What to Do After a Truck Accident

Adrenaline pumps through your veins, a million thoughts rush through your mind, and debris is strewn across the ground. The shock you are feeling may make you feel frozen and unsure of what to do after a truck accident. You should call 911, seek medical attention, document the accident scene, and contact a lawyer for help.

With the right steps and the help of a New Orleans truck accident lawyer, you can get through this difficult time.

Essential Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents pose serious threats to other drivers and can have profound effects on their physical, emotional, and financial well-being if not addressed right away. Every minute counts after an accident, and knowing what to do after a truck accident can save your life and the outcome of your claim. The following are essential steps to take after a truck accident. 

Call 911 and Allow Medical Professionals to Treat You

Your first step after a truck accident should always be to call 911 and receive a thorough medical examination. Not all injuries may be apparent — and some could be delayed — so it is important to be treated right away for external injuries and have internal injuries ruled out. 

You should also monitor injuries in the days and weeks after a truck accident and seek out additional medical attention if injuries develop or worsen. 

File and Request a Copy of a Police Report

Request a law enforcement officer to document the accident when they arrive on the scene so there is an official record of the event. A police officer will gather information and statements, take pictures, make diagrams and notations, and more. Be sure to request a copy of the report for your records and use it as evidence for insurance and legal claims. 

Exchange Information With Other Drivers

According to Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:398, drivers are required to stop and exchange information after a truck accident. Drivers must provide each other with names and addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance policy information. The driver at fault for the accident will be required to pay for damages.  

Gather Additional Evidence

If possible, it is also important to take photos and videos to supplement those in the police report. Photograph the scene, surroundings, damage, and injuries to cover everything fully. Witness statements should also be gathered if anyone saw the accident occur. 

Notify Insurance Companies

Report the accident to your insurance company so they are aware of the event. Any claims for compensation should be filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It is important to be aware that insurance companies are likely to offer a low settlement initially, and it may take some time to get adequate compensation. 

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

Hiring a truck accident lawyer is the best option after a truck accident. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies and opposing parties, force insurance companies to pay a fair settlement, and build a strong case to get maximum results. A lawyer can provide sound counsel and guidance throughout the claim process. 

A Truck Accident Lawyer Will Protect Your Rights

Many causes can contribute to a truck accident, and several parties can be held responsible. Fatigued drivers, manufacturers, the role of negligent hiring practices in commercial truck accidents, and how improper maintenance leads to truck crashes can all affect the cause, liability, and outcome of a truck accident. With so many parties involved in trucking operations, determining liability in a truck accident is challenging. 

An experienced lawyer can navigate all of these nuances to establish who was responsible for causing the accident. They will also fight for you when a trucking company’s insurance or legal team does not provide fair compensation to cover your injuries, as is often the case. They will aggressively negotiate so you are not left to deal with the aftermath without sufficient resources. 

When you work with a truck accident lawyer, they thoroughly review your case to assess what your options are and develop strategies to get you the results you need.

They will also gather evidence to support your claim and establish the standard of negligence to demonstrate the other party’s negligence. Your rights will be protected every step of the way as your lawyer advocates for you and ensures your voice is heard. 

Statute of Limitation in a Truck Accident

When a lawyer reviews your case, they will ensure your case falls within the statute of limitations for personal injury cases. According to Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:398, claimants have one year from the time of the accident to make a claim. After that, no further efforts for compensation may be made. 

Compensation You May be Entitled to After a Truck Accident

From initial tests to rehabilitation, the medical bills can quickly add up after a truck accident. A truck accident claim can provide you the compensation you need to alleviate your stress and financially reclaim what you lost during the accident. Damages are designed to help you return to your normal activities as much as possible, and can include:

• Diagnostic and lab tests
• Treatment 
• Surgery
• Medications
• Rehabilitations
• Pain and suffering
• Trauma and emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Damage to your vehicle or other property

Compensation may vary since every case is different, so it is important to talk with your lawyer to determine how much you can claim after an accident. They can review medical records and more to calculate the value of your settlement. Additionally, by knowing what to do after a truck accident, you are more likely to receive the maximum amount for your injuries and losses. 

Receive Exceptional Legal Representation from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers are committed to ensuring you receive the highest quality service from the moment you reach out to us. We work tirelessly to get you swift results so you have the resources you need to recover from the injuries you sustained. 

Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation and learn what to do after a truck accident.