Been In An Accident Involving A Commercial Truck? 3 Steps You Need To Take
Posted on: 6 August 2019
If you've been in an accident involving a commercial truck, you need to take additional steps to protect your rights. Accidents involving commercial trucks can be difficult to recover from. First, injuries can be catastrophic. Second, vehicle damage can be more significant. Third, insurance companies can be difficult to locate and work with. These are all reasons why one of the first things you need to do is hire a law firm (such as Labine Law Firm); particularly one with experience dealing with commercial truck accidents. Once you've hired your firm, here are three steps you'll need to take.
Leave the Legal Work to Your Attorney
Now that you have representation, you need to leave the legal work to your attorney—and there will be a lot of it.
Insurance Companies
As stated above, when it comes to accidents involving commercial trucks, insurance companies can be difficult to locate and work with. In some cases, there may be multiple insurance policies, especially with corporate trucks.
Locating Drivers
If there were multiple vehicles involved in the accident, your attorney will need to locate all the drivers. That can be a difficult task, especially where team drivers are concerned.
Identifying Liability Chain
Your attorney will also need to identify the liability chain. You might not realize it, but accidents involving commercial trucks can have an extensive line of liability to follow. First, there's the driver of the truck. Next, there's the owner of the truck, especially when the driver isn't the owner/operator. Finally, there's the company that paid for the shipment.
Keep Detailed Records
If you've been involved in an accident involving a commercial truck, you'll need to keep detailed records following the incident.
Medical Visits
While you're receiving care for your injuries, be sure to document each medical visit. Write down notes from each doctor visit, and get copies of your medical records.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
If you have any out-of-pocket expenses, be sure to document those. Keep receipts for anything that you pay for out of your own pocket. This is particularly important where medical visits, prescription medication, or durable medical goods are concerned.
Loss of Employment
If you've lost time from work as a result of your injuries, be sure to document those lost hours. If you can, obtain a print-out from your employee to show the days that you've had to miss from work.
Avoid Making Statements Without Your Attorney
Finally, if you've been in an accident involving a commercial truck, avoid making any statements without your attorney being present. This is particularly important where recorded statements are concerned.
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