This is a general guide to what you should do immediately after a collision with a tractor trailer, large truck. big rig or 18 wheeler.
Say Nothing!
Say as little as possible about the collision. This includes statements to the police or highway patrol. Remember that you must always tell the truth when you do talk, but do not volunteer information. You do not want to say something that can be misconstrued or twisted around to hurt you case. Your innocent comments could be taken as your admission of fault on your part or an admission that you were not hurt and it can take a few days or weeks to discover the nature and extent of your injuries. You are not trying to hide anything but want your legal counsel present when you speak.
DO NOT:
- Apologize or say you are sorry
- Admit the collision was your fault
- Say you are not hurt
- Talk to or give any statements to the trucking company or its insurance company or their agents or investigators
Report the Collision
Call 911 to report the collision even if you are afraid you will be blamed for the accident. Many state laws require that you report an accident right away and so do many insurance policies. Leaving the scene of an accident without waiting for the police to come is a crime in most states. Reporting the accident is important so the police can investigate the collision and gather information while it is fresh.
Gather Witness Information
Witnesses are very important in trucking cases. Gather the names and phone numbers of anyone who was a witness before, during or after the collision. Witnesses need to be interviewed by our experts as soon as possible. The insurance company will be sure to get recorded statements from witnesses within 48 hours after the accident.
See a Doctor
It is best to seek medical attention quickly, even if you are not sure that you need it. You may be in shock after the accident and not notice your own injuries. Also some injuries will not be felt fully until several days after the accident. Do not try to be tough. Staying home and suffering in pain only hurts your case. Even if you do not have health insurance, we know many doctors who will provide you with the medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries.
Notify your Insurance Company
You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Many insurance policies require prompt notice of the accident to the insurance company so they can investigate. The failure to promptly report the accident may give your insurance company a reason to deny you medical coverage or uninsured motorist coverage. We help our clients report an accident to their insurance company.
Notify your Employer
If you are driving for your employer, you should report the accident to your employer immediately. If it is after hours or there is no one available, try to leave a detailed message, including the time, date, and location of the accident. You should also say whether you think you have been hurt, as this may affect your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Contact an Experienced Trucking Lawyer
You should seek legal advice immediately from an experienced trucking lawyer. The trucking company and its insurance company have been working since the day of the crash. The insurance company is not working to help you. They are trying to minimize their negligence and to deny you the money you deserve in order to compensate you for the harms and losses you’ve suffered in the crash.
Our team consists of former insurance company lawyers and lawyers who used to represent and defend large trucking companies. We also have experts who are accident reconstruction specialists and former trucking company safety directors who will help us investigate the case and prove negligence by the trucking company.
EXPERIENCE MATTERS! The trucking company has its team of experts and lawyers, now you have yours! We will fight for you and your family and seek the full compensation you deserve.
Call us immediately to get started with a free, no obligation consultation. We will come to you. Call 678-242-7626 (678-CHAPMAN) or 1-800-321-4477 now!
