What to Do After a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can be devastating events that produce serious injuries, property damages, and long-term repercussions. The fallout from sharing the road with these large vehicles can be deeply overwhelming and confusing when an accident occurs. While the event can not be undone, you can get the compensation you need for your losses with the help of a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer.
The experienced team at The Texas Law Dog is dedicated to providing you with excellent service and legal advice so you do not have to suffer alone. A personal injury attorney from our staff will be a determined advocate for you and negotiate maximum compensation on your behalf. We can provide you with the resources to get you back on your feet.
Truck Accident Statistics
Texas is the number one worst state for truck fatalities according to the most recent report by the Institute for Safer Trucking (IST). In their 2022 Fact Sheet — Texas, they report that there has been a 155% increase in truck fatalities between 2009 and 2022, and there were 810 fatalities reported in 2022 alone. The worst counties for truck accidents were Harris, Dallas, Bexar, Travis, and Tarrant.
The size differences between trucks and other vehicles are a significant factor in the destruction caused by truck accidents. Because trucks are 20-30 times heavier than other vehicles and can roll easily due to a high center of gravity, they are more susceptible to collisions and causing serious injuries. The inability to stop quickly also makes it harder for trucks to prevent accidents.
The majority of truck accidents occur during the day on rural, non-interstate roads according to the National Safety Council. When vehicles collide with a truck, the occupants of passenger vehicles are more likely to suffer injuries and fatalities than the driver of the truck. As a result, damages and injuries from a truck accident are typically more severe and require more extensive resources to recover from losses.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Knowing what to do after a truck accident can ensure your safety and ability to seek compensation for your losses after an accident. By taking the proper steps, you can have peace of mind that your claim is supported, and you can receive the resources you need. Equipping yourself with this knowledge can make a significant impact on the outcome of your situation.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
First and foremost, you should be examined by a medical professional to assess your injuries and receive treatment immediately after a truck accident, if possible. You will also want a doctor to rule out any non-apparent injuries and seek further treatment later if delayed injuries show up. All medical records of your injuries and expenses for treatment should be kept to provide to your insurance company and lawyer.
File a Police Report and Document the Scene
Document the scene of the accident, damages to your vehicle, and any injuries you sustained with photos and videos that clearly show the scope of the accident’s effects. You will also want to make sure to file a report with local law enforcement so there is an official record, along with witness statements. It is also important to know how to obtain a car accident report in Texas, so you have a copy for your records and can use it to support your case when filing an insurance or legal claim.
File a Claim with Your Insurance Company
In order to receive compensation, you will need to file a claim with the truck driver or truck company’s insurance, as well as notify your own insurance company about the details of the accident. If you find yourself wondering how car insurance works in the state of Texas, know that Texas is an at-fault state and requires the party who caused the accident to pay for your damages.
While a policyholder may not file a claim for compensation with their own liability insurance, they may be able to if they have additional types of coverage.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
Hiring a truck accident lawyer is in your best interests after a truck accident. The insurance process can be complicated and confusing, so having an experienced lawyer on your side can streamline the process and maximize compensation. They can also advocate for you and make sure you do not get taken advantage of along the way.
How to File a Claim and Seek Damages After an Accident
To receive compensation after a truck accident, you will have to follow the Texas car accident claim process. After you provide insurance companies with the evidence and documentation you collected, they will gather further information and determine what can be covered under the policyholder’s coverage. As long as a denial is not issued, they will provide you with a settlement offer.
You should present this offer to your lawyer to ensure you are receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies may try to lowball you, but a lawyer can be your advocate. They will seek a better offer for you or litigate the offer if an agreement can not be reached.
Depending on the losses you suffered in the truck accident, you may be able to receive economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are designed to cover your monetary losses, such as medical expenses, property damages, and so forth. Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional distress and pain and suffering the experience has caused you.
Hire a Lawyer Who does Not Just Bark, But Also Bites
When you have been in an accident, The Texas Law Dog team knows that you want to receive compensation for your injuries and losses as quickly as possible. You do not have to wonder what to do after a truck accident. Instead, you can rest easy knowing a member of our team can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Contact our team today for a free consultation and let us pursue maximum compensation for you.