If you’ve been injured in a crash with a commercial vehicle, you’re probably focused on two major goals: recovering and figuring out how to build a strong accident case. Jacksonville sees huge numbers of truck accidents, with Duvall County reporting over 2,500 commercial vehicle crashes each year. Truck accidents frequently cause devastating consequences due to the size, weight, and visibility difficulties associated with many commercial vehicles. Knowing how to build a strong case is essential to securing justice and compensation after your accident. We’re committed to helping those who are injured by commercial vehicle and large trucks on Florida’s roads.
How do I build a strong accident case after my crash?
Here are our team’s seven key steps to take after your commercial vehicle crash:
1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible
Immediately calling emergency responders is crucial after a truck accident. Your health should be a top priority, and seeking medical attention is important, even if you don’t see or feel any apparent injuries. Whiplash, internal bleeding, and even head trauma could go unnoticed for hours or days after your accident. Waiting for treatment could have devastating consequences. What’s more, medical records play a huge part in helping you build a strong accident case.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
Just as important as medical attention, you must call law enforcement immediately after your accident. They provide an official accident report, assess the scene, collect statements from witnesses, and document all information about your crash. All of this information, as well as the officer’s statement, plays a part in your case.
3. Gather Evidence
If physically able, gather evidence at the scene by:
- photographing (or videoing) the scene, damage to all vehicles involved, your own injuries, and even surrounding areas
- taking witness information (names, phone numbers, etc.)
- requesting truck and driver details (truck’s license plate number, trucking company’s name, and any identification numbers)
You should also request a copy of the police report as soon as it’s available.
4. Preserve Third-Party Evidence to build a strong accident case
Black box and dash cam data are key pieces of evidence in commercial vehicle accidents.
Not all evidence is available to you at the scene. When you want to build a strong accident case after a truck accident, you’ll need the truck’s EDR (event data recorder) data, driver logs, maintenance records for the truck in question, and cargo/loading information. All of this information could have played a part in your accident and could impact your case.
Hint: all of this is usually handled by your truck accident attorney. See step 7.
5. Establish liability in the crash
Several parties could be held liable after a commercial vehicle crash. Determining fault is complicated and requires knowledge and experience of truck accident law in Florida. Key parties examined include:
- the truck driver – drivers are liable if they were distracted, sleepy, driving recklessly, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- the trucking company – if employers don’t enforce regulations, push their drivers past legal driving hours, or fail to keep up with truck maintenance, they could be liable
- cargo loaders – cargo that shifts or falls from the vehicle and causes a crash, leaving cargo loaders to blame
- truck manufacturers – manufacturers hold blame if defective parts caused the accident
6. Don’t Make Mistakes that Destroy Your Case!
To build a strong accident case, avoid these common mistakes:
Not following medical advice
If you don’t follow through on treatments, therapy, or appointments, insurance companies could use that against you.
Putting information on social media
Anything you put online could challenge your injury claims when that information is in the wrong hands. Protect yourself and stay away from social media after your accident.
Accepting offers too early (and without representation)
Don’t take the first offer made by the insurance company! They are notorious for underballing those injured in crashes. An experienced accident attorney makes sure you get fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and suffering.
Delaying legal action
Don’t sit on your case, trying to decide if you’re actually injured “enough” to need an attorney. No matter the size or severity of an accident, it’s always worth calling Brooks Law Group. Protecting your legal rights is our top priority.
7. Hire the experienced attorneys at Brooks Law Group
Why should you hire an experienced Jacksonville accident attorney after your commercial vehicle crash? Because you need them to build a strong accident case! The team at Brooks Law Group will:
- investigate the accident from every angle, gather crucial evidence, and create detailed notes about every aspect of your case.
- handle all conversations and negotiations with insurance companies and other attorneys
- work with witnesses (medical professionals, accident reconstruction, etc.) to support your claims
- ensure all legal deadlines are met
Whether you’ve been injured on Interstate 95 or in a collision on Blanding Boulevard and Wells Road, our team advocates for you through each step of your case.
Build a strong accident case with Brooks!
Prompt action, thorough evidence collection, and strategic legal guidance from experienced attorneys are the best ways to build a strong accident case after a truck crash. You deserve a settlement that will meet your needs and let you fully recover. Don’t navigate the process alone. Follow our 7-step guide and Look to Brooks! Book your free consultation today!
