Hit By An 18-Wheeler? Do These Things Right Away
Posted on: 21 June 2022
As the victim of an 18-wheeler crash, you may already realize that this is not an ordinary accident situation. When a passenger vehicle goes up against a truck of that size, the impact is likely to cause ramifications that can affect victims in a major way. How you handle the accident can affect your ability to be paid for your damages. Read on for the things you should do right away after an accident with an 18-wheeler.
Be Wary at the Accident Scene
If you can speak and move about after the accident, be very careful about who you speak to at the scene. Law enforcement should respond and will be asking you and others involved about the accident. However, many trucking firms have teams of people who go to accident scenes to perform investigations of their own. Don't speak to anyone at the scene except law enforcement and medical personnel.
Seek Medical Help
Don't turn down a ride in the ambulance to the nearest hospital even if you judge the injuries to be minor. You might be more hurt than you realize. In many cases, accident victims can be suffering from shock and unaware of the extent of their physical injuries. Moreover, you must get medical care if you are to seek damages against the trucking company that hired the driver. Don't delay in seeking care or you could be challenged to prove that your injuries are accident-related.
Don't Speak to Others
It can be difficult not to talk about such a traumatic event but keeping quiet is wise. Speak only to close family members in person if you must speak about it all. Don't discuss the accident or your injuries with any medical personnel (except for when medically necessary), on social media, or with the other side—in this case, the other side refers to the other driver, the company they work for, and the insurance carrier for the company.
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Big trucking companies are accustomed to their employees getting into accidents. In many cases, the trucker is clearly to blame for the wreck. However, these companies often have insurance coverage, and that insurer won't pay willingly. At the same time, these large trucking companies don't necessarily want to take a case to court because it could generate poor publicity for the company. That means they might be willing to settle the case outside of court. Speak to a lawyer that understands how to deal with 18-wheeler accidents and can get you the compensation you deserve.
For more information, contact a trucking accident attorney in your area.
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