Understanding what steps you should take after a truck accident can help you in the long run if you decide to file a personal injury claim for compensation. In general, it’s a good idea to:
- Seek medical care to address the injuries
- Take stock of the damages you are facing
- Hold on to the driver’s contact and insurance information
- Compile any documents that might serve as evidence
- Be mindful about what you say regarding the accident
Following these steps can help you support and protect your right to financial recovery. These guidelines do not ensure you will receive compensation, but they do offer general advice for getting the details in order so you are ready to file.
Seek Medical Care and Track Medical Records
You may be in shock immediately after an accident, which could temporarily hold off any pain and symptoms of injuries. However, collision injuries can and often do present themselves in the days or weeks that follow.
A doctor can assess you for any visible injuries, as well as any injuries that may take time to develop, such as whiplash. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as this establishes a connection between the collision and any injuries that you experience.
Medical expenses are among the most significant types of damages you may face. Without a record of your injuries and a connection to the accident, you could have a hard time recovering these costs in a claim later.
Assessing Your Accident Damages
“Damages” is the term that refers to any compensation you seek in a personal injury case. Your damages can include medical bills, lost wages that you miss while in recovery, and more.
More damages may become apparent over time, such as pain and suffering, emotional anguish, or ongoing medical expenses for long-term injuries.
It is crucial to consider all the ways the truck accident has affected your life in order to pursue a fair settlement. Our firm can help you identify and value these damages so you know how much to seek from the liable party.
Be Sure You Have the Other Driver’s Information
If you decide to file a truck accident claim, it is important to ensure you have the truck driver’s name, insurance information, and contact information. You may be able to get these details from the police report if you could not retrieve them at the scene.
Talk with Witnesses
Depending on when and where the truck accident took place, there may have been witnesses at the scene. It may also be beneficial to get their contact information if you can. If your claim does not settle, eyewitnesses can play an important role. They may provide statements to support the truck driver’s role in the collision and help prove that you were not at fault.
Should you choose to work with a truck accident lawyer from our team, we can also track down witnesses on your behalf.
Gather Documentation Related to the Truck Accident
If you decide to file an injury claim, you will need to provide documentation as supporting evidence. This documentation could include:
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Invoices regarding your medical expenses
- The police report
- Receipts for related out-of-pocket expenses, such as childcare or in-home care you required after the collision
Take Caution When Communicating with Insurance Companies
When talking to insurance adjusters after a truck accident, it is a good idea to proceed with caution. Certain things you say could give insurance companies a reason to deny your claim.
To avoid hurting your chances of getting a settlement, limit what you say during interviews and consider hiring our team to represent you. When you become our client, one of our lawyers can speak on your behalf in these situations.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer from Our Team
Each of these tasks may seem overwhelming if you are still trying to recover from your injuries. Working with a truck accident lawyer from our firm could ease this burden. We can handle these tasks and any others related to your claim when we represent you.
Our attorneys will work to fight for your compensation. We are ready to help you seek a favorable settlement for your injuries. Contact Morelli Law Firm now at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation to get started.