Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Commercial Truck
Given the increased stopping distance of a commercial truck, many of which weigh nearly 80,000 pounds fully laden (loaded to full capacity), truck drivers must remain ever vigilant when traveling on our nation’s roads. Individuals who are involved in a crash with a commercial truck are at increased risk of suffering catastrophic injuries, resulting in permanent disability. This may cause loss of use of a body part, cognitive impairments, or even limb loss. The financial toll of a catastrophic injury can make it difficult to get the help needed to fully heal.
At Raybin & Weissman, we understand the panic that you may feel following a crash with a commercial truck. If you were injured due to a truck driver’s negligence, our Nashville truck accident attorneys would like to speak with you. To help guide you, our personal injury team discusses what steps need to be taken to protect your rights in filing a truck accident claim.
Pull Over
If your vehicle can still be driven, pull over to the side of the road. Getting out of the way of oncoming traffic is essential in avoiding a secondary collision.
Check for Injuries and Call 911
In the aftermath of being hit, you may experience confusion, not understanding what just occurred. It is important that after pulling over, you scan yourself and other vehicle occupants for any visible injuries. If anybody is experiencing chest pain, a loss of consciousness, or uncontrollable bleeding, it is important that emergency services are contacted.
Getting medical attention immediately is essential to preserving your claim. Even if your injuries are minor, do not wait to get checked out. If you do wait, you run the risk of the insurance company arguing that your injuries are due to another incident not related to your truck accident.
Contact the Police
In accordance with state law, motorists must contact law enforcement if they are in an accident that results in fatalities, injuries, or more than $50 in property damage. If property damage exceeds $1,500, then you will also be required to file a written accident report with the police. This state law applies regardless of fault. If anyone is injured, the police can dispatch emergency personnel.
Exchange Insurance Information
Both you and any other drivers should exchange contact and insurance information. Insurance information will include the name of the insurance company and policy number. Taking pictures of insurance cards is often easier than writing down this information. At no point during this time should you admit fault, even if you believe you are entirely responsible for the accident. Any statements that can be construed as admitting fault can impact your ability to recover damages, in some circumstances causing you to walk away with nothing.
Ask Eyewitnesses for Contact Information
If you see any pedestrians or bystanders witness the accident, be sure to get their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. You may need to call on this person to testify on your behalf at a later date. An eyewitness who can vividly describe to a jury what they saw or heard can be exactly what you need to obtain a just award.
Contact a Nashville Truck Accident Lawyer
Never attempt to file an accident claim without first contacting experienced representation. Even if you feel that you are saving money in the long run, the insurance company is likely to not take your claim seriously if you forgo representation. As soon as possible, you should seek the guidance of a Nashville truck accident lawyer. A truck accident attorney can review the facts of your case to evaluate if you have a valid claim. If so, they will gather the necessary evidence and contact the appropriate experts to give you the best chance of winning maximum compensation.
Nashville Truck Accident Attorneys Providing Aggressive Representation
Each year, roughly 160,000 people are injured in commercial truck crashes. Unlike an accident with another passenger vehicle, large truck accidents often result in victims sustaining serious injuries. Both the tangible and intangible costs can strip the injured party of the life they once knew.
At Raybin & Weissman, our Nashville truck accident lawyers believe that nobody should bear the financial, physical, or emotional toll of an accident caused by someone else. That is why our legal team is committed to helping truck accident victims recover the financial resources necessary to begin anew. To learn more or to arrange your free, no-risk consultation, contact us online or give us a call at (615) 256-6666.