Following the Protocol: 4 Things You Need to Document in Order to File a Truck Accident Claim

Accidents with truck drivers can be more serious than other car accidents due to the size difference between large trucks and standard vehicles. Truck drivers also do pose a risk to drivers in that they are driving long routes and are regularly exhausted. If you have recently been in an accident with a large truck, it is important to understand that you do have legal rights and the right to recover from your injuries. That said, if you do not file a proper truck accident claim, you may lose your right to claim your damages if you have no proof or if too much time has passed. It is important to take time to properly research what steps are required for you to recover all that you are legally entitled to. Many times, it is best to work with an attorney to help you understand the critical details required to file a truck accident claim. In order to learn more about what you need to file an accurate truck accident claim, review the information below:

4 Key Things to Document to File a Truck Accident Claim

If you have been in a car accident it is important that you call after truck accident for additional help and assistance regarding the process of filing a truck accident claim. Remember the first few days after the accident are crucial in order to have the best possible legal results. Before too much time has passed after your truck accident, consider gathering four key pieces of information below:

1. Write Down the Details of Your Accident Right Away

Writing down the details of your accident right away is important because you may forget them otherwise. Those details may be the key to you having the results that you are legally entitled to. Make sure to make a step-by-step recap of your accident and even draw pictures if it helps you remember key details. Review the accident out loud several times to make sure that you have not missed any critical details. Courts usually calculate a percentage of fault when it comes to accidents, which is why these details are so important to ascertain which party caused which percentage of fault in the overall accident. Here read more about best semi truck lawyers at St. Louis, MO.

2. Get Statements from Witnesses and Any Photographs from the Accident Scene

Statements from witnesses or photographs from the accident scene are very important for proving your case. They can be key sources for courts to calculate how each of the parties was at fault. Make sure to transcribe or archive this information as soon as possible in order to have the strongest possible case to recover your losses.

3. Prepare any Medical Records that Occurred as a Result of the Accident

One of the issues that you are going to run into is dealing with your insurance company in terms of medical charges. For this reason, you need to keep track of any immediate bills along with long term medical bills that you have as a result of the accident. These statistics are not only important for your insurance company, but also for your court case to determine the potential damages that you will receive.

4. Get an Estimate of Damages to Your Vehicle from the Accident

Another cost that you are going to have to consider are the damages to your vehicle along with any potential property damages that you potentially caused. The court is going to determine the percentage of fault; however, if you were at fault for any damages then, you need to take into account those costs as well. If you were not at fault, then knowing how expensive your car repair bill was will be important in factoring in your overall costs resulting from the accident.

Should You Work with an Attorney if You Need to File a Truck Accident Claim?

You absolutely should consider working with an attorney if you have been in any sort of car accident and need to file a claim. This is also true if your accident involved a larger truck. Attorneys typically offer a complimentary consultation where you can discuss the particular facts of your case and decide whether it is a particular fit for their firm’s expertise and current caseload. That said, you can speak with multiple law firms to see which attorney you feel may be the best fit for your particular needs. Having a skilled attorney by your side is a wise decision that can impact how much you can potentially recover.

Final Remarks

If you have been in an accident that involves a larger truck, there is no doubt that the consequences could be more serious. This means that there will be larger damages to your vehicle and potentially larger medical expenses. The key to having the smoothest resolution to your case is to have accurate records of what happened along with any possible evidence that exists. This evidence can include photographs from the accident scene or testimonies from witnesses who watched the accident occur. By keeping an accurate list of the accident’s events along with organizing any expenses that occurred as a result of the accident, you will be in the best possible position to recover your losses. By deciding to work with an attorney, you will be able to have a skilled advocate by your side that will assist you in discussing realistic potential outcomes to your case along with a clear path to achieve those outcomes. It is important to reach out to an attorney the same day your accident occurs. This way, the details are fresh and you don’t miss any opportunities as a result of waiting too long to speak to an expert. Remember, the value of taking the time to strategically plan your case, file the required truck accident claim, and having the best possible reputation by your side. By doing so, you will be able to have an outcome that will enable you to move on successfully from your accident with a truck.