In 2021 alone, the US saw over half a million crashes involving a large truck or a bus. And those were just the non-fatal ones. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Pocket Guide, another 5,340 crashes resulted in fatalities.
Given the numbers are up compared to the preceding year, it’s clear that accidents involving trucks are both more frequent and devastating then anyone might want to imagine.
And if we keep looking at the statistics, in 2021 the Truck Safety Coalition ranked Indiana as 9th by number of truck crash fatalities. Considering this, odds are, one day you or a loved one might be involved in a truck accident. If that happens, knowing what to do can reduce roadside risks, the recovery process, and any financial burdens you might be left with.
Below we’ll take a look at what you need to do after a truck accident, with a particular emphasis on legal representation in the state of Indiana.
What to Do Right After the Accident
If you’re involved in an accident, whether near home or across state lines, these are the steps you need to take no matter what.
- Ensure Safety First: Your top priority is ensuring your safety and the safety of others involved in the crash. Make sure you know what to do in a roadside emergency. If you can, move to a safe location away from traffic. Don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Call Emergency Services: Call 911 to report the accident. This will ensure you get both medical assistance and documentation of the incident. You will likely need the official police report if you commence any legal proceedings.
- Seek Medical Attention: Be sure to get checked out by a medical professional even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and having official medical records can be crucial for compensation claims.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, if you can. Make sure to include vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Ask for contact information from witnesses—their statements could support your case later.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Your emotions might be running high after a crash, but determining liability can be complex in any roadside incident, especially truck accidents.
The Importance of Acting Promptly
After a truck accident, there are two things you must do as quickly as possible—get medical care for any injuries and ensure your legal responsibilities are met. Avoid delay as this jeopardizes the success of your claim.
According to Nolo’s legal encyclopedia, Indiana has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit.
Don’t risk your chances of getting compensation for your injuries and damages. Especially considering the devastating consequences you can suffer as a result of a truck crash.
Most Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can result in a range of injuries, which can be costly and time-consuming to treat. Some of the typical injuries in truck collisions are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Carry with them possible long-term effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Come with a risk of paralysis or chronic pain.
- Internal Injuries: Not immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
- Broken or Bruised Bones: Require immobilization or surgery to treat, and involve weeks or even months of recovery.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Make it difficult to move and necessitate dealing with pain.
A number of these injuries can be debilitating or have life-long consequences. Make sure to cover your bases with legal representation so you can have the time and means you need to recover.
Understanding the Legal Pitfalls
Truck accidents don’t just involve the people behind the wheel. There are several other factors you need to consider—the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and even the truck parts manufacturers. Not to mention the added complication if your accident happened outside Indiana or involved a party not governed by the same state regulations.
This is why you should have an experienced truck accident attorney on your side.
What a Truck Accident Attorney Can Do For You
Following an accident, working with an Indiana truck accident attorney can ease your recovery and help reduce your burdens. Have them take care of any administrative and legal issues. A lawyer can handle various matters that may be difficult for you to understand or deal with following a traumatic event. Receiving assistance will also provide you with:
- Expertise in Trucking Regulations: Following an accident, the last thing you need is to start brushing up on trucking regulations in the US. An experienced truck accident lawyer will know the regulations and understand the laws governing them so you don’t have to. Let them determine if any regulations were violated, and how that affects your case.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: You may have documented the scene, but an expert injury attorney will conduct a complete investigation of the accident for you. They’ll gather evidence, interview witnesses (make sure you have those contacts handy!), and acquire the police report. They will also access information that might be out of your reach such as the truck driver’s history and the trucking company’s practices.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: At some point in your life, you’ve probably had a brush (or several) with an insurance company and know how frustrating dealing with them can be. Rather than tilting at windmills again, let your attorney take care of it. They will ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Suing for Damages: Worst comes to worst and a settlement is impossible to reach, you want an attorney in your corner ready to take your case to court. An experienced litigator will get you in a better negotiating position and improve the outlook of your case.
Choosing the Right Indiana Attorney for Your Case
With numerous legal experts to choose from, how will you know which one is best for you? The lawyer you pick will need to be skilled but also knowledgeable about the state’s unique laws. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right legal representation:
- Experience with Truck Accident Cases: Search for a lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases specifically. No matter how simple your case may seem, you’ll want an experienced professional to take care of it.
- Reviews: Research truck accident attorneys in Indiana and review feedback from previous clients. A reputable legal firm will possess good reviews and a history of successful results whether handling cases about 18-wheeler accidents or cargo van crashes.
- Initial Consultation: Numerous truck accident lawyers provide an initial consultation at no cost. Use this to talk about your situation and evaluate their methods, level of skill, and experience. Ask about their past experience with comparable cases and what strategy they suggest for your circumstances.
- Fee Payment: Find out what kind of payment system the attorney has. Personal injury cases typically operate on a contingency fee model, so you might not need to pay anything until your case is won. Make sure this is an option for you so you can reduce your financial burdens while going through a difficult situation.
Conclusion
Being involved in a truck accident is an indisputably traumatic experience. However, you can start moving past it by keeping your eyes on the future and understanding how to handle the aftermath.
Start by following roadside emergency guidelines in the wake of the crash. Then protect yourself and your rights by seeking legal representation from a qualified personal injury attorney.
You are not on your own in dealing with this challenge. Expert legal help can guide you through each stage of the process and get you the compensation you deserve.
