Truck crashes are often sudden, severe, and life-changing. The sheer size and weight of a vehicle can lead to devastating injuries and damage. For this reason, it’s crucial to know how to respond effectively to the incident. This article provides a guide and covers essential steps you need to take after a truck crush; as well as discusses how to protect your rights and receive fair compensation.
Immediate Actions at the Scene
The first thing you need to do is prioritize your safety and call for help. Due to the heavy impact, truck crashes often result in serious injuries, so calling 911 immediately after the accident and getting medical assistance on the scene can be critical. You can try to check yourself and others for injuries but remember not to move anyone who is severely injured.
Once you ensure your safety, call the police. A police report will be necessary for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings that might follow. Here’s what the police will normally do at the scene: they will document the scene, gather statements from people involve in the accident as well as witnesses, and record facts that are essential to determining fault. But, since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state when it comes to auto insurance, it doesn’t matter whose fault the accident was, each party’s insurance companies are responsible to compensate the medical and financial expenses.
Taking photos and videos of the scene can be very helpful in future claims. Try to capture vehicle positions, visible injuries, damage, and road conditions, as well as skid marks, traffic signs, weather conditions, etc. Ask witnesses for their contact information. This footage alongside with witnesses’ interviews can help you establish what exactly happened.
Understanding the Unique Challenges of Truck Crashes
Truck crashes differ from regular car accidents in a number of ways. First, trucks are larger and heavier, usually causing more significant injuries. Sometimes, it takes months to recover from a car crash injury (often involving trauma to the head, spine, or internal organs). Other than being time-consuming, recovery if very costly. This directly affects the person’s financial stability and plays a key role in determining a fair compensation.
Additionally, truck drivers and companies must follow specific federal regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations include limits on driving hours to prevent fatigue, maintenance standards, and weight restrictions for safe cargo loads.
Handling Insurance Claims and Seeking Compensation
Dealing with insurance after a truck crash can be overwhelming, especially since trucking companies usually carry larger insurance policies. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident, providing an accurate account of the incident. Avoid statements about fault; stick to the facts. Remember that trucking companies and their insurers often have experienced legal teams working to reduce their liability, so it’s essential to protect your rights during this process.
Because of the severe injuries and damages that often result from truck crashes, compensation amounts tend to be higher than those in standard car accidents. Document all accident-related expenses carefully, including medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, and any income lost due to missed work. These records help establish the full impact of the crash and support your claim.
When to Consider Legal Help
Truck crash cases are often complex, involving multiple parties and a higher level of evidence. Hiring a lawyer experienced in truck accidents can be beneficial in such cases. An attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of liability, gather and preserve evidence, and deal with insurance adjusters who may try to minimize your claim.
Each state has a deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a claim after an accident. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation. An attorney can help keep your case on track, making sure you meet all necessary deadlines and file the correct paperwork. They can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that you aren’t pressured into accepting a quick, low settlement offer that may not cover all your costs.
Final Thoughts
Finally, we wanted to discuss common mistakes that people often make after a truck accident and why they can have a negative impact on your claim as well as your health. One common mistake is delaying medical treatment. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not be immediately obvious but can get worse after some time if untreated. Additionally, medical reports are very crucial and a failure to link the injuries to the accident can negatively impact on your claim.
Another mistake is providing recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice. Unfortunately, insurers may use your words against you, so it’s best to consult with a truck accident attorney in Philadelphia before giving any statements. Don’t settle too quickly, since insurance companies will often try to minimize the compensation. Make sure you understand the full impact of your injuries before agreeing to any settlement.
