If you are wondering what to do after a truck accident, first and foremost, you should focus on your health and wellbeing. Get checked out by a doctor and follow your doctor’s advice. You should prioritize your health until you receive a thorough medical evaluation and prognosis regarding your treatment and recovery.
Once you have an understanding of your injuries and the treatment they will require, you will want to consider your options for pursuing compensation. There are deadlines for filing a lawsuit after a truck accident case and many steps to take beforehand. For that reason, it is a good idea to discuss your case with a truck accident lawyer who may be able to take on your case and seek damages while you recover.
Understanding Truck Accident Cases
Once your injuries are stable and your treatment is underway, you can reach out to us to discuss your case. For most states, you have two years to file a lawsuit in a personal injury case or two years in a wrongful death case. However, you and your attorney still need to get started as soon as possible.
One reason you want to get started with your case right away is to make sure evidence is preserved. Most big trucks on the road today have all kinds of stored data that can be useful in proving what happened. Unfortunately, some trucking companies may erase this data from the truck computer or misplace other evidence that could support your claim for damages. To prevent this from happening in truck accident cases, a lawyer can draft and send a spoliation letter. This letter orders the trucking company to preserve the relevant evidence in your case to ensure we have access to it later.
You want to make sure not to discuss the details of your accident with anyone before you talk to your attorney. You can give them the basic facts of when, where, and who was involved, but do not speculate about what happened or discuss your case.
The trucking company could twist your words and use anything you say against you, so you are protecting your own rights by not talking to them about the collision. Once we accept your case, we can handle all communications for you.
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Damages in a Truck Accident Insurance Claim or Civil Suit
Your attorney will help you seek and, hopefully, secure compensation for your damages, including the medical care, pain, and other losses you endured as a result of the accident. One of the steps a lawyer can take on when handling your case is to document your damages. But it is also important for you to play a role in this process.
One of the most important things you can do is document the progress of your physical injuries. Keep a journal about your pain levels and the activities you cannot do as a result of your injuries. You should also take as many photographs as possible of your injuries over time to document what has happened to you. Photographs of any special devices or equipment you may have to use during your recovery will also be helpful.
In addition to documenting your physical injuries, you should also document your financial damages. The first type of financial damage involves the cost of your medical care. It is important that you begin documenting the cost of your medical care early by collecting all bills, receipts, and other documents relevant to your injuries and expenses.
The other important financial damage you can document involves your lost wages and your ability to earn money in the future. To document this make sure you have your w-2 from your employer and your tax returns.
In general, the forms of compensation you may be able to seek in a truck accident case include:
- Current and future treatment and medical care for accident injuries
- Current and future lost wages, benefits, and other income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damages for vehicle repair or replacement
- Loss of services
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
Our Team Believes Accountability Is Important
When you work with a truck accident lawyer from Distasio Law Firm, you will receive empathetic client service, guidance, and support from start to finish. Every member of our team works to put our clients first. We can take steps to:
- Protect your rights
- Preserve evidence
- Build your case
- Represent you to the trucking company
- Demand a fair payout
- File a civil suit if we cannot reach an out-of-court settlement agreement
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that tight delivery schedules and lack of training as some of the key issues in safety for truckers. These areas need to be properly taken care of by the trucking company. It is their duty to make sure that cargo is secure, hazardous items are packed safely, drivers are properly trained, and that there are no unreasonable deadlines that may foster unsafe driving methods.
We believe it is important to hold the trucking company or another liable party responsible after an accident. Accountability is important in preventing similar accidents in the future. It also allows our clients to pay their bills and make ends meet until they can return to work, if possible.
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Speak with a Team Member Today About Our Services
It can be difficult to know what to do after a truck accident to seek compensation, especially when you are still dealing with your injuries. At Distasio Law Firm, we offer free case reviews to truck accident victims.
If we believe we can help you recover a payout, we will commit the necessary resources to build your case and navigate the claims process. You will only pay us out of the settlement we recover for you. If you do not receive a payout, we will not receive attorney fees.
You can discuss your case with a team member from Distasio Law Firm today for free. Call (813) 259-0022 to get started.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form