With so many trucks driving through the state, California drivers are at risk of an accident with one of those massive vehicles. Since semi-trucks weigh much more than the average car, the potential for catastrophic injuries is incredibly high.
According to the truck accidents attorneys at Maho | Prentice, LLP, everyone that drives in California should be aware of the steps they should take if they are involved in a truck accident. This includes getting treated for their injuries, gathering evidence, and seeking legal representation to hold the liable parties responsible and recover compensation.
Here is what this legal team advises you to do if you are involved in a truck accident.
Call the Police and Emergency Medical Services
When you call the police, they will come to the accident scene and create a police report. This crucial piece of evidence will detail what happened, the drivers involved, and other pertinent information.
By calling 911, you’ll also alert emergency medical services about any injuries. Don’t refuse treatment, even if you don’t think you have been hurt. You may have a traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding, which could be fatal if not treated immediately.
Get Evidence Before It’s Gone
If at all possible, depending on your injuries, you’ll want to take photos and videos of the accident scene to use as evidence in your case. You’ll also want to get the contact information of witnesses who saw what happened. There may be traffic or surveillance cameras depending on where your truck accident occurred. Other drivers may have dash cam footage. All of this can be used to show an unbiased picture of how the accident happened.
Exchange Information with the Truck Driver
After medical treatment has been administered, you will need to exchange contact information with the truck driver. You’ll have to report this to your insurance company as a condition of your coverage.
File Your Claim
As the victim of a truck accident, you must file your accident claim against the insurance company of the trucking company that employs the driver. You need to do this before the statute of limitations ends, which is two years from the date of your crash. After a truck accident, it is usually necessary to have a personal injury lawyer work on your case. They’ll make sure you file the paperwork properly and on time.
Know the Extent of Your Damages
Another reason injury victims in truck accidents hire personal injury attorneys is that they need someone to calculate all the damages for their compensation. Keep in mind, you will have more than just medical bills to worry about after being rushed to the hospital after the accident.
You will likely need ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and prescriptions. You will be unable to work for either the short or long term as you recover. Your injuries may be lifelong, but a lawyer will ensure you’re compensated for all of them, hold all liable parties accountable, and help you put your life back together.
