Truck collisions can be life-changing events, leaving you with physical injuries, emotional scars, and a million questions about what to do next. It’s a scary and often overwhelming experience, but the steps you take after the accident are crucial—not just for your recovery, but also for protecting your legal rights. Whether you're facing mounting medical bills or navigating the complexities of insurance claims, knowing how to protect yourself legally is essential.
1. Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your safety is the number one priority. If you're able, move to a safe area away from traffic to avoid further injuries or harm. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical help if necessary. Even if you feel fine, it’s always a smart idea to get checked out by a medical professional. Injuries like whiplash or internal injuries might not show up immediately but could cause serious issues later.
Aside from your health, seeking medical attention also creates a record of your injuries. This documentation can be vital if you need to pursue a legal claim.
2. Call the Police and Report the Accident
A police report can serve as an essential piece of evidence when establishing liability in a truck collision case. When the officers arrive, provide an accurate account of what happened, but avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements. Simply stick to the facts.
The responding officers will typically collect information from everyone involved, including witnesses, and create a detailed report. Make sure to request a copy of the report later, as it can be helpful in proving your case later on.
3. Gather and Preserve Evidence
If you can do so safely, gather as much evidence as possible from the scene of the accident. This includes photos and videos of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Try to capture different angles that show the scope of the accident.
Exchange information with the truck driver, including their name, license number, employer information, and insurance details. Additionally, collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the trucking company, maintenance personnel, and even parts manufacturers. Preserving evidence increases your chances of holding the appropriate parties accountable.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
It’s important to contact your insurance company right away. Provide them with basic information about the incident, but be cautious about giving a detailed statement. Insurance adjusters may try to use your words against you later to minimize your claim.
If you're unsure about how to proceed, it’s wise to consult an attorney before engaging in any prolonged discussions with the insurance company.
5. Avoid Discussing Fault or Posting on Social Media
After a truck collision, it’s natural to want to talk to others about what happened. But discussing fault with the other party or posting about the accident on social media can backfire. Insurance companies and attorneys for the trucking company may monitor your social media accounts, and anything you say could be used as evidence against you.
It’s best to keep the details of the accident private until you’ve resolved your case.
6. Understand Your Legal Rights and Consider Hiring an Attorney
Truck accidents are not like car accidents—they often involve complex legal and regulatory issues. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests, which can leave you at a disadvantage.
This is why hiring a personal injury attorney is so critical. An experienced attorney can help you determine liability, calculate the full value of your claim (including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering), and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They can also ensure critical evidence, like black box data or maintenance logs, is preserved before it’s too late.
7. Be Wary of Quick Settlement Offers
Trucking companies and their insurers may offer you a settlement soon after the accident. While it may be tempting to accept money right away, these offers are often far lower than what you truly deserve.
Before agreeing to any settlement, consult an attorney to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table. Once you accept a settlement, you typically waive your right to pursue further compensation—so it’s important to get it right the first time.
Gainesville Truck Accident Attorneys
If you've been involved in a truck collision in Gainesville, FL, and need expert legal guidance, Schackow & Mercadante is here to help. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys is dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (352) 261-6767 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards resolving your case.