What steps should I take immediately after a truck accident? Most importantly, you need to attend to your medical needs. Making the appropriate reports and gathering as much information and evidence as possible are additional critical steps to take.
Then, connect with a Chicago truck accident lawyer so you can start pursuing justice for the damages you have sustained.
Protecting Your Health is the Most Important Step Immediately After a Truck Accident
Other-vehicle occupants are the most common victims in truck accidents. Since most other vehicles are smaller and lighter than trucks, their occupants are vulnerable to serious injuries when hit by a massive 18-wheeler or construction vehicle, or a large delivery truck. Attending to your medical needs is a vital step to take after a truck accident.
Your injuries may prevent you from moving or make it unsafe for you to move after the crash. In the first case, you have no choice but to wait for emergency care. In the second, for example, if you sustain damage to your head, neck, or back, do not move until emergency care providers stabilize those areas of your body.
See a doctor within hours of the accident, even if you are able to walk away on your own strength. Some deadly injuries can take time to appear, and immediate care can save your life.
Other times, you can worsen your condition by postponing care. You can also damage your truck accident claim, giving the at-fault party an opportunity to argue that your choice to delay care caused your debilitation.
Call Law Enforcement and Exchange Contact Details Immediately After a Truck Accident
Call law enforcement to make an official report. The Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) require drivers involved in motor-vehicle accidents to call police to the scene if the crash results in injuries requiring immediate treatment by a doctor or at a medical facility, or death. Still, it is in your best interests to call the police to come to the site of any truck accident.
If you can move without causing further injury, exchanging contact details with the other parties involved is another step you should take immediately after a truck accident. Snap photos of the driver’s license and insurance cards, as well as the truck’s identifying details and license plate.
Be careful not to say anything that could be construed as an admission of fault during this information exchange. Avoid commenting on your injuries as well, being especially careful not to minimize them. If anything, just say you will be seeking medical attention right away.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
You should also report the accident to your insurance company. Again, be mindful to stick to the facts of the accident even with your own representative. Though your insurance company is supposed to protect you, it is still a business whose first priority is protecting itself. Your attorney can provide your representative with additional details later.
Do not speak to the other drivers’ insurance adjusters without first connecting with a truck accident attorney in Wheaton. Unfortunately, some companies will find ways to use your words against you as a way to lower their potential payout. Your lawyer can speak on your behalf and protect you from this possibility.
Gather Evidence From the Truck Accident Scene
You can start collecting evidence immediately after a truck accident. Several possible parties can be sued after a truck accident, and the evidence you gather may play a role in determining which party or parties to hold accountable.
Take pictures of the entire accident scene. Capture traffic signals and signs, road conditions, and the positions of the vehicles. Note locations of traffic or security cameras, and if possible, ask business owners to save the camera footage. Snap photos of the damage to the cars and your own injuries, too.
Talk to witnesses and take down their contact information. Have them send you a text or email describing what they saw as soon as possible. You can even ask them to send it to you right there at the scene. Their accounts are likely to be more accurate if they provide them quickly after the event.
Connect with a Truck Accident Attorney in Wheaton
The next critical step to take immediately after a truck accident is connecting with an experienced Wheaton truck accident attorney. Our team has been representing truck accident victims for decades, and we can help build your case and fight for the damages you deserve.
Along with exceptional legal skills and extensive resources, we have a comprehensive understanding of
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) federal trucking regulations and Illinois’ state trucking regulations. We will expose violations that contributed to your accident as we work to hold the negligent parties accountable.
We know how to conduct thorough truck accident investigations and will compile convincing evidence to support your claim. We will seek to preserve and then acquire and analyze the truck’s black box data, and may consult with accident reconstructionists to determine what caused your accident and who is to blame.
Why a Fast Partnership Matters
The Illinois two-year statute of limitations is another reason partnering with an attorney is such an important step. According to the ILCS, two years is the legal deadline for filing an accident claim. You could put your case at risk if you fail to file on time. Once we enter a partnership, our team will handle the filing for you.
Illinois also follows a comparative negligence policy for apportioning damages in truck accident cases per Chapter 735 Section 2.1116. To pursue damages, victims must be only 50% or less to blame for the accident, and even then, can see their compensation reduced by their smaller percentage of fault. We will fight to protect you from unfair accusations so you can get full and fair compensation.
Partner with Us After a Truck Accident
Therman Law has recovered millions for accident victims in Illinois. Partnering with us is one of the most productive steps you can take immediately after a truck accident.
We are here to help you secure compensation for the injuries and losses you experienced from the crash, and we will fight tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve.