Truck accidents may result from a variety of factors. These factors could include poor weather and road conditions, speeding, driver fatigue, improper loading of cargo and so on. Owing to the mammoth size and weight of the trucks, accidents with these vehicles can be disastrous. In severe cases, these accidents can turn out to be fatal.
Due to the complicated and severe nature of the accidents, victims usually get too overwhelmed about what steps to take after the incident. Victims have a number of questions on their minds that they seek answers for in order to get clarity about the occurrence.
Let’s take a look at the common queries and find answers for these.
What Actions Can be Taken at the Accident Scene?
The moment an accident occurs, the people involved get extremely flabbergasted. This affects their decision-making abilities and increases confusion, thus rendering them unable to take the right steps. However, there are certain steps that you can take to ensure that nothing goes wrong. Here is a list of those:
You should remain in the vehicle unless it is too dangerous.
Now you would need to contact emergency services regardless of how minor the accident may seem to you. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can save a life.
It isn’t wise to move any vehicles or anything from the scene of the accident.
You should write down the names, phone numbers and addresses of all the victims as well as the witnesses at the accident scene.
Noting down the names and badge numbers of the police officers is also recommended.
You should also take photographs of the accident scene. This is an important step in securing evidence.
Keep in mind that you should not leave the accident scene until the right authorities arrive.
What Should you Know About Filing the Claim?
You would need to file a claim for the accident before the statute of limitation expires. This is a deadline within which the lawsuit should be filed. Otherwise, you will be barred from filing it. Therefore, you would need to hire a competent truck accident lawyer quickly after the accident.
If you live in Houston and have been a victim of an 18-wheeler accident, you should choose from among skilled Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyers for this purpose. A good attorney will help in the accident investigation and reconstruct the accident so that you can retrieve the compensation you deserve.
What Steps Should be Taken in the Days After the Accident?
Truck accident claims can be quite complicated and time-consuming. How you utilize the time following the truck accident can have a direct impact on the outcome of the claim. Following are a few ways to make the most of this time:
A medical checkup is crucial after a truck accident even if you have not sustained any visible injuries. Also, you should keep every medical as well as hospital bill since this can aid in the claim procedure.
You would need to obtain a copy of the report regarding the accident that has been prepared by the police.
It is wise to contact the insurance company and find out about the valuation of your property damage.
You should be careful not to take settlement offers from the insurance company without consulting your lawyer.
You should also keep a list of the expenses that you have incurred owing to the accident.
These steps can help in establishing your case in court.
What if You Were Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Usually, a variety of factors contributes to a truck accident. While sometimes only one driver is entirely at fault for the accident, it isn’t the case always.
In most of the truck accident cases, both drivers share the blame. However, you can still recover the compensation for the damage that you have sustained based on the degree of your fault. Based on the comparative negligence theory, the responsibility of paying the expenses for the damages is split among those involved in the accident.
You would need to keep in mind that various parties can be held responsible for your truck accident injuries. It is important to act quickly to ensure justice.