Were you or someone you love involved in a collision with a large truck? What you should do at the scene of a truck accident includes:
- Moving your vehicle out of the flow of traffic, if possible
- Calling the police to the accident scene immediately
- Accepting emergency medical assistance, if needed
- Contacting a local law firm as soon as possible
Taking these steps will ensure you and anyone else who was injured in the accident receive immediate medical help. They will also ensure you have all the information you and your lawyer need to prove fault in the accident and request financial compensation from the at-fault driver.
The Benefits of Consulting with a Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away
If you are involved in a truck accident and the at-fault truck driver blames you for playing any part in causing the accident, it could affect your potential compensation amount. In Florida, any financial damages you might be awarded can be decreased by the percentage of fault assigned to you in an accident, according to Florida Statutes § 768.81 (3). One of the benefits of hiring a truck accident attorney to represent you includes his ability to help you prove the truck driver’s negligence caused the collision, and that you are entitled to the full amount of compensation.
Additional benefits a lawyer can provide include assigning a complete and accurate financial value to your claim. He can also build a complete case file, ensure the required legal elements of your negligence case are met, ensure your potential lawsuit is filed on time, and negotiate with the at-fault party for the best possible financial outcome.
A Lawyer Can Help Determine Your Compensable Damages
Accurately valuing your compensation claim is important because a miscalculation could mean the full cost of the accident is not covered by your insurance claim or lawsuit. After proving the truck driver’s negligence was at fault for the accident, the expenses you might be able to collect, according to § 768.81 (1) (b) of the Florida Statutes, include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost income
- Lost support and services
- Property repair or replacement
You might also be able to collect additional compensation for pain and suffering and mental and emotional distress. Your lawyer may help you create a list of the damages that stem from your accident. A careful checklist can ensure you do not overlook any of the expenses and losses you may be entitled to.
Call Police to the Accident Scene Immediately
Calling police immediately after an accident can ensure you receive emergency medical assistance. It also means you will have an official crash report with details about the accident that might support your possible right to compensation. Your official crash report will help your lawyer understand the circumstances surrounding the accident. It will also tell your lawyer:
- The identity of the at-fault truck driver
- The potential cause of the accident
- Date, time, road, and weather conditions
- Witness contact information
- Accident narrative and diagrams
- Any traffic violations of the at-fault driver
As soon as possible, obtain a copy of your official crash report and provide a copy to the lawyer who represents you. The information it contains can help build a solid case for financial compensation.
Do Not Refuse Medical Care After a Truck Accident
Emergency medical care at the scene of the accident not only ensures you receive needed treatment, it starts the paper trail that documents the cost of immediate, ongoing, and future medical care.
Your lawyer will request copies of your medical records and bills to prove the physical and financial extent of your injuries. Your medical records will tell your lawyer:
- The emergency care you received
- Your current injury treatment plan
- Your future health care needs
To ensure the best possible physical recovery outcome after a truck accident, keep all doctor’s appointments, take all medications, and follow your treatment plan as fully as possible. Do not stop receiving medical care until your health care team declares you fully recovered.
Seek Legal Support Immediately After a Truck Accident
To ensure you are able to receive any financial compensation you are entitled to, it is important to know what you should do at the scene of a truck accident. When our team represents you in your fight for financial recovery, we go the extra mile to make sure you have the evidence of negligence you need. Start building your case for recovery today when you contact the personal injury team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine by calling 1-800-747-3733. You worry about getting better. We take care of everything else.
We Can Help.
