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Commercial vehicle accidents can be life-changing tragedies. If you are a driver, passenger, or bystander who has been involved in such an accident, the events afterward can be very confusing and stressful. Taking action to be aware of your legal options right after collision holds immense importance towards the protection of your rights, guarantee of safety, and receipt of compensation you’re entitled to.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
First and above all, in the case of an accident involving a commercial vehicle, the main priority is one’s safety. Move yourself and others out of the danger zone if you’re on a busy road in the middle, and switch on your hazard lights if possible to make other traffic aware.
Even if at that very moment you may not feel hurt, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. The accident’s adrenaline masks pain and injuries; some injuries might not show up until hours or even days later. Early medical examination will not only ensure your health but also document your injuries, which is crucial in any subsequent legal claim.
Call the Police
Call the police to report the accident, and they will arrive at the scene to make an official accident report, which will be one of your major pieces of evidence in case you file a legal action. When speaking to the police, be honest, but do not admit to guilt or speculate as to what you think caused the accident. Relay the events to the best of your memory and let the officers make their investigation. The report will include all the parties’ information, witness accounts, and the officer’s opinion regarding the cause of the accident, which can be helpful in court.
Document the Accident Scene
While you are waiting for the police, or if you can safely do so after having attended to immediate concerns, document the accident scene to the furthest extent possible. Using your phone, take photos and videos of the vehicles involved in the accident, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and other relevant details.
If possible, gather witness information and ask them if they would be willing to provide a statement. Many times, witnesses can provide an unbiased account of what transpired, which can be very helpful if there is going to be a dispute as to liability over the cause of the accident.
Documentation pertains not only to pictures and witness statements. Make a chronology of the events and all the aspects involved in the accident: medical treatment, communication with insurance companies, or other losses or expenses you could have experienced as a result of the accident. The more documentation you have on file, the better.
Avoid Discussing Fault
One of the most important things to remember after experiencing a commercial vehicle accident is to not argue at the scene of action as to whom was at fault. People are instinctively going to talk about what happened; however, making statements about whom you feel was at fault can be used against you later. Even apologizing could be considered admitting your guilt.
Contact an Attorney
The first legal steps after the initial chaos of the accident has passed involve retaining a lawyer who deals with commercial vehicle accidents. These can be far more complex compared to other car accidents because they may involve commercial entities, large insurance policy coverages, and a great degree of regulations that surround commercial vehicles.
An experienced attorney will be able to help with the legal process, from dealing with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit when necessary. They can also protect your rights and ensure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other types of damages.
Why Hiring an Attorney Early is Important
It is very important to retain an attorney early on in the process so that you can investigate the accident, accumulate evidence, interview witnesses, and hire experts who may recreate the accident as soon as possible. A lawyer can also facilitate communication with insurance companies, something that will be much needed when dealing with commercial insurance providers, who may be bigger and more well-resourced than your average consumer insurance provider.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company regarding the accident as soon as possible. Most insurance policies have provisions within them that require early reporting of accidents. Failure to report it may affect your coverage.
Medical Treatments and Expenses
In the wake of the accident, ensure that you record all your treatments and expenses as accurately as possible. These shall include any trips you make to the hospital, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and all such related expenditures.
It’s also important to have documented how your injuries affected your daily life, which may range from missing work to the inability to perform everyday activities. This information will be vital in determining the compensation you are entitled to.
Find Legal Representation
A collision with a commercial vehicle will turn your world upside down, but specific knowledge of the legal steps that can be taken puts you back in control. From safety and proper documentation of the scene to calling an attorney and dealing with insurance companies, each step taken in the process is crucial in protecting your rights and fair compensation.
All of this can be overwhelming after your accident; sometimes, the right information and support from a qualified attorney make all the difference. Call The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A today at 407-573-7483 to schedule a free consultation with our team.
