should also write down everything that the witnesses say and give this information to your truck accident attorney.
You should keep track of all of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses. You should give this information to your truck accident attorney so that your attorney can build your case.
You should not have your vehicle repaired until your truck accident attorney has assessed your vehicle. The attorney may want to inspect the vehicle to see if there is any evidence that will help your case.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a fatal truck accident, you may be asking yourself, "Why is it important that I follow these steps?"
The answer is simple: taking these steps can help you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.
For example, if you do not file a police report right away, the trucking company may deny that the accident ever happened. Or, if you do not take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, the trucking company may argue that your injuries were not as severe as you claim. Furthermore, if you do not seek medical treatment right away, the trucking company may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Lastly, if you do not have your vehicle repaired right away, the trucking company may argue that the damage to your vehicle was not caused by the accident.
All of these arguments can lead to the trucking company denying your claim or offering you a lower settlement than you deserve. Therefore, it is imperative that you take these steps after a fatal truck accident.
In a direct contrast to the things you should say after a fatal truck accident, there are also things you should avoid saying. These include:
Apologizing. Even if you are not at fault, apologize, and the insurance company will use it against you by saying that it was your fault.
Admitting that the accident was your fault. This is a no-brainer and will only harm your claim.
Making small talk. Only give the essential details about the accident and do not add any extra information to the conversation.
Accepting a first settlement offer. Insurance companies will often lowball an initial settlement offer after a car accident. Don't accept the first offer - wait to speak with an attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Saying that you are fine. If you have been in an accident, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, there may be internal injuries that are not immediately apparent. A doctor can conduct a full evaluation and determine if any further treatment is necessary.
Saying that you do not need a lawyer. You should always speak with an attorney before giving a statement to the insurance company. This is because anything you say can be used against you in court and could jeopardize your case. An attorney will be able to advise you on what to say and what not to say in order to protect your interests.
Being extremely cautious about what you do following the truck accident may play a role in the compensation you may receive later on.
At the end of the day, a truck accident is a serious situation that needs to be treated seriously. If you are a victim of a truck accident, it would be in your best interest to hire a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. With the help of a truck accident lawyer, you will be able to make the right decisions as you attempt to recover from your injuries and the impact the accident has had on you.
If you need an auto accident attorney in California, contact Mendez and Sanchez Law. Our attorneys and team members are here to help you through the difficult legal landscape as we pursue the compensation you deserve. Please contact us for your Personal Injury, Auto Accident, Workers' Compensation, Slip and Fall, or other legal needs today!
