4 Steps to Take After You’ve Been in a Truck or Tractor Trailer Accident
Experiencing a truck or tractor trailer accident can be traumatizing, making it difficult to know what to do next. However, the steps you take after an accident are critical and can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim. With that in mind, here are the proper actions to take after you’ve been in a truck or tractor trailer accident.
Call the police
Immediately after being hit by a tractor trailer or truck, call the police. It’s important that you speak to the police before anyone else, including the other driver. Upon arrival, the police will ask for a factual description of the accident. Although your experience may have been stressful, it’s crucial not to exaggerate the story and to stick to the facts.
Next, the police will file an incident report that will indicate who was at fault for the accident. The police will also issue a citation to the at-fault party. The police report will serve as a key piece of evidence for your claim and can help you prove that the other driver was at fault.
Exchange information
After speaking to the police, you should talk to the other driver to obtain information. Before leaving the scene of the accident, make sure to write down the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance information, and license information, as well as the truck company’s name, contact information, and commercial truck insurance information. It’s possible that the truck company was partly at fault for the accident, so having their information will be crucial for your attorney.
Seek treatment
The next step to take after leaving the accident scene is to seek medical treatment for any potential injuries you sustained during the accident. After experiencing an accident, many people wait until signs of an injury become apparent. However, the adrenaline rush following the accident can make it difficult for victims to realize they’ve been injured.
Even if signs of an injury aren’t apparent, seeking medical treatment is necessary. At the hospital, any potential injuries you sustained will be documented the same day as the accident, which will help you receive proper compensation when filing an accident claim. Having documentation of your injuries will also make it harder for the other driver’s insurance company to deny responsibility for the injuries.
Hire a lawyer
In the days following the accident, the other driver’s insurance company may request a signed settlement. It’s important not to sign anything before hiring and meeting with an experienced Toronto personal injury lawyer. To find a lawyer, ask friends and family for recommendations or conduct a simple location-specific search.
Make sure to read reviews and testimonials from previous clients in similar circumstances to ensure your lawyer will be able to properly represent your case. If possible, meet with a few different lawyers to determine who you are most comfortable working with and who you trust to defend your case.
Before filing your claim, you and your lawyer should begin discussing a reasonable settlement amount. If you’re able to prove the other driver acted negligently, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, vehicle repair, lost wages if you miss work, compensation for pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
If you recently experienced a truck or tractor trailer accident, moving forward can seem overwhelming, especially if you were injured. Keep in mind that it’s important to remain level-headed and hire an experienced personal injury lawyer, as taking the proper steps after the accident can help you obtain the best result in your case.