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Actions to Take When Your Loved One Is Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident

Actions to Take When Your Loved One Is Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident

 

 

Exercising caution on the road at all times should be a priority for every big rig or heavy commercial truck driver. The reason is that the sheer size and weight of 18-wheeler vehicles are significantly greater than those of other automobiles. As such, truck accidents are often far more catastrophic than any other traffic-related collisions. If your loved one is injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, taking timely action is vital.

Unfortunately, even if you are always careful on the road and you have years of experience as an 18-wheeler driver, sometimes accidents are inevitable. Truck drivers hope to reach their destination safely, but that may not happen if they become victims of a road accident. After that, such an accident is entered into the record of 18-wheeler collisions that take place over a specific period.

When the media reports on such statistics, it is likely that there will be no further details regarding particular truck accidents in the future. The implication, in this case, is that statistics on 18-wheeler accidents rarely provide information on how victims and their families suffer the aftermath of such accidents.

Legal Steps After an 18-Wheeler Accident

If you or a loved one is involved in a big rig accident, you are entitled to pursue legal rights. A competent attorney can help you recover compensation for your losses after suffering an 18-wheeler accident.

If you want to access the well-deserved monetary damages after a truck accident, there are specific actions you should take immediately.

Here are some details on what to do after an 18-wheeler collision:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

The priority after any kind of road accident in the case of victims is seeking treatment for injuries as soon as possible. If you are at the scene and your loved one has respiratory issues, is unconscious or bleeding excessively, you should head to the emergency room right away when you arrive at the nearby medical facility.

Any delays in seeking medical attention after a truck accident can have long-term health effects on victims. For that reason, one should consider rushing to an urgent care center even if the injuries they sustain after an 18-wheeler accident are not severe. Urgent care centers can treat minor broken bones, whiplash/soft tissue injuries, cuts/abrasions, and other minor injuries.

Remember that accessing same-day treatment after a truck accident is not an option if you care about your well-being. Getting immediate medical attention after an accident helps you avoid further health complications going forward. You should also note that when you file a claim for your injuries, the insurance company will review your medical records in detail.

2. Engage A Reliable Truck Accident Attorney

Reach out to a lawyer with experience in truck crash claims as soon as possible after the incident. Part of the benefits of consulting a Texas truck accident attorney after a crash is that they can handle the claims process with the insurance company, which will include;

  • Negotiations with the insurance firm.
  • Conducting the necessary investigation.
  • Preparing claim forms and supporting documents.
  • Collecting and reviewing your medical records.
  • Filing a lawsuit.

A competent TX truck accident lawyer will have an understanding of the tricks that insurers use to deny payment or to offer the lowest settlement amount. Some of the tactics that insurers use when they want to avoid claims relating to 18-wheeler accidents include contesting the severity of a victim’s injuries and blaming the collision on the victim, among others.

Also, a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can help you recover the full amount of monetary damages entitled to you by law, including;

  • The losses you incur as a result of injuries will, in turn, affect your relationships.
  • Lost wages in case the injuries you suffer force you out of work.
  • Decreased quality of life and enjoyment.
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Scarring and disfigurement.
  • Emotional anguish.

If your attorney cannot reach a fair and reasonable settlement with the insurer, they can take the case to court, where they will represent you accordingly.

3. Consider Exchanging Information with The Truck Operator

It is an essential requirement for motor vehicle crash victims to obtain contact and insurance details from a truck operator. In the case of a truck accident, the exchange of information will require you to source information regarding an individual’s employment, where possible. The reason is that you can file a claim against a trucking company, a driver’s employer, or other firms that operate the truck as a business.

4. Gather The Evidence

Leaving an accident scene without evidence is not advisable. The reason is that a victim or their loved one will face various difficulties when claiming monetary damages later. So, ensure you gather the necessary evidence from the scene of the accident if you are physically able to do so as the victim.

Alternatively, a loved one who happens to be at the scene of the accident should collect the information and evidence they will use when filing a claim. When gathering evidence at an accident scene, some key actions to take include photographing the surrounding area with your cell phone, noting obstacles to visibility, traffic signals, lanes of traffic, and signs, among other important aspects.

Also, obtain contact details of any witnesses in the area. You should also consider approaching businesses with security cameras in the vicinity of the accident scene. You can gather valuable information relating to the accident from the video footage that such cameras capture.

5. Avoid Making Statements to The Insurance Company

As with any road accident, there are several steps to take after an 18-wheeler collision, and one crucial aspect to avoid whenever possible. Once you notify the truck driver’s insurance company about the crash, you should not make any statements to the company or the insurer of that specific entity.

You need to appreciate the fact that insurers are always working against victims of a crash. That means that making statements to employees of an insurance company will be a blow on your part. Additionally, it is a fact that insurance workers do not have the best interests of truck crash victims at heart. That implies that victims and their loved ones risk their rights whenever they discuss the accident and injuries with insurance workers.

If you or a loved one is a victim of an 18-wheeler accident, realizing success in recovering monetary damages will depend on how you act going forward. Also, note that accessing skilled legal representation is paramount when filing a truck crash claim.

Contact the truck accident attorney in Texas, known for their proven record of success and quick response team, ready to assist you.

Call the Texas truck accident lawyer for a no-obligation consultation @ (281) 893-0760!

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About Greg Baumgartner

Truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.