If you’ve ever been in an accident with a truck, you know what kind of devastation can occur. The National Safety Council, America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate, researches and reports on traffic accidents. They found in 2020 that large trucks accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes. The majority of semi-truck collisions are caused by driver mistakes, making it the most frequent reason for truck accidents. If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident that resulted in physical damage, you may wonder what they can do to protect themselves. A Florida truck accident lawyer will be your best source of help after an 18-wheeler truck accident.
Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident with a Semi-Truck
Here are some immediate steps to take following an accident with a semi-truck:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be apparent until later.
- Call the Police: Contact the police as soon as possible and make sure an accident report is filed. The report will document the details of the accident, and it will be useful in any legal action.
- Gather Information: Gather the truck driver’s name, address, and phone number, as well as the name of their employer, insurance information, and the license plate number of the truck. Additionally, take photos of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and your injuries.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Do not admit fault or make any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Contact a truck accident attorney near me: It’s advisable to contact an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you receive fair compensation for your damages.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company and report the accident. Provide them with the details of the accident and the information you gathered at the scene.
- Keep Records: Keep records of your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. This information will be useful in any legal action.
Benefits of Seeking Help from a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer
Accident lawyers, are often known as personal injury lawyers. They focus on defending people who have been hurt in accidents that were brought on by someone else’s carelessness. Among the most important things accident attorneys do are the following:
- Legal Counsel: Accident lawyers counsel their clients on their legal options and the best line of action to take in their particular situation. Additionally, they describe the court system and what to anticipate from settlement talks and/or trials.
- Investigate the Accident: Accident attorneys will look into the incident and compile information to support their client’s claim, such as witness accounts, police reports, and medical records.
- Determine Liability: Accident lawyers will identify the party(ies) responsible for the collision and hold them liable for their actions. This may entail determining all possible defendants, including the driver, the freight firm, or the car’s creator.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Accident lawyers will speak with insurance providers on their client’s behalf to make sure they get just compensation for their client’s losses, which may include medical costs, missed earnings, and pain and suffering.
- Represent Clients in Court: In order to guarantee that their clients receive just recompense for their harms and losses, accident attorneys will, if required, represent their clients in court.
In general, truck accident lawyers fight to safeguard their client’s legal rights and assist them in obtaining the compensation they are due after suffering injuries in an accident that was the result of someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one has experienced a truck accident in Florida, reach out to the experienced Florida truck accident attorneys at Adolphe Law. Their history includes offering personalized personal injury representation in South Florida. They also have lawyers on staff who speaks English, Spanish, and Creole.