The new year is a time for fresh starts and a renewed focus on personal goals and aspirations. Unfortunately, accidents involving commercial trucks and vans can disrupt lives in an instant. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, taking the right steps early on can significantly protect your health, rights, and future. Here are three crucial tips from one of our trusted commercial vehicle accident attorneys:
1. Prioritize your health and safety
After an accident, your immediate health and safety should be your top priority. One of the primary tips from commercial vehicle accident attorneys is to seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured at the scene. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately but can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated. Emergency responders will often evaluate you on-site, but it’s wise to follow up with your doctor as soon as possible after an accident of any kind.
Remember, keep all medical records. These will be essential not only for your recovery but also for any legal claims you may pursue. That brings us to the next tip…
2. Document EVERYTHING after your accident!
Photos are a key piece of evidence after a commercial vehicle accident!
Commercial vehicle accidents typically lead to complicated investigations involving multiple parties. This is primarily due to the size and scale of the trucks or vans, federal regulations surrounding commercial vehicles, and liability concerns. Thorough, detailed documentation is the best way to support your case. As some of Central Florida’s trusted commercial vehicle accident attorneys, we encourage people to:
- Gather as much evidence at the scene as possible. If able, take photos of the scene, your vehicle, road conditions, nearby vehicles, your injuries, injuries of others in your vehicle, etc. If you can photograph it or video it, DO it!
- Collect contact information from the driver and all witnesses. Information should include names, phone numbers, insurance information, and in the case of the driver, information about their employer.
- File a police report as soon as possible. Law enforcement should be called to the scene immediately after the accident. Their report is crucial to your case. When law enforcement and medical personnel release you from the scene, or once you make it to the hospital, your next phone call should be to your chosen legal representation. That just so happens to be tip #3!
3. Consult experienced commercial vehicle accident attorneys
Lawyers with experience in commercial vehicle accidents specifically are your best chance at a successful case and much-needed compensation. Experienced commercial vehicle accident attorneys can quickly (and more easily) identify liable parties, handle communication on your behalf, oversee insurance negotiations, and advocate for your rights as you heal and recover.
At Brooks Law Group, our commercial vehicle accident lawyers are ready and waiting to help you navigate the difficult aftermath of a crash. We know this time can be overwhelming and scary for injured individuals and their families. That’s why we’re committed to making the process easy and less stressful for you, with people-centered practices and a contingency fee payment system. You don’t pay unless we win your case, so you can move forward in your pursuit of justice with peace of mind.
If you or someone you love is facing a legal case after an accident, call for a free consultation with one of our commercial vehicle accident attorneys. You’re not alone. Look to Brooks!
