mike Every year, there are about 388,000 accidents involving 18-wheelers. These collisions may cause serious injury or even death. Because of this, many lawsuits are filed by plaintiff attorneys.
Take Pictures and Videos of the Accident
The first thing you should do after an 18-wheeler accident is call 911. It ensures that medical personnel can treat any injured parties and the police can begin their investigation. Next, take pictures of everything that happened at the scene. It includes the truck that caused your crash, the surrounding area, and any debris from the wreck. Getting images of the accident site from different perspectives and distances is crucial. It will allow an attorney to preserve the evidence for future use. Photographs can provide clues to how the accident happened. For instance, photos that show rainy weather or skid marks may indicate the other driver failed to yield or was traveling too fast for the conditions. It is also important to take close-up photos of all the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved in the accident. It can include dents, scratches, broken glass and deployed airbags. If it is safe, walk around the cars and photograph their interiors. It can help your lawyer paint a complete picture of the accident for the insurance company or jury. Photographs are essential evidence for a lawsuit because they can show the nature and extent of your injuries. Damages are the deciding factor in most truck accident settlements, and the more serious your injuries are, the higher your damages will be. If you have any witnesses at the scene, try to get their names and contact information.
Call a Lawyer
If you have been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, you will need sophisticated representation. Trucking companies and insurance carriers are averse to paying out claims, so go here and search for the best lawyer possible. It is recommended that you do not speak to any insurance adjusters or investigators for the at-fault party without first consulting your attorney. This way, they cannot use any information you give them to deny or reduce the amount of your settlement. In addition, plaintiffs who win a case often have numerous expenses related to their injuries that need to be paid immediately. That is why many of these plaintiffs choose to take out a post-settlement advance.
Exchange Information with the Truck Driver
Immediately after the crash, you must exchange information with the truck driver. The trucker’s data is vital to establishing liability for your injuries. It will include their full name, address, email, phone number, insurance details, trucking company’s name and contact information, truck identification number, and any other relevant information. You also want to get any witnesses’ contact information as soon as possible so you can contact them for a statement later on. Witnesses’ memories fade as time goes on, and their statements may become unreliable if you wait too long to get them. Lastly, please only speak to the truck driver or their insurance company’s adjusters once you consult your attorney.
Gather Witnesses’ Information
There are several reasons why it is important to begin building your case as soon as possible after an accident with an 18-wheeler. Some types of evidence, such as witness statements, can only become reliable if too much time passes. Another example is that witnesses might need to remember key details of the accident. Identifying and reaching out to potential witnesses is easier when it happens quickly after an accident. Finally, keeping track of expenses related to the accident and documenting damages is much easier when it occurs early on. Keeping a record of medical bills, damage to your car, and lost income can help you demonstrate the financial impact of the accident and justify your request for compensation from a settlement or judgment.
