When a trucker loses control in traffic, the resulting collision is almost always catastrophic. As you may recall from grade school physics, movement and damage depends on the mass and inertia upon competing objects. While the damage to a sedan or SUV might be devastating, the outside structure of the 18-wheeler or semi-truck will likely visually appear unscathed. Proving speed and the weight of the load is critical in determining if the cause of the wreck was the trucker’s unsafe driving or the carrier’s unwillingness to secure a safe-weighted load prior to transport.
If you were seriously hurt in a large truck crash, you’re probably wondering if your life will ever be the same. While filing a personal injury claim won’t erase what happened, it could yield the recovery needed to pick up the pieces in the aftermath.
The outcome of your claim will depend on more than a dozen factors, including the steps you take—and the missteps you avoid—in the days and weeks following the wreck. Let’s take a look at some of the most important things to do—and not do—when getting started:
Building a strong truck accident claim starts at the scene. If you photograph the wreckage, for example, accident reconstruction experts can scrutinize the images to determine what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.
Statements from eyewitnesses could also bolster your claim by corroborating your own version of events. If you managed to get the names and phone numbers of those who saw what happened, give the information to your legal team. They’ll want to reach out as soon as possible.
Other evidence from the scene that’s worth preserving includes dash camera footage, surveillance recordings, measurements of markings and debris, post-wreck toxicology results, and black box data. If you’re not sure how to obtain this evidence, don’t worry; a resourceful personal injury attorney can help.
Insurance adjusters may reach out fairly soon after the accident and request a recorded statement; however, it’s generally advisable to avoid giving one. Discussing the incident before you have a clear understanding of what happened could spell trouble down the road.
Should you say something that ends up being inaccurate, the opposing party will have cause to challenge your credibility. This, in turn, could threaten the entire foundation of your claim.
There’s always a lot to do in the wake of a crash, but your health should take center stage. Even if you did not sustain life-threatening injuries, you should undergo a comprehensive evaluation as soon as possible.
Visiting a doctor right away will ensure all your injuries—including those that might not be presently manifesting any physical symptoms —get the attention they demand. This will help prevent complications.
Prioritizing your health will also demonstrate a commitment to mitigating damages, which will make it harder for the liable party to shift blame onto you.
Before you turn to your friends on Facebook or your followers on Instagram for support, consider the potential ramifications of doing so. If the insurance adjuster were to come across your profile, would they interpret the intention behind the content? Or could they find a way to spin it and ultimately use it against you?
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to lay low on social media for as long as your claim is pending. If you cannot disable your accounts temporarily, at least activate stricter privacy settings, and avoid posting anything about the accident, your injuries, or the long road to recovery.
If you want to file a truck accident claim, turn to Hodge & Langley Law Firm for strategic guidance and compassionate counsel at every stage of the proceedings. Our resourceful team will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and help you gather the evidence needed to prove liability and damages against all responsible parties. Call 864-585-3873 or submit the Contact Form on our website to schedule a free case review with a truck accident attorney in South Carolina.
Submission of information in this contact form does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In order to establish such a relationship with our firm we require a direct meeting with the attorney.
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