According to the CDC, every year there are around 4,000 fatal truck accidents in the United States. That’s a staggering statistic. But what can you do if you find yourself in one of these unfortunate situations? These accidents often involve two big trucks colliding into one another, but 18-wheeler accidents refer to any collision involving trucks with a cab that has an ASTRACA code of 18 or 19. These types of collisions often produce serious injuries and even death. If you have been involved in such an accident, you will want to understand your rights as well as how to handle the legal side of things moving forward. Read on for more details.
The first thing to do after an 18-wheeler accident
First and foremost, you should call an ambulance if anyone is injured. Whether you are injured or not, you will want to provide the authorities with information about the accident, such as the time and location, and any other details you can provide. You will also want to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident, especially if the accident was your fault. Your insurance company will want to know what happened so that they can start the process of getting you covered. If the accident was a result of someone else’s negligence, you will also want to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner the better, as this will help you get the most out of your claim. You will want to try to collect as much information as you can about the accident, including the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Medical care after an 18-wheeler accident
One of the first things to do after an 18-wheeler accident is to seek medical attention, especially if you are injured. You may have a concussion or broken bones that will not show up on an X-ray for several days. This is especially true for spinal injuries, which can take several weeks for the symptoms to fully show up. You will want to be sure that you get any follow-up care and treatment that you still need even if you feel fine the day after the accident. Make sure to keep all your medical records in case you need them later on.
If you are injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you may be able to recover damages from the at-fault party for your medical expenses. You will want to make sure that you collect all of your medical bills and have them audited by a medical professional to ensure that they are correct. This will help you prove the damages you have suffered as a result of the accident.
When to contact a lawyer after an 18-wheeler accident
If you are in an 18-wheeler accident, you will want to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can get to work on your case. The more time that passes after the accident, the more difficult it will be to get a good outcome. The lawyer will want to know as much information about the accident as possible, such as how it happened and the names of any witnesses. You will also want to collect any evidence related to the accident, such as photos, video footage, or police reports. You will want to be sure to keep all your medical bills and records and get any needed treatment. You may need to get treatment quickly to avoid long-term problems. You will want to make sure to keep all your receipts for medical bills. Your lawyer will want to get your bills so that they can be deducted from your eventual settlement.
Determining liability and fault after an 18-wheeler accident
In order to prove that the other party is at fault in your accident, you will need to determine what caused the accident. There may be witnesses who can help you figure this out. If not, you may want to start with a thorough investigation that may include obtaining the accident report and interviewing witnesses. If you are unsure of who is at fault, you may want to have both parties take part in a liability hearing. This is a form of mediation where both parties are present to determine who is at fault. As soon as you have this information, you can use it to your advantage in your legal case. This will allow you to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. You will want to start this process as soon as possible after the accident. The sooner you start, the better chance you have of getting a good settlement.
Final Words: Now is the time to take action
If you find yourself in an 18-wheeler accident, the best thing to do is to seek medical attention right away and contact a lawyer as soon as you can. The sooner you do this, the more likely it is that you will be compensated for your injuries. You may also be able to collect damages for other associated costs, such as lost wages or car repair costs.