What Do I Do if a Commercial Truck Hits Me?

If you were hit by a commercial truck, your priority should be to ensure your safety. Once you are out of harm’s way, get the truck driver’s and witnesses’ contact information. Then, report the collision to the appropriate authorities. By notifying the police, you create an official record of the incident, which can be beneficial for insurance purposes and any potential legal proceedings.

Always seek medical care following a collision with a commercial truck, even if you don’t feel injured. A healthcare professional can evaluate your condition and provide necessary treatment. In addition, seek legal guidance from a South Carolina truck accident attorney to protect your rights.

Make Sure You Are Safe

After a commercial truck crash, your safety should be your top priority. Assess your surroundings and move to a safe location, away from potential hazards or oncoming traffic. If you are hurt or unable to move, try to stay calm and wait for emergency services to arrive.

Once you are out of harm’s way, check yourself and others involved in the crash for injuries and call for medical help if needed. Your safety is paramount, so take precautions to protect yourself and others until help arrives.

Document the Truck Accident Scene

Documenting the truck accident scene is crucial for gathering evidence and supporting future legal claims. In addition, this will help you preserve critical evidence before it fades.

Skid marks, vehicle positions, and road conditions can change rapidly after an accident, so preserving fresh evidence helps accurately reconstruct the sequence of events. If you cannot document the scene, you can ask someone you trust to do so for you.

You can document the commercial truck accident scene by:

• Take photographs and videos: Capture the accident scene from various angles, including the positions of vehicles, damages, skid marks, and road conditions. Include any relevant landmarks or street signs.
• Note date, time, and location: Document the specific details of the crash, including the date, time, and exact location. This information will be crucial for future reference.
• Obtain driver and witness information: Collect the contact details of the truck driver, including their name, license plate number, and insurance information. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.

Report the Commercial Truck Accident to the Authorities

Contacting the police to report the collision ensures that an official record of the incident is created. This official document will be a valuable addition to your case. When reporting the accident, provide accurate and detailed information about the location, date, time, and parties involved.

The authorities will conduct an investigation, gather additional evidence, and create an official report that can serve as crucial documentation for your case. Reporting the accident demonstrates your commitment to following proper procedures and helps ensure the appropriate steps are taken to address the incident.

Seek Legal Assistance From a Commercial Truck Lawyer

Commercial truck accidents are usually more complex than standard car crash cases. This is partly because the trucking company’s involvement; they can mobilize vast resources, including legal professionals and insurance agents, to represent their interests. However, seeking legal representation of your own will help balance the playing field.

Truck accident lawyers understand the complexities and nuances associated with these cases and will effectively navigate the legal process. In addition, they will negotiate with insurance companies and advocate for you to obtain fair compensation.

Recover the Damages You Are Owed After a Commercial Truck Accident

A commercial truck accident can have a significant financial impact on the victim. For example, you could experience steep medical bills during your physical recovery. In addition, depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be unable to work for a while, which further adds to the financial stress.

Depending on your case, you could claim:

• Medical expenses
• The cost of future medical care
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment

A truck accident attorney will use all available evidence to calculate the full extent of your damages and estimate your future expenses.

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

If you file a claim with the insurance company, you should seek legal representation. Insurance companies often have teams of experienced adjusters and lawyers working to minimize their payouts, making it challenging for victims to receive fair compensation.

Truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the tactics and strategies used by insurance companies to undervalue or deny claims. Their legal knowledge and experience enable them to effectively anticipate and counter the insurance company’s arguments.

Unlike insurance agents, your attorney will always represent your best interest. If the offer you receive is not enough to cover your accident-related losses, you could file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

File a Truck Accident Lawsuit

You have limited time to file a lawsuit. Each state has specific statutes of limitations for bringing a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. For example, under South Carolina law, you generally have three years to take legal action. However, there are a series of circumstances that can impact the deadline.

Consult a truck accident attorney to learn how much time you have to pursue a lawsuit. If you fail to file within the statute of limitations, your case will likely be dismissed, and you may no longer be able to recover damages.

Call The Thumbs Up Guys for Legal Guidance

Surviving a commercial truck accident can be a traumatic experience. However, you don’t have to face the legal aftermath alone. The Thumbs Up Guys offers legal support to accident victims in their pursuit of justice.

Our truck accident attorneys understand the devastating impact the crash can have on your life, so we offer you our full legal support. We will protect your rights and represent your interests. Call our law office to schedule a free case evaluation.