When you get in a truck accident, you most likely are frazzled and may not know what to do the days after an accident. Calling an experienced truck accident can help alleviate a significant portion of the stress. A lawyer can help you navigate the next steps to help you start building your case.
Our truck accident lawyers at the Buzbee Law Firm explain the steps you should take in the following days after a Texas truck accident. We’ll go over calling a lawyer, handling injuries, and dealing with the insurance company. We understand this is a stressful time, and we’re here to help you through it.
Get in Touch With a Truck Accident Lawyer
After getting into a truck accident, you should call a truck accident lawyer as soon as you complete the necessary steps after an accident. These actions are required by law, and you can face a felony charge with jail time if you leave the scene of an accident.
The necessary steps that you should take right after the accident include:
- Report the accident to the police
- Call for medical help for yourself and other driver
- Exchange information with the other driver
By calling a truck accident attorney shortly after your accident, you’ll be able to start building a case to hold the negligent driver accountable. A lawyer will be able to tell you the details of the truck driver’s negligence, such as if they used stimulants such as caffeine while driving. A lawyer will help you gather evidence, file your truck accident claim on time and help you understand the legal process.
Look for Signs of New Injuries
If you already went to the doctor on the day of your accident, you did the right thing. However, some injuries don’t show up right away. The most common type of injury that has delayed presentation of symptoms is internal injuries. Truck accidents can result in many types of internal injuries, including:
- Internal bleeding
- Head and neck injuries
- Abdominal aneurysm
- Punctured lung
- Rib fractures
If you have new injuries that appear, you should go to the doctor to have them examined. Time is crucial, especially when it comes to internal injuries. When you go to the doctor, your injuries will also be added to your medical record, which you can then use as evidence in your truck accident case.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Without a Lawyer
Days after the accident, you may get a call from the negligent party’s insurance company. When the insurance company calls, it’s best to maintain a stern attitude and not give any indications of your injuries. You should also not accept any settlement offer because you will not be able to recover any more damages that you qualify for.
If you have already hired a truck accident lawyer, it’s best to tell the insurance company that you will talk to the insurance adjuster at a specific time when your lawyer can accompany you. Then, when you meet with the insurance company with your attorney, they can shut down any attempts the insurance adjuster tries to make to devalue your claim.
After you file your claim, you will enter the negotiation stage with your lawyer. If you are not able to reach a fair settlement, then you and your attorney can agree to turn your case into a lawsuit. You will then start preparing to take your case to court to get the settlement you need to cover your injuries.
Record Your Damages As They Happen
When you go to the insurance company, the insurance adjuster will ask you to show proof of all the damages you suffered. In order to ensure that you have an accurate log of your damages, it’s best to update them as you receive them. Some damages that you may be eligible to recover include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Prescriptions
- Loss of income
- Vehicle repairs or replacements
- Pain and suffering
A good way to keep track is to make a Google Sheet or keep a list in a notebook, whichever method works best for you. You may be able to log some damages right away, like pain and suffering, while others may take a while. This way, when you go to the insurance company with your truck accident attorney, you’ll be able to present all your damages.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney at the Buzbee Law Firm
If you were in a truck accident in Texas, our team of truck accident attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm is here to help. When we take on your case, we make sure you get the compensation you need.
If you’re ready to start building your case, we’re right along with you. Give us a call or fill out the contact form to start your free consultation today.
