After being injured in a truck accident, it can be difficult to think about pursuing legal action. With the many physical, emotional, and financial concerns victims and their loved ones face, it can be downright daunting. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our personal injury attorneys understand what truck accident victims are going through, which is why we make client care and communication a top priority. Here are some tips on what to do to prepare for a truck accident claim
Seek Medical Treatment and File a Police Report Immediately Right After An Accident
If you’ve been in any vehicle accident, you or someone else involved or witness to the accident should call 911 and report the accident as well as any injuries. The police will record the accident scene, take statements from you and any other victims or witnesses, and anyone needing medical attention will be treated or taken to a hospital. Even if your symptoms develop in the hours or days after the accident, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
At the scene of the truck accident, when speaking to the police officer, try to relate as many details of the accident and vehicle as you can. Even if the police don’t arrive at the scene, you are required by law to report any accident involving injuries in New Jersey and New York. You can get a copy of the police report or submit one online.
Gather All Relevant Evidence
This part can get tricky! Evidence gathering starts immediately on the scene of the accident and can continue for months in advance with medical bills and conversations. We can’t stress enough how important it is NOT to admit fault, regardless of how clear it may be that you are the reason for the accident.
If possible, take pictures of the scene of the accident. Make sure to also record your own thoughts and account of the accident. These types of details can get blurry later on, and something that you might not think twice about could be the key to a case.
If any witnesses are present, ask for their name and phone number in case you are in need of a statement down the line. Especially in truck accident cases, it’s possible that more than one party could be liable to cover the cost of the losses. The truck driver could bear some liability as could the trucking company or business owner of the truck itself.
Call a Truck Accident Attorney
A truck accident lawyer’s goal is to make sure that their client receives fair and ample compensation for all of their losses related to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. He or she can provide you with invaluable advice and will normally handle a case on a contingency basis.
Once you engage the expertise of a lawyer, they will gather additional information and evidence to help prove your case and seek maximum compensation for your losses. They may need access to medical records and could recommend expert witnesses who can back up your claims.
Insurance companies play a huge role in a truck accident case. Insurance companies may offer an initial lowball settlement and pressure you to agree quickly. A truck accident lawyer has the knowledge and skills to go back and forth and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize the settlement.
Brandon J. Broderick, Truck Accident Lawyers that Turn Setbacks into Comebacks
We get it. An unexpected accident caused by someone else's negligence or reckless actions can have an impact on your health, well-being, and finances which can cause worry, fear, and anxiety -- for you and your family. Wouldn’t it be a relief to know you could count on a trusted friend and advisor to passionately champion for you? Someone who’s got your best interests in mind?
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in exceptional client care, empathy, and results. With our long track record of success, you can count on us to take the best strategy and work tirelessly for your quality of life. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing victims in personal injury claims. We’ve helped people just like you move forward after sustaining an injury that was caused by another’s negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation.