Most drivers get a little skittish when traveling alongside an 18-wheeler. This is only natural since collisions between big rigs and small cars are often devastating.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, most fatalities that result from large truck crashes are passenger–vehicle occupants. Cars, SUVs, and even pickup trucks are no match for the sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers.
If you were hurt in a wreck with a semi-truck, you have the right to pursue compensation for any healthcare bills and other damages you have incurred; however, there are certain steps you must take over the days and weeks following the incident to build a strong personal injury claim. This is where a Jackson truck accident attorney can help.
Contact Coxwell & Associates to discuss your case and determine the most strategic way to proceed. We have won nearly $300 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call (601) 265-7766 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer on our team.
Let’s examine a few essential steps to take after getting hurt in a truck accident:
1. Call the Police
You should call the police after any motor-vehicle collision—even if it seems minor. Officers will direct traffic away from the scene, take statements from eyewitnesses, and draft an official report, which you will need to file a claim.
2. Gather Information
Write down the commercial driver’s name, employer, license number, and insurance information. If there were any other motorists involved, get their names, phone numbers, and insurance information, as well.
3. Photograph the Scene
Once the police have diverted traffic away from the area, photograph the wreckage from all angles. Capture both large details, such as the weather and the flow of traffic, and small ones, like skid marks and broken glass on the road.
4. Seek Medical Treatment
If you do not require treatment at the scene, visit an urgent care center or your primary physician shortly after leaving. Since some impact injuries do not manifest immediate symptoms, it is critical that you seek care even if you feel relatively fine.
5. Call a Truck Accident Attorney
The sooner you call a lawyer, the sooner you can start building a strong claim. Once you enlist the help of a law firm, you can focus on your health without worrying about deadlines, paperwork, and the logistics of your case. Your lawyer will gather evidence of liability, calculate your damages, talk to expert witnesses if necessary, handle settlement negotiations, and take your case to trial if the opposing party refuses to settle out of court.
Call to Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Jackson
If you sustained serious injuries in a collision with an 18-wheeler, turn to Coxwell & Associates for expert guidance during every stage of the proceedings. We have a reputation for honesty, aggressiveness, and compassionate representation. Call (601) 265-7766 or click on the button below to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in Jackson.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.