Getting into a car accident of any kind is no pleasant experience. From dealing with the physical pain you may have to navigate the next steps necessary to handle the situation; it’s not something that the average person plans for. Nonetheless, should you be in a spot where you were hit by another vehicle, taking prompt, informed action is critical to ensuring that you receive the best recovery from the situation both physically and financially.
While car accidents are serious in their own right, a collision involving a commercial vehicle, such as a flatbed, cargo, moving or semi-truck can make an already unfortunate situation much worse out the gate. Having a team of experienced, trial-seasoned attorneys by your side to lead the way in your personal injury claim can make a night and day difference in how the process moves forward. From knowing the “language that insurance adjusters speak” to identifying the ways in which a case can be worked at every possible angle, you owe it to yourself to hire the best to get your case the best possible outcome.
I Was Hit By a Truck, What Do I Do First?
Moving to a safe, secure location immediately following a collision is critical. If you are physically in a position to do so, turn on your hazard lights and/or use emergency signals. For those who are seriously injured, remain calm and stay put until medical support arrives. Call 9-1-1 to share that a collision has occurred.
If you are able to do so, take photos of the damage to your vehicle as well as to the truck. Do not make any statements to anyone at the scene; anything you say has the potential to be used against you later on in this process. Even minor statements such as “I’m sorry” or “what happened?” can be misinterpreted in ways that are not helpful to your claim.
Should I Seek Medical Attention?
Even if you do not feel anything at that particular moment, it is in your best interest both for your health and for the potential claim you may have to seek medical attention. Whether it be a walk-in clinic, hospital or some comparable provider, documentation is essential. It is quite common for physical symptoms to be felt the days following a collision rather than the day of.
What If I Have a Dash Camera?
From determining who was at fault to the true severity of the situation, having a dashboard camera in your vehicle can be helpful in documenting a collision. While helpful, it should be noted that it is not required to move forward with a personal injury claim. If you have videos or photos tied to the incident, make sure to mention this to your attorney and to preserve all evidence that you have.
An Insurance Company Called Me Asking For a Statement, What Do I Say?
There is great truth to the statement “Anything you say can and will be used against you,” that goes beyond criminal defense matters. When dealing with a personal injury claim, the same principle applies as anything you say has the potential to be weaponized against your claim. Even statements as simple as “I think ___,” or “I’m ok” among other remarks have the potential to derail your claim. If you’ve already spoken to an insurance adjuster about your case and the injuries you sustained, do NOT speak again without contacting an experienced personal injury attorney.
The Other Driver is Blaming Me For This, What Do I Do?
It is not uncommon for vehicle collision cases to have contested liability; one side is saying the other is at-fault and vice-versa. What makes a difference in these situations is having effective, trial competent legal counsel that is willing to defend your rights and fight for your best interests. If you think or know that the other person was at fault for the collision and you are injured, you are in need of a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
I Didn’t Go To the Hospital Immediately After My Accident, Do I Still Have a Case?
It is important to receive medical treatment of some form as soon as possible following an incident, however, it does not mean that you do not have a case if that did not happen. Documentation is important in personal injury claims; strong arguments are made off of strong evidence. If you were injured in an accident and you were not at fault, there’s conversations that need to happen as soon as possible with a personal injury attorney.
I Was Hit By a Truck and I Have Injuries, What Do I Do Next?
Atop the aforementioned info above, fill out our online form, or call our law firm 24/7 at (301) 932-9997 for a free consultation about your case. This is a helpful, informative conversation with a human being who can help guide you on what the next steps are for pursuing your claim.
We have offices in Waldorf, Rockville, Lanham, and Frederick, and proudly serve clients in Prince George’s County, Calvert County, Frederick County, St. Mary’s County, County, Charles County, all of Maryland, and the District of Columbia.