Do These 6 Steps To Win Your Truck Accident Case

Truck accident claims can be a little more complicated than your average vehicle accident. While the most important step is to hire a truck accident lawyer, there are a few other things you need to do to maximize your compensation and win. An accident can be a horrible experience, no matter what type of vehicle you’re in. However, it’s much worse and much more complicated when you’re involved in a commercial truck accident. This is due to the nature of this type of vehicle and the kind of accidents it results in. If you or someone you love is going through a truck accident, follow these 6 important steps to win your claim and receive full compensation.

1.  Know What to Do After the Accident

Winning your injury or accident claim starts from the moment the crash happens. After a truck accident, the first thing you should do is to contact law enforcement and have them come to the accident scene. Then, you should get medical support as soon as possible to treat and document all of your resulting injuries. Before leaving the scene, you want to make sure that everything is captured by taking pictures and videos of every little detail, including the other party’s car number. You also need to collect contact information and other important details from all parties involved in the accident.

2.  Know What to Say After the Accident

Think wisely before you say anything after the incident, any and everything you say can be used against you by the other party’s insurance company. Be careful while you answer questions from the investigating officer and keep your answers short and honest. It’s important to avoid apologizing or admitting fault for the crash, it’s also important to avoid discussing the accident as the other party’s insurance company tries to call you after the crash. All you have to do is inform them that you’ll be working with a lawyer who will be contacting them later on.

3.  Collect Evidence

Certain evidence needs to be acquired to prove the other party’s negligence. According to the St. Louis Missouri truck accident lawyers, the evidence includes the police report created after the accident scene, the medical records proving your injuries, and any pictures or video footage containing the accident scene. It can also include eyewitness testimonials, maintenance and inspection records, and any logbook from the driver. Talk to your lawyer and they’ll let you know how these pieces of evidence can support your claim.

4.  Be Prepared for Your Lawyer’s First Consultation

The first time you meet up with your lawyer, they will require certain documentation that helps them determine your case and understand your injuries and the type of crash that took place. The required documentation includes any receipts or bills that prove your payments for any accident-related fees. It also includes any medical records, police accident reports, pay stubs documenting lost wages, and personal journals documenting the changes made in your life after the injury. You should aim to bring with you anything that can prove the liability of the at-fault party.

5.  Document Everything

This means taking pictures and recording everything in the accident scene. Take pictures of the involved cars and any damage caused by either one of them. This includes debris and skid marks left on the road as a result of the accident. You should also document the weather at the accident scene if it impacted the crash or the vision of any of the drivers while driving. Make sure you include pictures and videos of any road irregularities such as broken guardrails and potholes.

6.  Know When to Take Your Case to Court

It’s common for trucking companies and insurance companies to try to minimize the amount they have to pay you for compensation. They may even deny fault to avoid giving you your rightful benefits. When this happens, you can take your case to court to claim your damages and win the settlement. This step is usually determined by a lawyer who advises you when it’s time to end the negotiation and take matters to court.

Truck accidents tend to be a lot of hassle to those involved in the crash. This is why it’s always recommended to hire a truck accident lawyer who has dealt with similar cases before so that they can guide you to the right consequences. It’s not easy to go against an insurance company on your own, especially when they deny their liability and try to prevent you from receiving compensation. To increase your chances of winning the claim, you need to learn what you have to do and say from the moment the accident takes place until the day you are being represented in court.