What to Do If I’m in an Accident with a Construction Truck?

Construction trucks present a significant risk for those who are struck or otherwise hit by them, often leading to a long battle for recovery of damages. Wondering what to do if you’re in an accident with a construction truck to maximize your claim and minimize your financial losses? 

After getting medical care, seek out an experienced New Orleans construction truck accident lawyer who will help you build a strong case for the compensation you are owed under the law.

Importance of Getting Medical Care Right After a Construction Truck Accident

After a construction truck accident, you must seek out medical care. Going to the emergency room, even if you seem okay, is critical to protecting your health and your case. There are several key factors to keep in mind during this process:

• You may not know what is really wrong right away. Hidden injuries, such as internal bleeding, can cause serious risks to you over time. You may feel fine for a day or two only to suffer life-threatening complications.
• Documenting your injuries immediately after the accident minimizes the risk that the insurance company can refute that those injuries are directly related to the accident.
• Your recovery is dependent on what you do now. If you wait to get medical care, you may not have all of the care options available to you. Avoid the complications by getting care now.

Every situation is a bit different. With the guidance of a construction truck attorney, you can rest easy and focus on your recovery. Let your attorney handle the legal process.

Documenting the Accident with the Police

After focusing on your safety, the second step is to document every detail of your case possible, starting with filing an electronic police report. Provide the police with a comprehensive outline of what occurred, sharing only facts you know for sure.

Avoid any statements that could be misconstrued or could shift the blame to you.

• Inform the police about what you saw before the accident, such as the construction vehicle driver on the phone or backing up without paying attention.
• Provide specific information about what you did. You may have swerved to avoid the truck, for example.
• Do not interject anything that is speculation. Any statement that begins with “I think” is one setting you up for potential confusion later.

At the time of the accident, it is wise to seek out any details you can in the case, including the names and contact information of all involved witness statements, as well as photos of what occurred.

Record a statement of yourself stating what occurred and showing a video of the surrounding area. Then, contact a New Orleans truck accident lawyer.

The Importance of Hiring a Construction Truck Accident Right Away

Many people believe they do not need to rush to hire an attorney, but a number of factors are working against you even at this early stage. After your medical care stabilizes and you file a police report, there are several things your construction truck accident attorney will provide to you. Your attorney will:

• Protect your rights. Insurance companies may try to push you to seek care from a third party, or they may deny your claim outright. Some may push for more medical records than they need. Let your attorney minimize these risks.
• Determine all parties at fault. In a construction accident, your losses may include those related to mistakes made by the truck owner, the company that employs the driver, a third-party organization, or a number of parties. Your attorney finds out who is to blame.
• Explore all potential avenues for recovery of damages. The sooner your attorney steps in, the faster you can start documenting the losses you have with care and accuracy. This could preserve evidence and help you maximize your claim.

Put your trust in an attorney who will guide you from early in your case through filing a claim. This includes determining what your losses are but also minimizing the risk that the insurance company takes advantage of you or your rights. Turn to an experienced construction truck accident lawyer for the specific guidance you need.

What You Should Not Do After a Construction Truck Accident

Construction truck accidents often lead to serious injuries and costly losses. What you do after an accident like this could prove to be vital for your case, including what you do not say or do.

Some examples of mistakes that could cost you in your case include the following:

• Avoid posting on social media. The insurance company for the construction truck will monitor your social media accounts and, if possible, use anything you post there against you.
• Do not assume your injuries are enough to document all of your losses. Keep a journal to log your injuries, changes in your mental health and emotional well-being, financial losses you suffer, and other areas of impact. These details in a journal can make an incredible difference.
• Avoid speaking to the insurance company without the help of your attorney. Let your construction truck accident attorney negotiate and answer the questions of the insurance company to protect your case and your rights.
• Do not stop getting medical care. That could be used against you, especially if you do not seem to need care.
• Do not limit yourself. Work with your attorney to outline all the ways this accident impacts your physical, emotional, and mental health.

Now is the best possible time to take action. Set up a free consultation with a New Orleans personal injury lawyer who is ready to fight for you. You can count on your attorney to know what to do to protect your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Construction Truck Accident Lawyer Now

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers offers comprehensive legal guidance and support to victims when determining what to do if I’m in an accident with a construction truck. After a construction truck accident, seeking support for your health needs, as well as your legal matters, is critical. 

Call us now to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with a legal team that is ready to fight for you.