What to Do if I’m in an Accident With a Moving Truck?

Whether professionally driven or operated by a private party to move their belongings, moving trucks are dangerous vehicles with which to share the road in many cases. 

If you’re wondering what to do if you’re in an accident with a moving truck, your priority should be to get medical care, document what happened, and then contact a skilled New Orleans moving truck accident lawyer who can help you file a claim.

Critical Steps to Take Right After an Accident with a Moving Truck

When struck by a moving truck, do not wait to take action, but do so with care. Be sure you are safe before getting out of the car, and call 911 as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. There are a few specific steps to take at that point, right after your accident, to protect yourself:

• Follow the dispatcher‘s directions to care for your injuries and move out of the way of additional harm.
• If you are safe, document the incident with video and photos. Take these of yourself, your injuries, your vehicle, the moving truck, and the surrounding area. Also, record yourself stating what occurred.
• Provide the responding police with information about what occurred. Do not speculate. Only provide very specific insight based on what actually happened. Avoid apologizing or taking blame.
• Seek medical care in all situations. Go to the emergency room to receive a physical and document any discomfort you feel. It is very common for victims to not realize just how severe their injuries are right away.

What you do at the scene of an accident with a moving truck can prove to be critical in protecting your future, including your health, but also your ability to recover damages in your case.

At this point, it is also critical to contact a New Orleans truck accident lawyer. That could further help protect your right to compensation.

When to Contact an Attorney After a Moving Truck Accident

Every time you are in a car accident of any type that results in injuries or serious damage, contact an attorney, and this includes what to do if you’re in an accident with a moving truck.

Your attorney is not just able to file a claim but also mitigate the risks you face when it comes to aggressive insurance companies. 

While all cases warrant speaking to an attorney for a free consultation, there are some instances when having a moving truck accident attorney is critical:

• You have serious injuries requiring emergency medical care, hospitalization, or treatment that are caused by large truck and bus crash facts.
• The police believe you were partially at fault for the accident.
• The event was due to reckless driving, therefore potentially involving claims of punitive damage.
• The moving truck driver will not admit fault and says they were not responsible.
• The moving truck caused the accident, such as a breakdown or cargo spill.

In these situations, it could be imperative for you to seek legal representation to protect your right to fair compensation from the accident. By calling an attorney, you gain help investigating what occurred, building a strong case, and maximizing your recovery without the frustration that often comes from such cases.

Because your attorney offers a free consultation, there is never a risk in speaking to an attorney to find out if you should seek additional compensation.

Proving Fault in Moving Truck Accidents Is Critical

Moving truck accidents may be complex because they may involve more than one party, and determining fault is complex. The moving truck may be a rental or driven by inexperienced drivers. With a thorough investigation of the evidence available, your moving truck accident attorney may be able to determine fault such as:

• The moving truck driver may be responsible for most accidents, including those involving speeding, reckless driving, or intoxication.
• The owner of the moving truck. If the truck is leased, the owner of the vehicle could be responsible if the accident occurred due to a mechanical breakdown.
• The moving truck driver‘s employer. If this is a professional service handling the move, they could be responsible for the accident if you can demonstrate that the injuries you have are due to inexperienced drivers.
• Cargo loading companies. If a separate company loaded the moving truck, that company could be held responsible in situations where the vehicle’s cargo caused the accident.

Moving truck accidents happen for many reasons, most of which are preventable with good oversight and attention to driving safety. When this does not happen, and you suffer injuries, you need an attorney to help you build your case. Make sure this is a part of the process of what you do after the accident.

How to File a Claim for Your Moving Truck Accident Losses

The next step is to gather data about your injuries and losses and then file a claim with the appropriate insurance company of the at-fault driver. Note that this is a complex process in itself, often involving the need to recreate the accident, seek expert medical testimony, and document future impact. Your attorney will be exhaustive.

Your losses may initially include medical costs, lost wages from being unable to work, and property damage. Moving trucks cause serious injuries every year, and as they do, they can create significant pain and suffering, mental anguish, and overwhelming changes to your life. Your attorney will examine how this accident impacts your quality of life, your health, and your future before filing a claim.

Once this information is determined, your New Orleans personal injury lawyer then files a claim and negotiates with the insurance company. In most situations, the case is settled outside of court, but if that is not possible, a trial attorney will move your case forward. Keep in mind you need to be focused on your recovery throughout this time.

Hiring a Moving Truck Accident Attorney Is Essential

Knowing what to do after a moving truck accident is essential to protecting your future. Set up a free consultation with Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers to learn what your rights are in your case. 

There is no risk in working with us to determine what to do if you’re in an accident with a moving truck.