When commercial trucks and passenger vehicles crash, it’s the smaller vehicles that take the brunt of this force, resulting in catastrophic accidents and injuries. Trucking companies and their insurers know that they could be responsible for sky-high medical bills, repairs and other expenses if their drivers are found liable for causing the accident.
They take aggressive action immediately after a trucking accident to limit payouts by sending their investigators to collect evidence you may need in the future. These professionals follow procedures that can reduce the compensation you receive, leaving you on the hook for paying bills you cannot afford.
It is not impossible to get the full settlement you deserve after an accident. Preparing for a truck accident can help you protect your personal injury claim and receive fair compensation.
Make smart choices to build a strong personal injury claim
- If your accident injuries are not life-threatening, move to a safe location before you begin documenting evidence.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, paying attention to your car, the truck, street signage and damage done to the road. Photograph bruises or injuries that you or your passengers suffered.
- Contact an officer to get help securing the scene and recording statements. Police reports can be used to support your claim if the other driver changes his or her story in the future.
- Exchange information with the other driver. In addition to recording the truck driver’s name and license, it is important to ask for the driver’s employer and the truck owner. These businesses may not be the same.
- Do not admit fault when talking to the truck driver, police officer or crash scene investigator. What you say immediately after your accident can be used to limit the trucking company’s liability.
- See a doctor and follow the doctor’s recommendations for treating your injuries. Medical professionals know how to screen for certain injuries, such as soft-tissue injuries or traumatic brain injuries, that may not become evident right after your accident. These injuries can be expensive to treat when they do arise. A doctor can document these injuries and may show that they are linked to the accident.
- Discuss your claim with an attorney before you contact the at-fault party’s insurer. Personal injury attorneys know the games that insurers play to limit their financial responsibilities. Your attorney is motivated to protect your best interests.
According to a fact sheet published by Indiana University’s Public Policy Institute, occupants in passenger vehicles are injured more often than passengers in commercial vehicles when these vehicles collide. You may not be able to prevent an accident with a big rig or another commercial vehicle, but you can take steps to secure a fair settlement after a crash occurs.
