If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may wonder what you can do to protect your right to financial compensation.
To preserve your rights after a truck accident, you should:
- Call 911 to report the accident to the police and seek medical attention.
- Take photos, exchange information with the truck driver and any witnesses, and jot down what you remember about the crash.
- Interview witnesses, ideally recording their statements on your phone.
- Avoid discussing fault with the other party’s insurance company.
- Understand the value of your accident-related losses, and do not accept a settlement without talking to an attorney.
A Glastonbury truck accident lawyer with experience in these cases can explain your rights and guide you through your next steps.
What Kind of Evidence Could Help My Case?
After a truck accident, it is critical to gather evidence that could help prove liability and strengthen your injury claim.
Examples of helpful evidence include:
- Photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any injuries: Take clear pictures from multiple angles to document details. Photos of the scene should show vehicle positioning, skid marks, and any debris on the road.
- Police report and any citations issued: The police report contains officer accounts of the accident and statements from the involved parties. Any citations issued to the truck driver can be used to prove negligence.
- Truck’s black box data: Many commercial trucks have black boxes that record speed, braking, and other driver actions before a crash. This data can reveal critical information. An attorney can obtain the black box records.
- Witness accounts: Statements from eyewitnesses who saw what happened are invaluable. Witness names, contact information, and their written or recorded accounts should be collected.
- Medical records: Seeking medical treatment and attending all follow-up appointments will create medical records, which can be used to support your personal injury claim.
- Logbooks and driver records: Truck drivers must keep detailed logs of driving hours, inspection reports, and other details. These records can reveal safety violations.
An attorney has ways of obtaining the necessary evidence to prove liability and damages. Contacting the Claggett, Sykes & Garza soon after an accident will allow us to gather and preserve key evidence in your case.
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What If the Insurance Company or Trucking Company Contacts Me?
You may get a call from the trucking company’s legal team or an insurance adjuster asking you to discuss the accident in a recorded phone call. You should refuse to make a recorded statement and allow an experienced attorney to handle all communications with the involved parties.
The other side may try to twist anything you say to reduce the value of your case or place the blame for the commercial vehicle crash on you. They may also try to offer you a fast settlement before you understand the full impact of the accident. Don’t let them take advantage of you!
An experienced truck accident lawyer can confront the insurance company or liable party with the evidence and negotiate a better offer.
What Kind of Damages Can I Seek in a Truck Accident Claim?
As the injured party in a truck accident, you may face a growing stack of medical bills and other expenses.
While every case is different, you may be able to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Burial and funeral expenses (if a loved one died)
Keep in mind that every case is unique, and the damages you qualify for will depend on the extent of your injuries and how they have affected your life. A truck accident lawyer from our team can evaluate your case and explain which damages may be available.
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How Long do I Have to Take Legal Action After a Crash?
You have limited time to take legal action in your truck accident case. Various deadlines may apply, but the most crucial is your state’s statute of limitations.
For example, in Connecticut, the time limit for personal injury cases is generally two years from the incident date. Barring unique circumstances, missing this deadline could prevent you from suing the truck driver, their employer, or another liable party.
Certain situations could alter the deadline, so you may have less time than you think. An attorney from our law firm can tell you exactly how much time you have after reviewing your case.
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Contact a Truck Accident Law Firm for a Free Consultation
After a truck accident, you may be dealing with doctor’s appointments, financial hardship from missed work days, and pressure from insurance companies to accept a settlement. During this vulnerable time, it’s crucial to understand the value of your personal injury claim.
A truck accident lawyer from the Claggett, Sykes & Garza could evaluate your case during a free consultation. Our team could help you gather evidence, negotiate a fair settlement, and fight for justice in court if necessary.
If you were injured through no fault of your own, we are here to protect your right to fair compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
