A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal guidelines. After an accident, it is always those in smaller and lighter passenger cars that become hurt. If you have been in a truck accident, you are likely suffering from extremely severe injuries. You can file a claim against the liable party to recover compensation that can offset the financial burden your injuries will impose over the next coming months. The steps you take afterward, though, are crucial to protect your claim. Below, our Miami truck accident lawyer explains the five most important things to do after a crash.
Report the Accident
Under Florida law, you are required to report any accident to law enforcement that resulted in injury, death, impaired driving, or a hit-and-run. You must also report any accident that involves a commercial vehicle, which trucks are. Reporting the accident can document the crash, as the police will file a report afterward. That report may also indicate which party caused the accident, which can help with your claim.
Exchange Insurance and Driving Information
Just like after any other type of crash, you must exchange information with all other drivers involved. Exchange your insurance information, driver’s license numbers, and contact information. Also ask the truck driver if they are an employee of a trucking company, or if they are an independent contractor. This information will be important later. In either case, ask the truck driver the company they were hauling cargo for.
Gather Evidence
Some of the evidence most important to your case will be right at the accident scene. Take pictures of the entire accident scene, close-ups of the damage to vehicles involved, and your own injuries. Also take pictures of any other relevant information, such as traffic lights or stop signs. Locate witnesses and ask them for their contact information, as well. Your lawyer will need it later to collect statements from them, which can help prove your case.
Seek Medical Treatment
There is little chance that you will escape a truck accident uninjured. It is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately following any truck accident. It is recommended that you call an ambulance out to the scene so you can receive the immediate medical treatment you need. Seeking medical attention is also an important part of protecting your claim. If you do not, the insurance company covering the negligent party will likely argue that you were not hurt because you did not see a doctor.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Miami
Filing a claim to recover the financial compensation you need after an accident is not easy. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, our Miami truck accident lawyers will refute the claims of the insurance company that you were at fault, and collect other important evidence that will help ensure you receive the fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at 305-371-2692 or submit our online form to schedule a free review of your case with our seasoned attorney.