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One of the biggest problems involved in trucking accidents is that there can be hidden injuries. You can suffer financial and physical hurt if you fail to properly handle the hidden injuries that may not be manifested immediately. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’t’s:
1. If you believe that you have suffered an injury, do not suffer alone at home - seek medical attention as quickly as possible as this will help document your injuries.
2. Never give a recorded or written statement to an insurance representative for any party that may possibly be responsible as they may end up being the adverse party.
3. Save the names and phone numbers of any witnesses that you are aware of, and if you need to contact a police officer who was at the scene, do so! Often the police officers will have names of witnesses, but they won’t keep those around for long.
4. If you happen to live not a great distance from the scene of the accident, and you have not talked to a lawyer yet, try to arrange for photographs of the accident scene. If you are in no condition to do this, have a family member get the pictures, and be sure they are from all relevant angles and include landmarks so you can prove the area they were taken from, and include a date stamp on the pictures. Also, consider obtaining videotape as well, including date stamp and very careful, steady handling of the camera, and panning around the entire accident area.
5. Be sure to write down and record all information relating to the truck, the trucking company, and any and all local and long distance phone numbers for persons who have contacted you from any responsible party or insurance company.
6. Remember, the trucking company investigators will be at the scene right away, so you must take action promptly in order to preserve relevant evidence that may apply to your claim.
7. As discussed on this site, there may be a number of potentially responsible parties and there may be overlapping insurance coverages for various trucking and big rig companies.
8. If you have any type of liability insurance on your own vehicles, notify your own insurance company and if you are unsure about whether the insurance applies, contact a lawyer and your insurance agent immediately.
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