Navigating life after a semi-truck accident can be overwhelming. From dealing with physical injuries to managing the financial aftermath, the road to recovery can seem daunting. If you are left wondering what to do after a semi-truck accident, we have you covered.
Explore these essential steps you should take immediately following a semi-truck accident and discover how an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer can help you rebuild your life.
Have You Been In A Truck Accident?
The Attorneys of Stinson Law Group practice personal injury, business, and criminal defense law statewide in both Wyoming and Montana. If you’ve been involved in an accident and need the best truck accident lawyer, please contact us for a free consultation.
The Impact of Semi-Truck Crashes
Tractor-trailer accidents can have devastating consequences due to their size and weight. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 5,904 fatal crashes involving large trucks or buses in the United States in 2021.
Common causes of semi-truck accidents include driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, and mechanical failures.
The impact of semi-truck crashes on victims can be life-changing. Common physical injuries include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Victims of tractor-trailer crashes may also experience emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
Victims may also face extreme financial losses due to medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, and property damage. In cases of severe injury or death, the financial impact can be overwhelming for victims and their families.
It’s crucial for victims of semi-truck accidents to seek legal advice right away to understand their rights and options for compensation.
Report the Crash to Your Insurance Company
Another necessary step following a semi-truck crash is to report the crash to your insurance company. Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies can be tricky, especially when it involves the complexities of a tractor-trailer accident claim.
Insurance companies will often attempt to minimize or deny claims. This is why it helps to hire an attorney who can handle communications with the insurance companies on your behalf. They will advocate for your rights and work to secure a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
Call Emergency Services & Seek Medical Attention
The first step after a semi-truck accident is to call emergency services and seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s important to remember that you may not realize how hurt you are. Adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A thorough medical evaluation can identify any injuries and ensure you receive the necessary treatment. Remember to follow all recommended treatments and attend all follow-up appointments.
Seeking medical attention promptly is not only essential for your health and well-being, but it can strengthen your case should you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries. Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment can serve as important evidence in your claim. If you don’t continue to seek medical care for your injury, it can weaken your claim and make it harder to prove the extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
Obtain a Police Report
The police will create a report detailing all relevant details about your tractor-trailer accident, such as details about the vehicles involved, the location and time of the accident, and statements from witnesses and drivers.
A tractor-trailer accident lawyer can assist you in promptly obtaining the police report. Your lawyer will review the report carefully, and they will check for any errors or discrepancies that could impact your case.
Collect Evidence & Witnesses
Collecting evidence and identifying witnesses are key steps in building a strong case. Working with a tractor-trailer accident injury attorney is the best way to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered and preserved for your case.
A lawyer can assist you in this process by:
- Gathering Evidence: Your lawyer will work to collect all relevant evidence. This may include photographs of the scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries. They will also obtain medical records and documentation of any expenses related to the accident.
- Identifying Witnesses: Your lawyer will interview witnesses to the crash and gather their statements. Witness testimony helps provide valuable insight into the cause of the accident and may help establish liability.
- Preserving Evidence: Your lawyer will ensure that all evidence is preserved and protected. They will promptly secure any electronic data from the tractor-trailer involved in the crash.
- Reconstructing the Accident: In some cases, your lawyer may work with accident reconstruction experts to recreate the events leading up to the accident to help determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Hire an Experienced Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced tractor-trailer accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some key benefits of hiring a lawyer:
- Legal Expertise: An experienced lawyer understands the complexities of tractor-trailer accident cases and knows how to navigate the legal system to protect your rights.
- Investigation: A lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to determine liability and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Negotiation Skills: Lawyers are skilled negotiators and can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer will represent you in court and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Stinson Law Group has a history of securing top-dollar settlements for victims of tractor-trailer crashes. We will review your case, explain your legal options, answer any questions you may have, and help you pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries. Schedule your free initial consultation today.