Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. The aftermath of such an accident can be complicated, and it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your health, legal rights, and ability to seek compensation. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, here’s what you need to know about what happens next and how the experienced truck accident lawyers at Avaness Law can help you through the process.
You Must Report the Truck Accident
The first thing you should do after a truck accident is call 911. Reporting the accident to the police is essential for several reasons: it ensures emergency medical services are dispatched if needed, and it creates an official record of the incident. The police will document important details about the accident, including statements from the truck driver, witnesses, and any relevant evidence from the scene, such as road conditions, weather, and vehicle damages. A police report is a critical piece of evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
A truck accident lawyer at Avaness Law can help you obtain and review the police report. We will use this official document, along with other evidence, to build a strong case and establish liability. Our team is experienced at interpreting police reports and other evidence to strengthen your claim.
You Will Need to Document Everything Related to the Accident
To build a strong case against the insurance company, you must keep track of all documents related to the accident. This includes:
- Medical records: Doctor visits, diagnoses, prescriptions, therapy, surgeries, and medical bills.
- Repair bills: Documentation of vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Lost wages: Pay stubs or proof of income showing wages lost due to your injuries.
- Correspondence: Keep a record of all communication with insurance companies, including emails, letters, and phone calls.
Our attorneys will help you organize and track all necessary documents to present your case in the best possible light. We can also assist in obtaining additional documentation, such as expert opinions, to strengthen your claim and ensure that all of your losses are accounted for.
Insurance Companies will Contact You
Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be a stressful and complex process, especially if you are dealing with injuries, property damage, and the aftermath of the accident. Truck accidents often involve large commercial trucks, which means you may be dealing with multiple insurance companies—your own, the truck driver’s, and the trucking company’s.
Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
After a truck accident, it’s important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance policies require prompt notification, and failing to do so may negatively impact your claim. When reporting the accident, stick to the basic facts: the time, location, and parties involved. Avoid speculating about fault or discussing details that could be interpreted in ways that may harm your claim.
Avoid Making Recorded Statements Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies will likely ask for a recorded statement after you report the accident. While it may seem like a routine procedure, anything you say in these statements can be used against you to reduce or deny your claim. Insurance adjusters may ask leading questions designed to minimize your claim, downplay your injuries, or suggest that you share some fault for the accident.
Before making any recorded statements, it’s crucial to consult with a truck accident lawyer at Avaness Law. We can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that nothing you say harms your case. We will also ensure that your side of the story is represented accurately.
The Trucking Company’s Insurance Provider May Try to Quickly Settle the Claim
In addition to your own insurance, truck accidents often involve the trucking company’s insurance. The trucking company’s insurer may attempt to contact you, sometimes offering a quick settlement or asking for a statement. These offers may seem appealing, but keep in mind that trucking companies and their insurers are primarily focused on protecting their financial interests, not yours.
Be Prepared for Lowball Offers or Delays
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by offering low settlements or delaying payment altogether. They may offer you a quick settlement to close the case and prevent you from realizing the full extent of your injuries and damages. Accepting a lowball offer could mean forfeiting compensation for long-term medical care, ongoing therapy, and lost wages in the future.
At Avaness Law, we understand the tactics used by insurance companies to undermine your claim. We will review all medical records, economic losses, and long-term care needs to ensure you receive the full amount you deserve. Our team will handle all negotiations with insurance companies and pursue the best possible outcome for you.
Your Attorney will Negotiate with the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for as little money as possible. However, a quick settlement may not account for the full extent of your damages, especially if your injuries require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or time off work. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle quickly, but you should never accept a settlement offer without first fully understanding the long-term impact of your injuries.
The truck accident lawyers at Avaness Law are skilled negotiators with experience handling complex truck accident cases. We will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that the settlement offer reflects the full extent of your damages. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Maximize Your Compensation – Start with a Free Consultation!
At Avaness Law, we are committed to helping truck accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a truck accident can have on your life, and we are here to fight for your rights. Our truck accident attorneys offer free consultations to review the details of your case and explain how we can help you pursue maximum compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait—contact Avaness Law today to schedule your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let us help you get the justice you deserve!
