Each year, more than 470,000 heavy trucks and buses are involved in road accidents. Trucks are used to transport goods and almost every industry needs trucks for transportation. In just 2020, there were around 147,000 injuries due to truck accidents.
The moments succeeding a truck accident are incredibly critical. They are certainly overwhelming because, after a collision, you’re either unconscious or feeling frantic and confused. It’s not easy to think clearly, whether it’s a major accident or a fender bender. However, it’s important to report the accident and file a personal injury claim.
The actions you take following a truck accident will determine the maximum compensation you can obtain. When you know the right actions, you can protect your legal rights. However, most people don’t know what they should do first and what steps they should take.
In this guide, we’ll be sharing with you the extremely crucial steps you need to take immediately after surviving a truck accident. You must always be prepared and aware of your rights so you can respond appropriately in such a situation. For more information, consult truck accident attorneys in Nevada at The Bourassa Law Group.
Report To The Police
The first thing you need to do if you have been a victim of a truck accident is to report the collision. You must notify the law enforcement agency nearby. When they arrive on the scene, make sure you let them know the details, including what happened before the accident. Even if there is barely any physical damage to you or the vehicle, you must alert the police.
You might have sustained minor injuries that aren’t immediately noticeable, such as soft tissue injuries. The effects won’t become apparent till the next day because swelling and inflammation take some time to develop. When you have a police report, you can get the medical attention you need and file for financial compensation to support your case.
Seek Urgent Medical Treatment
In all personal injury cases, you should always get yourself checked immediately. As we mentioned, you might have sustained injuries that aren’t evident instantly. It’s best to consult a physician and get checked out, especially if you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Don’t wait to seek treatment until you’ve received a financial settlement in court. Minor and major injuries both need prompt treatment. You can later use the medical report to file a claim, even if the settlement you receive later doesn’t cover your needs.
Gather Evidence
If you’re still on-site, you need to take pictures of yourself and the collision. Gather evidence by taking pictures, especially if you are physically hurt, such as bruises or visible injuries, or your vehicle. Take pictures and videos of any other vehicles or road damage due to the accident.
You also need to exchange information with the truck driver and get as much information about him as you possibly can. If anyone else was involved in the accident, ask them for their insurance information as well. There must have been witnesses who saw the accident take place, so ask them for their contact information as well.
Don’t Agree To or Sign Anything
Most truck drivers usually get their trucking company involved immediately. They will ask you to accept a settlement offer and whatever their insurance provider is willing to offer you.
However, this is usually to avoid court proceedings and is mostly in favor of the truck driver. You shouldn’t agree to anything or sign any papers before you speak to your personal injury or truck accident lawyer.
Contact a Lawyer
This is the next and most crucial step. Before you accept any offers or move forward with the case, you need to consult an experienced and trustworthy personal injury lawyer in Nevada. They will offer you the guidance, knowledge, and tools you need to handle this legal case.
A personal injury attorney in Nevada will help you understand and protect your rights by helping you fight the case. They understand how the law works and the rules governing the trucking industry. With their legal counsel, you can fight for maximum compensation in court.
If you or someone you know ends up in a car or truck accident, make sure you consult a law firm near you. If you’re in Nevada, visit The Bourassa Law Group. They are an affordable law firm offering cost-effective legal solutions in the area.
The firm has a team of experienced accident injury attorneys who have handled hundreds of personal injury cases in Las Vegas. They will handle all the legal aspects of the case and court proceedings.
For further information, you can reach out to them today.
About The Author.
The author of this guest post is a legal expert working for The Bourassa Law Group.
