According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2016 there were 37,461 lives lost on America’s roadways in 34,439 fatal motor vehicle crashes. Of that number, 12% were from large trucks or buses. At Alexander Law Group, PLC, we specialize in trucking accident claims and want to help you get the settlement you deserve. If you find yourself the victim of a trucking accident, there are steps you should take to ensure you are legally and physically protected.

Seek Medical Attention

Immediately after an accident, you are usually left shaken both emotionally and physically. The first thing you should do is either call emergency medical services to the scene or seek out medical attention on your own. Sometimes you may not look or feel injured right away, but you should see a doctor regardless. The shock of the accident and adrenaline is your body’s defense against traumatic experiences and this can mask any injuries you or your passengers may have sustained. It is also important from a legal standpoint to have this medical documentation on hand so that your counsel knows how to get you properly compensated.

File a Police Report

The next thing you should do is file a report with the police. This is a very important step in the claims process. You should only speak to the police and no one associated with the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident. Sometimes claims adjusters may even show up to the scene, but do not speak to them. Do not give a statement to anyone other than the police officers on the scene. Anything you say at the accident site can be used against you in the claims process.

Don’t Talk to Claims Adjusters

If the other party’s insurance company contacts you, it is important to refrain from giving your statement. Regardless of how emotional you are about the event, it is best to keep silent when it comes to dealing with the other person’s insurance company. They may come across as well-meaning, but they are not working for you. They are working in the best interest of their client and company. This is a tactic used to award you less than what you deserve. You aren’t required to give a statement, and it's best if you don’t.

Call Your Insurance Company

While at the scene of your trucking accident, you can call your insurance company, if you are physically and mentally in sound condition. Starting the claims process with your company as soon as possible is usually the best practice. Regardless of the extent of damage, your insurance company needs to be involved. They will work on your behalf to get to the bottom of what happened.

Call Alexander Law Group

Once you have completed the above steps, you want professional legal counsel on your team. Give the Alexander Law Group, PLC a call at (804) 271-1969 immediately. We will work for you to complete a thorough investigation of the accident, injuries, and damages. If the claim becomes part of a criminal or personal injury trial, we will fight on your behalf for justice. We can represent you thoroughly even if you are medically unable to be present. Don’t leave your accident compensation up to chance. You need someone to help you fight against the big trucking companies, and we have the knowledge and experience to do so.

References
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/2016-commercial-motor-vehicle-traffic-safety-facts-sheet
https://www.alexanderlawgroupplc.com/practice-areas/truck-accidents.html