Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Truck Accident
Nobody understands the physical, emotional, and financial agony of being in a truck accident until it happens to them. A collision with a commercial truck can leave you with debilitating injuries that can require several months of surgeries and physical therapy. In many situations, individuals never fully heal from the crash, forcing them to quit work and depend on loved ones. If you have recently fallen victim to a truck accident in Harrisburg, PA, our truck accident lawyer is here to provide his advice on protecting your rights.
Call 911
Once you have pulled over to a safe location, call 911. Even if you have no apparent signs of injury, it is best that you get yourself checked out. When the paramedics arrive at the scene, tell them of any symptoms that you are experiencing. By getting medically evaluated, you preserve your right to file an insurance claim. Medical documentation is one of the most essential pieces of an injury claim, and by seeing a doctor immediately, you build a stronger case.
Contact the Police
Truck accidents are notorious for extensive property damage and injuries. Pennsylvania law requires that you contact the police in any accident that involves injuries, fatalities, or requires that a vehicle be towed. The police should also be called if you are the victim of a hit-and-run or if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
The responding officer will record details related to the incident, including the date/time/location, names of the drivers and passengers, road and weather conditions, a brief description of the accident, and the officer’s assessment of who is at fault. The insurance company will request a copy of the collision report when you submit your claim, so it is best to err on the side of caution and contact law enforcement.
Do Not Admit Fault
We cannot stress enough the importance of not admitting fault. Even if you believe that you caused the crash, do not speak about your role in the crash. While it is suggested that you check on others for signs of injury, do not admit fault at the scene. If the trucking company’s claims adjuster contacts you, decline to provide a recorded statement. Even if the adjuster seems friendly, remember that they are trying to extract as much information as possible from you. They are not on your side.
Gather Evidence
If possible, take photos of your vehicle’s condition, skid marks, shredded tires, and the final resting position of both cars. The more details you can capture, the better your chances will be of being compensated. A truck accident attorney can help you gather surveillance footage, which can show the crash occurring in real time.
If you are able, write down any information you remember following your crash. Documenting it while it is fresh in your mind will allow you to take note of essential details. Also, if there were any witnesses, get their names and contact numbers. This information may be needed if your attorney needs to contact them to testify later on.
Speak with a Harrisburg Truck Accident Attorney Today
A collision with a semi-truck or any commercial vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries. Our Harrisburg truck accident lawyer understands the headache that comes with dealing with insurance and is eager to assist you. Our firm believes that your top priority after a truck accident should be receiving the medical treatment you need to make a full physical recovery, not navigating the legal process. If you are interested in learning the true worth of your truck accident claim, Mette Law is available to help.
To discuss your matter with our personal injury lawyer, contact us online or call (717) 232-5000 today.