Menu
Menu
Nobody ever expects to be in a truck accident, but it is important to know what to do if one happens. These are the steps to take after a truck crash.
No one expects to be injured in a truck accident, yet these accidents occur daily.
Every year, an estimated 130,000 people are injured in accidents involving commercial trucks. While large trucks are a crucial part of our economy, they also pose a serious threat to other drivers due to their weight and size.
What should Houston residents do after getting caught in a truck accident? What if that truck accident left them with serious injuries and other damages?
We're here to help. Read on for our guide to navigating truck accidents in Houston and how to protect yourself and your finances in the aftermath.
The first thing that you should do is make sure that someone has notified the authorities. Truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles, and many drivers and passengers may require medical assistance. Plus, getting a police report of the accident is useful when it comes time to file a personal injury claim or create an accident report for your insurance company.
If you require immediate medical assistance, it is imperative that you get it. Don't stick around to complete the following steps if your health is at risk or you have sustained serious injuries that require attention right away.
If you do not require immediate medical attention, make sure to document the scene of the accident. Use your phone to take photos and videos showing the accident from multiple angles. You should also take note of the date, time, and any other notable conditions, such as poor weather or problems with nearby traffic lights.
If you are unable to document the scene, much of this information will be available in the police report. However, photos and videos are valuable when compiling a personal injury claim.
As you would in the aftermath of any car accident, exchange information with the other drivers involved. This includes basic contact information as well as insurance information. Keep in mind that some commercial truck drivers own their trucks while others are driving trucks that belong to a company, and you will want to ensure that you collect information about the insurance policy that will be held liable in a personal injury claim.
The key difference is that after a serious accident that involves injured victims, you should also try to exchange information with witnesses. This can include other drivers or pedestrians who saw the accident but were not involved in it and other involved drivers and passengers.
Maintain a calm demeanor when interacting with other people who were involved in the accident. Try to avoid expressing anger, which will only put others on the defensive. More importantly, do not make any passing statements about the accident being your fault, possibly your fault, or partially your fault.
Once you have cleared the scene of the accident, avoid posting about it on social media. Do not create any traceable records of your reaction to the accident or your beliefs about who caused it. Even commentary that seems innocuous can become evidence used by the defense to undermine your personal injury case.
Even if you did not require immediate medical attention at the scene of the accident, head straight to the hospital. Continue to seek medical treatment as directed by your doctor and remain responsive to any symptoms you notice developing in the coming days or weeks.
During the height of the pandemic, we learned that delaying medical care can lead to worsened health outcomes. Not only is this bad for your recovery, but it's also bad for your personal injury claim. If your health worsens as a result of negligence, the defense will use this as evidence that you are responsible for the state of your injuries.
If you sustained serious injuries and now have medical debt, lost income, and other expensive damages on your hands, the best thing to do is contact an experienced truck accident lawyer in Houston. Without filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault truck driver, you are unlikely to recover the damages you deserve.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can offer a consultation and discuss the facts of your case. If they believe a claim is in order, they will want to work with you from the beginning. Don't file a claim without hiring a lawyer first.
With the help of your truck accident attorney, you can compile the right evidence to put together a solid personal injury claim. You will need to prove:
Examples of relevant evidence include the documentation you took of the accident and the police report. You will also need to present your medical records and bills. If you have lost income because of your injuries, you will also need to present paystubs demonstrating the loss of pay.
If you were involved in a Houston truck accident, you may have a personal injury claim on your hands. Take these steps to practice accident safety and gather the right evidence to get your truck accident case underway. Don't get started without the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Calhoun Meredith is here to represent the victims of accidents in Houston, TX. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience representing clients like you. To get started with a free case consultation, contact us today.