Steps to Take after a Trucking Accident
When you or your loved one has been the victim of a Trucking accident or incident, you should seek the legal advice and representation of an experienced Polk County Florida Trucking Accident attorney or lawyer as soon as possible. The longer you wait to obtain legal representation, it may directly affect your ability to achieve a successful outcome. Contact the law offices of Lopez & Humphries, P.A., today by calling (863) 774-3573
Call 911 Immediately
- Move your vehicle only if it is safe to do so and if you are obstructing traffic.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle. A camera phone is better than nothing.
- Do not leave the scene until you have spoken to law enforcement. Failure to wait for the police can result in a charge of “leaving the scene of an accident” even if you did not cause the accident.
- Exchange information with the other driver. You should try to get as much information as possible, including insurance, registration, and contact information. Note the name of the trucking company and any information on the cab or trailer of the truck involved.
- If you feel bad, ask for an ambulance and go to the hospital. No one likes to go to the emergency room, but if you are injured, you should get treated immediately. This will document your injury if you later seek to recover from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Speak to an attorney. Most attorneys, including us, will provide a free consultation. It is important that you speak to counsel before you give a recorded statement. We can orient you on your legal rights, and sit with you if a recorded statement is necessary.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident. You have an obligation to do so, and if you need to seek follow up medical care, you must notify them for payment of your medical bills.
- Fix your car at a reputable body shop. You have a right to choose the repair shop and almost all dealers are authorized to do the repairs.
If you continue to have pain after the accident, begin treatment right away. If you fail to treat for several months after the accident, hoping to get better, you may be damaging your case even if it later turns out that you have significant injuries. Insurance companies call this a “lapse in treatment”.