After you have been in a truck accident, it is important to remain calm and call for help if you able to, and you are conscious. Be sure to get the truck driver’s name, contact information, the name of the company that employs the driver, the license number of the truck and other identifying information as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses. If you are in a condition to take pictures of the damage to your vehicle or you can have someone else do so, it would be helpful for your case. Also, if you remember what happened, write down the details as soon as possible so that you can give them to your attorney later.
Since most truck accidents involve serious injuries, you should seek medical attention immediately. You may need to go to the hospital. However, even if your injuries don’t appear life threatening or you don’t think you have been seriously injured, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your doctor right after the accident to ascertain the extent of any injuries. Many times injuries to your neck or back may not show up right away and take a week or two to manifest before they get worse.
It is important not to make any statements to anyone other than the police. Be sure to ask for a copy of any accident report prepared by the police. If anyone from the insurance company of the owner of the truck or the employer of the truck driver try to contact you or their attorney, do not speak to them or provide any information other than the name of your insurance agent and your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, it is recommended to hire a Tampa Bay personal injury attorney to represent your interests immediately. Also, you will need to contact your own insurance company to report the accident.
Keep copies of all medical bills and receipts for any of out of pocket expenses, loss of wages and other records. Your attorney will need this information to assist you with recovering monetary damages for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses and bills, loss of income and any future loss of income and other costs. It is also important to refrain from posting any comments or pictures on your Facebook page or other social media websites about the accident or showing you engaging in any physical activities after the accident. This is especially important if you are claiming that you are seriously injured or disabled, as this will hurt your case. Insurance companies and their investigators look for this type of information to use it against you, and you could jeopardize your case and chances of obtaining a favorable settlement. Also, do not discuss your case with friends, co-workers or others besides your attorney and your physician.
While no one can predict how your case will turn out, having the experience and knowledge of a skilled Tampa truck accident lawyer representing you can make a huge difference in the outcome of what you may be able to receive as compensation for your injuries and losses. At Brooks Law Group, our attorneys routinely successfully represent clients who have been injured in trucking accidents helping them establish liability in their case and negotiating a fair and reasonable settlement on their behalf.
