Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident. When this accident involves a semi truck, a person’s life usually changes in the blink of an eye. A semi truck is significantly larger than a passenger vehicle, so victims may end up with serious injuries and mounting medical bills. The emotional distress that comes with an accident of this type is devastating. Every person needs to know how to file a claim after a semi truck collision injury, so they can focus on the recovery without worrying about the legal process.
See a Doctor
The first thing a person should do when injured in a semi-truck collision is seek medical attention. Many people don’t realize they have been injured because adrenaline is racing through their body as a result of the accident. Visiting a doctor ensures all known injuries are documented. Furthermore, doctors use this medical report if the injuries appear later. If a claim must be filed for compensation, this medical report becomes necessary.
Report the Accident
Always contact law enforcement in the event of a collision. The police report is also needed when filing a legal claim. Law enforcement officers undergo training to document the scene, gather information from witnesses, attempt to determine who is at fault, and more. Victims should also try to gather information, such as photographs of the damage to the vehicles, witness contact information, and the responsible party’s driver’s license and insurance details.
Contact an Attorney
Many people believe they can handle an accident claim independently. However, accidents involving semi trucks are highly complex. The driver may not be the only party that can be held liable in the situation. An experienced attorney works with clients to determine who should be held accountable for the collision.
Evidence Collection
Once an attorney has been hired, they will investigate the accident and begin collecting evidence that proves the victim’s claim. To do so, they review the accident report, obtain the black box information from the truck, examine the driver’s log and the vehicle’s maintenance records, and interview witnesses. They will collect any surveillance footage and talk with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability and more.
Filing the Claim
Upon completion of the investigation, the attorney files a claim with the appropriate insurance companies. They determine how much should be requested in compensation. When doing so, they consider the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Settlement
The trucking company and its insurer may attempt to settle out of court to avoid a trial. The attorney negotiates on behalf of the client, using the evidence they collected to demonstrate why the requested compensation is deserved. Many victims are unaware of how much they are entitled to under the law, and the attorney works to secure fair compensation. This process may take time, and the attorney will be there to support the victim until the case is complete. If the case goes to trial, the attorney handles all aspects of the legal process from pre-trial discovery to the outcome. Upon resolution of the case, the attorney also assists in recovering the funds owed to the victim.
Individuals involved in a semi-truck collision are often traumatized. They may not realize the long-term consequences of this accident and wish to move forward as quickly as possible. However, they deserve their compensation. Allow an attorney to handle this aspect of the case so victims can focus on recovering.
