We’ve discussed what you should do in the moments immediately following a commercial truck accident, but what should you do in the weeks and months following your crash? A truck accident case can last for months, or even years, and victims should understand what to expect.
So, what should you do if you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident?
1. Call a lawyer who’s experienced with commercial truck accident clients.
Many attorneys advertise “truck accidents” as an area of practice, but not all truck accident lawyers are created equal. After your crash, an experienced truck accident attorney is crucial. Their background knowledge and in-depth understanding of this specific area of law directly correlate to your outcome. The best approach is to ask the right questions during the initial consultation with an attorney. These include:
How many commercial truck accident clients have you represented?
Attorneys with only one or two commercial truck accident settlements under their belt likely aren’t as effective as those who have a long list of references with this type of case.
What is the average settlement your clients received?
This is important information, as you want a high settlement amount to cover your injuries, expenses, and ongoing impact from the accident.
Who will be handling my case?
Some legal firms employ many attorneys, so who you see in that television commercial may not be who takes your case. Ask up front who will be responsible for your case, and make sure you connect with them before you agree to let the firm take your case.
What do you charge?
Understanding the fee structure for a legal firm can be difficult for victims. You need to know how much an attorney will charge, whether or not they require payment in advance, etc.
Should I pursue my case?
This is the most important question of all. An experienced truck accident attorney won’t take on just any case. Recognizing the validity of a case (and whether or not the settlement will be worth the legal pursuit) is a telltale sign of a qualified, experienced commercial truck accident attorney.
Once you’ve interviewed attorneys, and made the selection that best fits your needs, you’ll move into the active portion of your lawsuit. As someone injured in a major accident, what should you do at this time?
2. Take care of yourself!
Oftentimes, a commercial truck accident leads to serious injuries. What’s more, psychological trauma, financial burdens, and even familial struggles can result from these serious collisions. That’s why we encourage you to focus on self-care after your accident.
Your mental health recovery matters too after a big truck accident!
How can you take care of yourself following an accident?
- keep up with medical appointments, make sure your pain is being appropriately managed
- rest when you can, and give your body (and mind) time to heal
- let family and friends help when they offer…you don’t need to face this alone!
- reach out for professional help if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or symptoms of PTSD
- spouses and children can struggle too after your accident…counseling or therapy can help them too!
It’s easy to let worry take over after a major catastrophe like a commercial truck accident. However, putting your case in the hands of a capable truck accident attorney means you can let go and take care of yourself. We fight for the justice and compensation you deserve, so you don’t have to.
3. Make smart decisions during your commercial truck accident case.
The time between filing a lawsuit against a truck driver and (or) a trucking company is pertinent to your case. Why? Because everything you say and do during this period could impact your outcome! Remember, as your lawyer is working hard to build a strong case on your behalf, you should avoid:
- speaking of the accident or the case with others
- putting anything online about the accident (including pictures or video!)
- discussing your injuries and medical reports in detail with others outside of your care team
- mentioning the truck driver, company, etc. by name
- traveling or participating in extreme activities if those will contradict your statement (i.e., you’re claiming serious injuries but post photos of parasailing at the beach on your holiday break)
You play a big role in supporting your attorney as they seek your best interest during the lawsuit and settlement process!
Who do injured people call after a commercial truck accident?
Brooks Law Group is the go-to for truck accident victims throughout Central Florida. We bring years of experience to the negotiation table and are prepared to fight for all accident victims, regardless of lifestyle, background, or financial status. Our contingency fee structure means you don’t pay unless we win. Even our initial consultation is free and of no risk to you. As a people-first firm, we are passionate about helping victims get the legal help they need and deserve.
If you’ve been in a commercial truck accident or a crash with a work vehicle, Look to Brooks.
