Being in a collision with a large commercial truck can leave you seriously injured, with major property damage, and facing an uphill battle to receive fair compensation. Unlike a typical car crash, truck accidents involve unique legal complexities given the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. The aftermath of a truck collision can be daunting and overwhelming. But knowing the right steps to take immediately after an accident can help protect your rights down the road.
Scene Safety
If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location out of oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. However, never leave the scene of the accident. Contact 911 and wait for police and medical assistance. Check on the condition of any passengers or others involved in the crash and provide aid if you are able. But avoid moving anyone with serious injuries unless they are in immediate danger.
Medical Care
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think you were injured. The adrenaline after an accident can mask pain symptoms. Go to the emergency room or urgent care to get thoroughly evaluated. Make sure to get checked out by EMS personnel if they respond to the scene. Describe all your symptoms to healthcare providers and follow their treatment instructions. Getting prompt medical care creates a record of your injuries that will be critical for your case down the road.
Police Report
Provide a thorough statement to the responding officer. The police report contains key details about how the accident occurred that could help determine fault later. Give your account of what happened, but don’t speculate on the cause of the crash. Provide specifics like:
- Your speed at the time of impact
- Whether you stopped at a light or sign
- Road conditions and visibility
- Any obstructed views
- What you observed the truck doing prior to collision
- Exact location of impact
- Also get the officer’s name and badge number, police report number, and contact information for any witnesses.
Exchange Information
If possible, obtain the truck driver’s name, license number, insurance details, truck and trailer license plate numbers, and motor carrier name. Also, exchange contact and insurance information with any other drivers involved. Get the names and contact information for all passengers too. This information helps establish all parties involved and who may be liable. Ask witnesses at the scene for their observations and personal information as well.
Photos and Video
Use your smartphone to take photos of the vehicles, scene, and damage. Capture images from different angles and distances. Photograph the final rest positions of the vehicles, debris, and any tire marks or gouges in the roadway. Also, photograph any injuries you sustained or cuts and bruises that develop later. Avoid blocking traffic when taking pictures. In addition, see if any security cameras or dash cams captured footage that could aid your case.
Log Details
Write down as much as you can recall about the accident while it’s still fresh. Note the date, time, location, weather conditions, speed, road conditions, and any other relevant details. Include a description of how the crash happened and the direction the vehicles were traveling. Also, document the truck’s physical characteristics like size, shape, markings, etc. Documenting this key information helps recreate the accident scene later during an investigation.
Report to Your Insurer
Contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide basic details about what happened and whether you plan to file a claim. Get the claim number and your adjuster’s contact information. Cooperate with their investigation, but avoid providing any formal recorded statement until after you’ve consulted with an attorney. This helps avoid accidentally saying something that could compromise your rights.
Contact an Attorney
Consult an experienced Florida truck accident attorney as soon as possible after seeking medical care. Do not provide any formal statements to insurance companies until you have counsel present. An attorney can conduct a prompt investigation, preserve evidence, handle communications, and advise you on next steps. Pursuing compensation often requires complex litigation.
Types of Compensation
Damages that may be available after a truck crash include:
- Medical expenses from injury treatment – This includes ambulance transport, hospitalization, medications, surgery, assistive devices, physical therapy, and any continuing care. Keep track of all medical costs and billing statements.
- Lost income from missed work – Document any lost wages from missing days due to injury. Also, claim diminished earning capacity if your ability to work and earn the same income has been permanently impacted.
- Property damage if your vehicle or belongings were damaged – Claim the repair or replacement value of your car, personal items, clothing, or other property harmed in the crash.
- Pain and suffering damages – Seek compensation for any physical pain, discomfort, or mental anguish suffered due to injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your daily activities have been impacted – Damages can be recovered if you can no longer participate in activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed.
- Punitive damages if gross negligence caused the accident – Punitive damages punish and deter egregious conduct and are awarded in cases of drunk driving, extreme recklessness, or intentional harm.
Having skilled legal counsel maximizes your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation for all your losses after a truck accident. Do not leave money for your recovery on the table by trying to handle your claim yourself.
Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck collisions involve more complex legal issues than typical car accidents. There are often multiple liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, parts manufacturers, cargo loaders, and others. Identifying all responsible parties requires thorough investigation and expertise.
Establishing liability and damages also involves navigating federal trucking regulations, analyzing maintenance records, inspecting trucks, and consulting with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts. Truck accident cases generally require aggressive litigation and skill in settlement negotiations.
An attorney levels the playing field against corporate defendants with extensive legal and financial resources. Do not delay in seeking legal representation after a truck crash.
Consult with Monge & Associates
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Florida, contact Monge & Associates for a free case evaluation. With over 32 offices in 19 states, including Florida, Georgia, and Iowa, our truck accident attorneys have extensive experience representing injury victims nationwide. Call (888) 477-0597 now to discuss your options with our legal team.