Sometimes, the worst thing that can happen to you is not what you expected. It’s when things go wrong for no reason. And it’s all too easy to blame yourself for them happening. But if something goes wrong and it wasn’t your fault, then there are people out there who’ll be able to help make sure that the people responsible will pay for their mistakes.
One of the things that no one really expects to happen is a truck accident. However, they do occur due to different circumstances—the truck driver not getting enough sleep; ice on the road, and several other reasons. When that happens, the consequences can be quite serious; a truck is a very large vehicle and will likely cause a lot of damage.
This article will give you information about how to get compensated after a truck accident so that you get your due after suffering a loss from the incident.
What To Do First
First things first. You have to call the police and let them know that the truck driver caused an accident and that this was not your fault. By law, as legal experts at CPL Law Firm explain, they are required to investigate all accidents where there is property damage or injury even if no one has been hospitalized. If you don’t do this, then you won’t be able to make a claim for damages against the owner of the truck (if you haven’t already).
If this happens, make sure that you always keep your insurance information on hand. Some companies can even send representatives out to help you file your report if needed. You should also call a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases so they can help you with the next steps.
Get the Medical Attention You Need
After calling the police, you should get medical attention as soon as possible. When talking on the emergency number, always request medical help even if you don’t suspect any injuries at first. Many injuries and wounds can be internal, which could even be fatal if left untreated for too long.
An accident might cause more serious injuries than anyone realizes at first; they might get worse with passing time. You want to make sure of everyone’s health first and then worry about the compensation as a close second priority.
Plus, if someone waits for too long before seeking treatment, the insurance company may claim that they were not hurt all that badly. This could lead to less coverage and more delay in the payments. When you have a doctor check you up right away, there will be early documentation of all the injuries and wounds. This will help to determine the potential treatment costs and hopefully result in a decent coverage by the insurance company.
Take as Many Pictures as Possible
Pictures of the accident scene can come in very handy when you have to prove how everyone was at the time. Take all the pictures you can as soon as possible after the accident. These pictures may include:
- The whole scene of the accident from a distance or as much as you can get from your vantage point
- How the vehicles are positioned at the time
- The injuries, wounds, and other forms of damage to the passengers and the vehicles
- The sky, snow on the surrounding ground, ice on the road, or anything else that might have influenced the accident in some way
Importance Of Finding A Good Lawyer
Finding a good lawyer is important as they will be your advocate and adviser throughout the entire process. They can help you file a claim with the insurance company of the truck, as well as help you prepare for any legal proceedings that may take place. You should know that some lawyers don’t specialize in this field and may not be reliable, make sure to look at their reputations and past work before deciding on who you would like to represent you.
Once you’ve found a lawyer and they’ve agreed to take on your case, they will contact the insurance company of the truck which caused the accident and they’ll initiate settlement discussions. If these discussions are unsuccessful, then you’ll have to decide whether or not to proceed with a lawsuit against the truck driver and their insurance company. This will depend on several factors, including your damages and how much you would be compensated if you won the suit. In fact, according to https://theissalawfirm.com/personal-injury/truck-accidents, the at-fault truck driver might also have a team of lawyers who will do anything in their power to minimize the company’s liability. In that case, having an experienced lawyer by your side will help you fight for your rights and elevate your chances of compensation.
What To Expect Next
If the owners of the truck deny your claim, this means that they feel there is no reason for them to pay for damages caused by their employee’s actions. If this happens, a lawyer will contact them on your behalf and they will negotiate terms that are acceptable to both parties even if it requires going to court.
If you are covered by the driver’s insurance, then it should be an easy process. However, if they aren’t insured or don’t have enough coverage for your damages, then you will probably have to find another way to get compensated. This is why it’s always best to call a lawyer and let them handle the negotiations.
Once Your Claim Is Filed
During this process, you will be reimbursed for any medical expenses that you’ve had to pay for, such as a doctor or hospital bills. You can also receive compensation for damages like your wedding ring or laptop if these were damaged in the accident and it wasn’t your fault.
And if you or someone in your family was killed, you could receive compensation to help with funeral expenses and other financial setbacks. When it is time for you to receive your compensation, they will issue a check to either you or your lawyer so that the process is easier when the insurance company pays its part.
What To Do If You Don’t Agree
If you don’t agree with the amount of coverage being offered, then you have 30 days until the offer expires. Once that 30 days is over, they can no longer offer you the coverage. If this happens, then your lawyer will know exactly what to do next in order for you to get compensated.
So if you find yourself in a situation where someone else is at fault and you don’t agree with the amount of coverage they’re offering, then don’t be afraid to contact a lawyer and let them handle everything.