The sight of a semi-truck barreling down the highway is common for many drivers. However, sharing the road with large vehicles can be very dangerous, even for experienced drivers.
If you are involved in an accident with a large truck, the moments and days that follow are critical. This guide from the truck accident lawyers at Metier Law Firm lets you know what you need to do after a
semi-truck crash, focusing on securing medical attention, understanding your legal rights, and why hiring a qualified truck accident attorney is so important.
The Immediate Aftermath of a Trucking Crash: Safety First
The first priority after any accident is ensuring your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911 immediately. Even if your 
injuries appear minor, adrenaline can mask the true extent of the damage. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention – internal bleeding, whiplash, and other injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Securing the Scene: Evidence is Key
While waiting for emergency services, take steps to document the accident scene. If you're able, use your phone to capture photos of the damage to your vehicle, the semi-truck, and the surrounding area. Include road conditions, weather, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
Gather contact information from the truck driver, including their name, license plate number, employer information, and insurance details. Witness statements are invaluable, so try to collect their contact information as well. This information will be helpful not only to law enforcement, but to your personal injury attorney as well.
Protecting Your Legal Rights: Avoid Making Statements
In the immediate aftermath, avoid making any statements that could be construed as admitting fault. The shock and stress of the situation might lead you to say something you regret later. Be polite and cooperative with law enforcement, but avoid discussing the specifics of the accident until you've had a chance to speak with an experienced truck accident personal injury lawyer.
Seeking Medical Care: Prioritize Your Health
A thorough medical evaluation is crucial, even if you feel okay. Explain the accident to your doctor in detail and mention any pain or discomfort you're experiencing. Following your doctor's orders for treatment and attending all follow-up appointments is essential. Not only will this ensure proper healing, but complete medical records become vital evidence in your potential personal injury claim.
Understanding the Legal Landscape of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are more complex than typical car accidents. Trucking companies, their drivers and various contractors have to follow stricter federal regulations compared to passenger vehicles. These regulations cover driver qualifications, maintenance schedules, and cargo loading procedures.
Determining liability in a truck accident can involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the mechanic who last serviced the truck, or even the company that loaded the cargo. An experienced truck accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, identify all potentially liable parties, and meticulously build a strong case on your behalf.
The legal complexities of truck accidents necessitate the expertise of a specialized attorney. Here's why having one on your side is critical:
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Experience Matters: Truck accident law is a niche area. Your attorney should have a proven track record of success in handling similar cases. Look for an attorney who has a track record of being up-to-date on federal trucking regulations and has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation. Also, the attorney having additional credentials like being a Board Certified Truck Accident Attorney is crucial as well.
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Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies after a serious accident can be overwhelming. They may try to downplay your injuries or offer a lowball settlement. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these complexities and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
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Trial Ready: While most cases settle outside of court, having an attorney prepared to litigate is crucial. This sends a strong message to the insurance company that you are serious about getting the compensation you deserve.
What You Can Expect from Your Attorney
Your attorney will become your advocate throughout the legal process. They'll handle all aspects of your case, including:
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Gathering Evidence: This could involve witness statements, accident scene photos, police reports, medical records, and data from the truck's black box recorder (if available).
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Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Your attorney will represent you in communications with the insurance companies involved, ensuring you receive a fair settlement. More importantly, an experienced truck accident attorney can find all available insurance.
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Litigating Your Case: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
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Staying informed: Your attorney will keep you updated on your personal injury case and address any questions or concerns you have.
Potential Compensation After a Semi-Truck Accident
The compensation you may be entitled to after a truck accident can vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the specific details of your case. However, some common types of damages recovered in truck accident claims include:
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Medical Expenses: Compensation for all past, present, and future medical costs associated with the accident. This includes expenses for emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs arising from your injuries.
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Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost wages during your recovery period. If your injuries prevent you from working in the future, you may receive compensation for the income you would have made. This compensation is meant to cover the wages you would have earned if you were able to work. It is designed to help you financially if your injuries have a long-term impact on your ability to work. This financial support can help you maintain your financial stability despite your inability to work.
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Pain and Suffering: Truck accidents can cause a lot of physical and emotional pain. Truck accidents can result in physical and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering is intended to assist with the non-economic impacts of the accident. These may include chronic pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and PTSD.
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Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
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Punitive damages: These may be awarded in rare cases when the conduct of a truck driver or company went beyond ordinary negligence and rose to the level of gross negligence or recklessness. This means that the trucking
company’s actions were so careless that they displayed a blatant disregard for the safety and rights of others. The purpose behind punitive damages is to punish them and stop them from doing the same thing again in the future.
Moving Forward: Rebuilding Your Life
Being involved in a semi-truck accident can be a life-altering experience. The physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be overwhelming. However, by taking the right steps – seeking immediate medical attention, documenting the scene, and contacting a qualified truck accident attorney – you can protect your health and your legal rights.
Here at Metier Law Firm, we understand the immense challenges faced by victims of truck accidents. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve to recover and rebuild your life. We will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Don't wait to get the justice you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with Metier Law Firm today. Call us at
(866) 377-3800 or visit our website at
metierlaw.com. We're here to give you the support you need every step of the way.
Additional Resources:
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): https://www.nhtsa.gov/
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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
