Hit By A Truck Accident Attorneys

First and foremost, you should call 911 as soon as possible. Cooperate with emergency services as they arrive on the scene. You may feel fine without any visible injuries, but you should still get checked by a medical professional. After the initial check-up on the scene, you should also follow up with medical care after the accident. Visit your physician or a local urgent care facility to diagnose your injuries and prevent long-term complications.

It’s important to have law enforcement at the scene of the crash. Reporting the accident to the police is a crucial step in protecting your legal rights and obtaining future compensation for your injuries. Get the police officer’s contact information so you can obtain a copy of the accident report afterward.

Exchange information with the truck driver. You’ll want their name and their employer’s name, address, phone number, license plate, license number, and insurance information. You should also speak to any eyewitnesses that saw the accident. Take notes on what they saw and obtain their contact information as well. The more details you have about the accident the better.

Documentation is crucial in building a strong case. Take pictures and videos of the scene including damage to your vehicle, damage to the truck, your injuries, skid marks, and traffic signs. After the accident, keep a record of all medical bills, lost wages, repair receipts, and other expenses related to the accident. It is also a good idea to keep a journal of your symptoms, pain level, and emotional reactions after the accident. This helps demonstrate the impact the accident has had on your life.

It's important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a car accident. Your insurance policy may require you to report the accident within a certain timeframe, and failure to do so could result in your claim being denied. However, keep your comments brief and don’t say anything about fault for the accident. If you retain an attorney right away, they can even handle the notification to your insurance company on your behalf.

What damages can I recover?

Knowing what damages you can recover after a truck accident will give you and your attorney a clear understanding of the financial sum you truly deserve. Economic damages are objectively quantifiable losses that can be tied to a specific dollar amount. The most common economic damages you can collect after a truck accident include:

• Medical expenses: Expenses that result from your injuries like hospital visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and other medical expenses.
• Lost wages: Your injuries may prevent you from working, so you may be able to recover compensation for present and future lost income.
• Property damage: Expenses that result from damage to your vehicle or other property like the cost of repairs or replacement.

Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for subjective losses such as:

• Pain and suffering: This type of damage refers to the physical and emotional pain you experienced because of the accident. This can be ongoing pain, discomfort, stress, and trauma.
• Emotional distress: Damages for emotional distress are awarded for anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although they are sometimes hard to prove, they are just as impactful as physical injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: This type of damage refers to the loss of ability to enjoy activities you normally did before the accident. This could refer to physical activities, social activities, travel, or hobbies.
• Loss of consortium: Sometimes a truck accident can cause someone to lose companionship or affection in their relationship. Loss of consortium includes the loss of emotional support and intimacy.

It's important to note that every truck accident is different and the damages you recover will depend on the specific facts and details of your case, as well as the applicable state and federal laws.

How a truck accident lawyer can help

Being hit by a truck can leave victims with significant physical injuries and a stack of medical bills to follow. A truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and work to secure the compensation you need and deserve. If you've been hit by a truck, don't hesitate to schedule a free consultation with a verified truck accident lawyer. Contact us today to learn more.