You’ve had a truck accident and are now wondering what to do next. Understanding your next steps is important, since making the wrong move could tank your case and cause you to miss out on much-needed compensation.
Below, a Missouri truck accident lawyer explains what to do after a truck collision, including:
Immediately after a truck accident, you’re probably not thinking about taking pictures, but that’s exactly what you should do. After the police arrive, they’ll soon clean up the accident scene. This is your only chance to capture details of the scene before that happens.
Using your phone’s camera, take pictures and video of your injuries, your car, the truck that hit you, and details that seem pertinent to the crash. These could include:
If the truck driver seems intoxicated, record a video of them as well.
It’s hard not to notice a truck accident, so the odds are good that someone has already called the police. If they haven’t, you’ll need to do so yourself.
Stay calm when the police arrive. Politely explain what happened, and never admit fault. The police will make a report, and you’ll need to request a copy of this report for your insurance claim and your Missouri truck accident lawyer’s evidence file.
You probably don’t need much convincing to see a doctor after a truck crash. But if you’re on the fence about seeking medical attention, don’t wait. Even if you feel fine now, you could wake up in serious pain the next morning.
The insurance company could also use your lack of medical attention against you. An adjuster might say you’re not badly hurt and, in turn, offer you a low settlement.
If you want a fair settlement, you and your Missouri truck accident lawyer must gather strong evidence. Medical bills and doctor’s statements serve as excellent evidence. They can prove how badly injured you are and how long the doctor thinks you’ll take to recover fully.
Auto repair estimates are helpful, too. Don’t have your car repaired immediately after a crash. Instead, ask the mechanic for an estimate to repair it. You can send this estimate and pictures of your vehicle to the insurance company.
If you must take time off work because of your injuries, ask your employer to write a statement saying you cannot do your job. To calculate lost wages, multiply your average paycheck by how many weeks you expect to miss work.
Truck black box data is also crucial. The truck’s black box records the driver’s speed, routes taken, and stops. A Missouri law firm can use this data to prove fault.
It’s time to make an insurance claim for the truck collision. Along with your claim, send all the proof you gathered, plus a demand letter that includes the total value of your damages.
The insurance company will probably offer you a low settlement at first. If you don’t like the offer, an attorney can help you negotiate for more.
Having an attorney by your side can make the truck crash claims process go much more smoothly. If the insurance company offers a low settlement and won’t negotiate, contact The Law Offices of Kevin J. Roach, LLC, to discover your legal rights.
For your free consultation with a Missouri truck accident lawyer, call (636) 238-5848.
