Truck accidents can be horrific and can leave you confused about what steps to take. Due to the complexity of these cases and numerous parties and factors involved, it’s advisable to get legal advice from a reputable personal injury lawyer in Austin, TX to help you navigate the legal process.
In addition to seeking legal help in Austin, Texas, do the following if you’re involved in a truck accident.
Report The Accident
All parties involved in a car accident are required to remain at the scene. If possible, remove your vehicle from the road and ensure you are safe. Use your hazard lights, and if you have, traffic cones and road flares to ensure other drivers see your vehicle.
Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. Otherwise, if 911 decides it is a non-emergency, they will transfer you to the appropriate police office to report the accident. The officer who arrives at the scene assesses it, completes an accident report, and gives you instructions on the next steps to take. Make sure you get a copy of the accident report which serves as evidence in case you go to court over the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Whether or not you have any apparent injuries, seek medical attention after the accident if you feel bad to determine whether you need further medical care. Failure to do so may hamper your ability to receive injury compensation later.
Identify Other Involved Parties and Witnesses
Find out if the truck driver is driving for a company by checking for company identifiers on the truck. This information is crucial as the company may share liability for the accident. Check for witnesses at or near the accident scene. Collect their information or statement in case more details about the crash are needed later. The responding officer’s accident report may include witnesses you missed.
Exchange Information With the Other Involved Parties
Collect the other parties’ information at the scene because tracking them down later can be difficult. Information to collect includes:
- Truck driver’s name, phone number, address, and email address
- Truck driver’s insurer and policy details
- Truck driver’s license number
- The trucks license plate and any other identifying information
- Truck driver’s employer name and contacts
Take Photos of the Accident
Photos of the accident can be used as evidence to determine vital information such as who was at fault and the damages and injuries sustained. They can be used to reconstruct the scene of the accident. Use a camera or phone to take photos of vehicle damages and injuries.
You can also journalize and take photos of your recovery. Also, keep any receipts of your medical out-of-pocket expenses. Such evidence can be used to determine how much compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Be Careful With Your Words
An insurance adjuster will contact you after the accident. Exercise caution when speaking with the insurance adjuster as anything you tell them can be used against you, remember, the phone call is being recorded. It is suggested that before speaking to the insurance adjuster, reach out to a personal injury attorney in Austin, Texas, who will guide you on what to say.
The Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas (LRS) can help you find a qualified personal injury lawyer to help guide you. Even though you’re required to cooperate with the insurance company, giving a statement is not mandatory. Call LRS to connect you with a personal injury lawyer.
Get Help From a Qualified Lawyer
Find a Texas lawyer if you think you’re entitled to compensation for damages or injuries resulting from the truck accident. Experienced and affordable lawyers from established firms are committed to ensuring truck accident victims receive all the compensation they deserve. At Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas, we help connect you with an experienced, qualified personal injury attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation.
