According to statistics, around 130,000 people suffer injuries in truck accidents. Since trucks are weighty, their accidents are often severe, including broken bones, head trauma, neck and back injuries, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and whiplash injuries. Truck accidents can be fatal and may also result in property damage. You can sue for compensation if you suffer injuries or losses in a truck accident.
If you lose a loved one in a truck accident, filing a wrongful death lawsuit is the best option. Filing an accident lawsuit doesn’t guarantee a win or maximum compensation. This article outlines five tips for a successful truck accident lawsuit.
1. Hire a truck accident attorney
Truck accident lawsuits can be complex, requiring legal representation. A truck accident lawyer will investigate and litigate accidents involving every type of commercial truck, including 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, delivery vans, and dump trucks. They’ll represent you in your truck accident case. Navigating these cases requires legal knowledge and experience.
The truck accident lawyer will also handle your lawsuit if you lose a loved one in a truck accident. They’ll also advise you concerning your rights after an accident resulting from negligent trucking. Hiring a truck accident lawyer increases your chances of winning the case and getting awarded maximum compensation. You can visit this website to learn more.
2. Seek immediate medical care
Regardless of severity, seeking medical care immediately after a truck accident is essential. This is because you might have severe internal injuries that might worsen if not detected and attended to urgently. Seeking immediate medical attention not only benefits your health, but it’s also great for your case. Avoid skipping follow-up appointments, such as rehabilitation, because they enable you to document your injuries’ progress.
Failure to seek immediate medical care might make it seem like the accident injuries aren’t impacting your life, you aren’t as injured as you claim, or medical care isn’t needed because you weren’t hurt in the first place. The defendant and insurance companies can use this against you in court.
3. Collect evidence
A successful truck accident case requires solid evidence. If your physical condition allows it, start collecting evidence immediately after the accident occurs. Write down the accident details, such as the truck’s registration number, license plate, and commercial driver’s license.
Take photos of the scene, including road conditions, signals, signs, and weather conditions. Consider calling the police because their report can serve as a reliable third-party assessment of the accident. Solid evidence can help you prove the defendant’s liability, increasing success chances.
4. Avoid talking to the insurance company
Truck accidents can be severe, and as a result, insurers are often anxious to settle them. This could mean the insurance company reaching out soon after the accident and offering you a meager amount. They may also want a recorded statement of your version of the accident. Leave all the talking to your truck accident lawyer, and if you must speak, do so after consulting them because you might unknowingly implicate yourself, risking your compensation.
5. Adhere to the statute of limitations
The timeframe for filing a truck accident lawsuit differs by state. Learn about your state’s statute of limitations and file your case on time. Failure to do so causes you to lose your legal rights to any compensation for injuries and losses incurred due to the accident.
Endnote
Truck accident cases can be complex. However, applying these tips can help ensure a successful lawsuit.
