Getting involved in a truck accident is traumatic in more ways than one. You might find yourself injured and unable to work, and for some people, this means not just physical trauma but also a substantial financial loss as well as emotional stress. If you’ve been injured, there are certain things you can do to move forward and recover.
1. Contact A Lawyer
When you’re injured in a truck accident, it’s important to get the legal help you need. This means contacting an attorney who specializes in personal injury law. Your lawyer can handle all of your paperwork and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve without having to deal with any of it yourself. While this is advice that can be applied to any type of accident, it’s even more relevant when it comes to truck accidents. In everyday jargon, we might consider SUVs and pickups “trucks”, but the experienced Florida truck accident attorneys stress that cases referred to as “truck accidents” refer to larger vehicles such as 18 wheelers. This distinction is important since you won’t find many of those trucks are owned by individuals, but rather, they belong to a company.
In order to get proper compensation for your injuries, you need to prove not only that it was caused by someone else’s negligence, but that someone else was as well. Sometimes, it’s the driver’s fault, but other times, it’s the company they work for that’s responsible for what happened, and you need to make sure you’re filing your claim against the right party.
2. Evidence Of Injuries
In addition to taking pictures of the accident scene, you should also take pictures of injuries that you suffered as a result of the truck accident. Try to shoot photos from all angles, and remember to include close-ups of any cuts or gashes that might need stitches. Getting medical treatment right away is important both for your health and your case. When it comes to your health, it’s crucial to catch injuries as soon as you can. If you wait to seek medical treatment, the injuries may become more serious, making the recovery process harder. When it comes to “proof” of your injuries – submitting medical bills and other documents showing that you were treated is incredibly important. You should provide your lawyer with all accident-related documents you might have gathered in order for him to build a solid case for you.
3. Seek Therapy If Needed
If you were involved in a truck accident and the injury you suffered didn’t leave any visible marks, it doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen. Sometimes, an event can get lodged into your subconscious mind – even if it didn’t cause you to suffer physically. If this sounds like something that happened to you following a truck accident, it might be a good idea to seek professional help. Going to therapy can be very beneficial in overcoming trauma and finding closure after an accident. You should also notify your lawyer that you would like to seek therapy. He might also want to include the information in your case as part of your psychological exam and evaluation (if that’s something that’s recommended for your particular situation).
4. The Scene Of The Accident
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, even if the damage seemed minimal at first glance, you should always call the police. Not only will this help protect your rights, but it might also be considered a criminal offense if you leave the scene without making a report. Of course, if you need medical attention immediately, this isn’t something you should worry about. However, if you’ve already seen a doctor or have the ability to post your accident report online, this is important. While at the scene, if you’re able to, try to get contact information from any eye-witnesses. When talking to the police, make sure to relate what happened in as much detail as you can remember, and to describe your injuries. Before leaving the scene, if your vehicle has suffered significant damage, make sure to remove all your personal effects, so that your vehicle is available to investigators and accident reconstructionists.
In the trucking industry, drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries based on the reckless behavior of a trucker. Trying to stay as calm as possible, calling the police, seeking medical attention, and documenting your injuries are the first steps you should take if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. By contacting a lawyer, you’re making sure you have someone on your side that’s experienced in the legalities of truck accidents, and who will hold negligent drivers responsible, which can leave you free to focus on your recovery.
