Your Essential Guide: A Truck Accident Checklist by Frantz Law Group

Summary

If you have been involved in a truck accident, knowing what steps to take next is crucial to seeking compensation. Our essential guide provides a checklist of things to do after a truck accident.

Trucks play a vital role in our supply chain, ferrying goods across vast distances to keep our businesses and economy running.

However, their presence on our roads leads to harrowing accidents, serious injuries, and even wrongful death—more often than we’d like to admit.

In 2021, there was a concerning rise in fatal crashes involving large trucks, with 5,700 incidents reported. This represents an 18% increase compared to 2020 and a significant 49% increase over the past decade.

The National Safety Council defines large trucks as “any medium or heavy truck, not including buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds.” This includes both commercial trucks and non-commercial vehicles.

Large trucks accounted for:

• 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes
• 5% of all registered vehicles
• 10% of total vehicle miles traveled

The aftermath of such incidents can be overwhelming, often leaving victims confused and unsure of what steps to take next.

That’s where this checklist comes into play. From preserving evidence to understanding your legal rights, this guide is an essential tool that provides practical advice, tips, and guidance, ensuring you are not left in the dark when dealing with such a traumatic event.

Immediate Steps After a Truck Accident

While it may be tempting to flee the scene of a truck accident, the first and most crucial step is to ensure everyone’s safety.

Check yourself and others for any injuries, and if possible, move to a safe location away from the road. Assess the condition of others involved in the accident and provide help if you can.

Once everyone is out of harm’s way, alert the authorities. Call 911 to facilitate immediate medical assistance for those needing it and inform the local police department about the accident.

While waiting for the authorities, start gathering evidence if you can. Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the accident scene from various angles. Capture the following:

• Positions of the motor vehicles
• Visible damages
• Road conditions
• Skid marks
• Traffic signs
• Hazard lights
• Name of the trucking company on the vehicle
• Any injuries sustained

If possible, exchange information with the motorists involved, including the driver’s name, the trucking company, insurance information, and phone number.

Gather information and jot down details about the accident, such as the time, date, weather conditions, and sequence of events. This information can be vital in establishing fault and determining liability.

Police officers will inspect the scene, interview witnesses, and create an official police report, which can be instrumental in future legal proceedings and filing for claims.

Medical Attention and Documentation

Your health is paramount. Always prioritize getting the necessary medical care over everything else. Once you’re on the path to recovery, you can then focus on the legal aspects of your truck accident case.

Seeking Immediate Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor.

Symptoms of certain injuries like internal bleeding or concussion may not appear immediately after the accident but could potentially be life-threatening. By getting a thorough medical check-up, you can ensure that any injuries are promptly diagnosed and treated.

Immediate medical care also establishes a link between the accident and your injuries—vital evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim eventually.

Keeping Detailed Medical Records

Detailed records of your injuries and treatments should include:

• Medical reports from each doctor’s visit.
• Medical bills and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries (like medications, assistive devices, etc.)
• Records of any physical therapy or rehabilitation services.
• Documentation of any psychological counseling if the accident caused emotional distress.

These records serve as proof of the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with them. They can be instrumental in calculating the amount of compensation you may be entitled to in a claim.

Legal Considerations

Navigating the legal aspects of a truck accident can be complex, but with the right guidance and assistance, you can ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Not Admitting Fault

Be mindful of what you say in the aftermath of a truck accident. Even seemingly innocent remarks like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry” can be misconstrued as an admission of fault.

When describing the accident to law enforcement or other parties involved, stick to the facts.

On the flip side, the other party may also refuse to admit fault. This adds to the complexity of the case and in seeking compensation.

Until an official investigation is conducted, the exact cause of the accident and who is at fault may not be clear. Let investigators determine fault based on evidence rather than statements made at the scene.

Collecting Information

Gathering information from other parties should include:

• Names, addresses, and contact information of all parties and witnesses.
• Insurance details of the other drivers involved.
• License plate numbers and descriptions of the other vehicles involved.
• The driver’s license number of the truck driver.

This information will be useful if you file a truck accident claim or a lawsuit.

Reporting to Insurance

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, when speaking with them, be cautious. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about who was at fault or the extent of your injuries.

Your insurance company needs to know about the accident to start processing your claim, but it’s wise to consult with a personal injury attorney before giving a recorded statement. They can guide you on what to say to protect your rights and interests.

Understanding Your Rights and Options

After a truck accident, you have certain legal rights that aim to protect you, such as:

• The right to medical attention: Your health and well-being are top priorities. Full stop. Any truck accident injuries should be promptly treated.
• The right to remain silent: You’re not obliged to provide a statement at the scene of the accident or to the other party’s insurance company. Any statements you make could potentially be used against you.
• The right to compensation: If the accident was not your fault, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and potential pain and suffering.

A truck accident lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process, help you understand your rights, and advocate.

They can assist with gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing you in court.

How Frantz Law Group Can Help

Frantz Law Group is a renowned law firm with extensive experience and a successful track record in handling personal injury cases. We are committed to providing high-quality legal representation to individuals who have been injured in accidents.

Expertise and Experience

Frantz Law Group boasts a team of highly skilled truck accident attorneys with decades of combined experience in personal injury law. They have handled a wide range of cases, from car and truck accidents to workplace injuries and wrongful death claims.

This broad experience enables them to approach each case with a wealth of knowledge and insight and to craft effective legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.

Proven Track Record

Frantz Law Group has a proven track record of successfully securing favorable client outcomes. Our law firm has won numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, demonstrating our ability to advocate effectively for clients and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Client-Centric Approach

At Frantz Law Group, the needs and interests of clients always come first. We understand that each client’s situation is unique, and we offer personalized attention and tailored legal solutions. Our commitment to our clients is evident in our responsive communication, compassionate service, and pursuit of justice.

Long-Term Considerations

Understanding considerations that will appear in the future can help you determine your rights and ensure you’re adequately compensated for your losses.

Dealing with Ongoing Medical Issues

Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries that require long-term care. These might include physical therapy, surgeries, medication, and other treatments.

In some unfortunate cases, victims may also experience disabilities that impact their daily lives.

Work closely with your healthcare provider to understand your prognosis and what type of ongoing care you might need. This can help you plan for the future and ensure you receive the necessary support.

Document all your medical expenses related to the accident—your immediate and projected costs for future care. These are all crucial when seeking compensation.

Financial Compensation

Victims of truck accidents have the right to seek financial compensation for their losses. This can include:

• Medical expenses: This covers past and future medical costs related to the accident.
• Lost wages: If the accident has caused you to miss work or reduced your earning ability, you can claim compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: In some cases, you may also be entitled to compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life caused by the accident.

Remember, a personal injury attorney can play a critical role in ensuring you consider all long-term implications of the accident. They can help you understand your rights, guide you through seeking compensation, and advocate on your behalf to ensure your needs are met.

Need Expert Legal Assistance? Contact Frantz Law Group’s Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys Today!

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact Frantz Law Group today for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is ready to guide you through the legal process, advocate on your behalf, and help you secure the compensation you’re entitled to.