A trip to the store, a short drive to visit a friend, or a normal day of commuting to work can change your life in the blink of an eye. Truck accidents involving big rigs, semis, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles cause some of the most devastating accidents on the road.
Sadly, it’s oftentimes other vehicle occupants who sustain the most severe injuries and are killed at higher rates compared to truck occupants. For those who are lucky enough to survive these collisions, they are often left with a long road to recovery ahead of them. Some victims may never fully heal from their physical or emotional injuries and the ramifications of the incident can impact the rest of their lives.
After being injured in a truck accident, the last thing that you want to be doing is worrying about the claims process. That’s why we have provided a tailored guide for injury victims that they can refer to in the event of a truck collision.
Steps to Take After a Truck Crash
When it comes to protecting both your health and legal rights when filing a claim, there are certain steps you must follow:
Call 9-1-1. Your safety and that of everyone else is the top priority. If you are able to, call 9-1-1 or make sure someone else does; this way, police officers and medical personnel can be dispatched to the scene.
Always Seek Medical Attention. If medical responders do not take you to the hospital in an ambulance, you should always immediately see a doctor after the crash. Even if you do not feel injured, some symptoms do not manifest until days or weeks after the incident.
Take Photos and Videos. Physical evidence is key when it comes to successfully pursuing compensation; photos and videos are a valuable, irrefutable piece of evidence when it comes to proving fault and direct causation of your injuries. If you can’t take them yourself, ask someone else (such as a witness) to take them for you and get their contact information.
Don’t Give a Statement to the Adjuster. When the insurance adjuster calls you after the accident, you should avoid giving them a statement (either in writing or recorded) before speaking with an attorney who can ensure that they don’t use your own statement against your claim.
Call a Truck Accident Attorney. Our truck accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency fees, meaning that you do not pay anything out of pocket and we only collect fees if and when we help win you compensation.
The Insurance Company Will Try to Limit Liability
After taking all these steps, the next thing you probably want to know is who is going to pay for your medical bills and other damages. This may seem like an easy process and one that you can undertake yourself. You know that you did nothing wrong behind the wheel and that the accident was caused by the other driver, so you aren’t responsible for your damages, right?
Unfortunately, the claims process rarely goes this smoothly after a truck collision. In fact, the insurance provider of the truck company will probably have a team of their own investigators and defense lawyer at the scene of the crash within minutes that it is reported.
This is because the insurance company is a business and will attempt to limit liability at all costs. They will try to gather evidence in their favor to show, for instance, that you were partially at fault for the accident so that they can diminish the value of your claim.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Attorney
When you are injured in an accident, you should not hesitate to contact a seasoned truck accident attorney who can work on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected. Oftentimes, truck accident cases are complex and require someone fighting for you who has experience:
Conducting thorough and extensive truck crash investigations
Preserving all necessary evidence in a timely manner
Calculating total damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more
Filing injury claims on behalf of truck accident victims
Negotiating with the truck company’s insurance provider
Fighting for your maximum compensation in and out of court
Protecting the Rights of Those Injured in Florida
At Politis & Matovina, our Daytona Beach truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping those wrongfully injured pursue the compensation that they need and deserve. No two accidents are alike, which is why we are committed to providing each client with a personalized legal strategy that they need to recover. Our team will handle all of the necessary aspects of your case, all while keeping you informed throughout the entire legal process.
We have four convenient office locations in Port Orange, Palm Coast, Orange City, and Ormond Beach. If you are continuing to social distance during the coronavirus pandemic, we will gladly offer you a phone or video conference with our legal team. Whatever the circumstances of your injury, you can be confident knowing that your case is on committed and capable hands.
Contact Politis & Matovina at (386) 333-6613 to schedule your no-fee, no-obligation consultation. You have nothing to lose to simply sit down with our attorneys and discuss your legal options.