If you have recently been involved in a collision with a truck, it’s likely been one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that when accidents happen, the consequences are often severe and life-altering. According to attorney Sagi Shaked, truck accident cases are fundamentally different from ordinary car crashes, often involving catastrophic injuries, complex liability issues, and powerful insurance companies. If you’re dealing with injuries after a truck accident, knowing the right steps to take early can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and the compensation you may be entitled to.
1. Get Checked Out Immediately
Your health should always be your top priority after a truck accident, so your first step should be to get checked over by a medical professional. Some conditions like traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms immediately, which is particularly concerning since brain injuries account for 25% of all crash-related hospitalizations nationwide. Having immediate medical documentation also creates a crucial paper trail that connects your injuries directly to the accident.
2. Make Sure to Take Photos and Videos
Begin collecting evidence immediately while your memory of the incident remains clear. Use your phone to photograph the crash site, the damage to all vehicles involved, visible injuries, and any environmental factors, such as weather conditions or faulty traffic signals. Write down contact details for anyone who witnessed the accident and request a copy of the official police report once it’s available. Maintain comprehensive records of every doctor visit, prescription medication, therapy session, and note how your injuries interfere with work, sleep, and daily activities. This thorough documentation will prove essential when negotiating with insurance adjusters or pursuing legal action.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible, but stick to the basic facts and avoid admitting fault. It’s worth noting that in crashes involving trucks and passenger vehicles, truck driver error accounts for 87% of incidents, vehicle defects for 10%, and environmental factors for just 3%. However, determining fault requires a thorough investigation, so let the professionals handle that determination.
4. Consider Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accidents due to federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple potentially liable parties. Since roughly 71% of those injured in truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles rather than the truck itself, you’re likely facing significant injuries while dealing with a commercial trucking company’s legal team. An experienced truck accident attorney can help navigate these complexities, investigate the cause of the crash, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
5. Focus on Your Recovery
While dealing with insurance claims and legal matters is important, don’t lose sight of your primary goal: getting better. Follow all medical advice, attend physical therapy sessions, and be patient with the healing process. Keep a journal to document your pain levels, mobility improvements, and how the injuries affect your quality of life. This information helps paint a complete picture of your damages and supports your case for appropriate compensation.
Recovering from a truck accident takes time, both physically and emotionally. Don’t rush the process, and don’t settle for less than you deserve.
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