Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Tips for Truck Accident Victims
Some drivers assume the laws and compensation for incidents, wage loss, etc., are the same regardless of whether you’re injured in an automobile crash or a truck accident. Yet there are distinct differences between the two, and understanding them is crucial to protecting yourself from those who have been in truck crashes. Here are some tips on dealing with insurance coverage, and health care problems you should know in the event you or someone you know is involved in a trucking accident: more on this website
* Let first responders know if you have any pains or discomfort regardless of how minor
* Be sure to report and document any minor discomfort to first responding law enforcement and EMS, even if it seems minor at the scene. Substantial personal injury is often masked early on, and failure to let others know, especially law enforcement and emergency medical personnel at the scene, will often result in the trucking company and other insurance companies disputing whether the semi-accident caused personal injuries when they become full-blown.
* Obtain witness information. While it is important to obtain the info for any passengers and witnesses in the truck accident, it all depends on how you feel at the scene. Obviously, your health comes first, so whether or not you are able to obtain this information will be up in the air. It is important to note that if witness info is not obtained at the scene, or if it’s missing from the police investigation, then it can be difficult to find later on.
* Notify your auto insurance company promptly. There’s a strict time limit to notify your very own insurance coverage firm of your car-truck accident and to file an application to obtain compensation (personal injury protection insurance, or PIP benefits) for your health care bills up to $10,000. Filing a PIP application with your insurance company can be critical for safeguarding your rights, even if your injuries do not initially seem to be severe.
* You should probably hire an experienced trucking accident attorney at this stage if you haven’t already. Handling this stage properly can be critical to ensuring prompt compensation, as well as properly fulfilling the requirements for your truck accident lawsuit.
There are several forms of no-fault injury compensation available from your injury protection (PIP) coverage:
* payment of medical expenses caused by the truck crash
* wage loss
* household replacement providers (chores/help with children)
* Payment for mileage to and from health-related appointments
* visiting nurses
The reality is, however, that all of the PIP benefits will probably be spent just by paying for the hospital stay. The remaining bills will be your responsibility to pay. Your health insurance will likely have a lien meaning they get paid back out of any money damages settlement you may receive.
* Hire our accident injury law firm. Retain an experienced attorney, and do so quickly. Trucking businesses are required by federal and state law to keep records of safety inspections and drivers hours. Since bad gear and driver fatigue trigger numerous trucking accidents, these records could prove liability towards the trucking company. But right after a certain period, trucking businesses by law, can dispose of pre-trip inspection documents and logbooks. That’s one way a truck crash differs greatly from a car accident. It can be imperative that a truck accident lawyer be retained as soon as possible to try to prevent the destruction of evidence.
* Check your vehicle insurance coverage policy for uncoordinated benefits. It is essential to quickly review your auto insurance coverage policy and any extra-contractual coverage you may have. There could be some loopholes posed by some typical car insurance policies. For example, some persons have lost substantial money damages since they did not understand the interplay between health insurance plans, managed care plans, and retirement plans. Most policies are coordinated, meaning that for those who have a current health insurance policy in the event of your truck accident, your health insurance pays the initial and your car insurance coverage pays the remaining balance. With uncoordinated coverage, truck car accident victims may receive a double-dip recovery under the policy.
* In no way sign a release or give a statement to an insurance adjuster. It is widespread for trucking companies to send defense attorneys, investigators, and insurance adjusters right away to the crash scene to lessen the company’s liability. Make sure you do not speak with them or sign anything. Otherwise, you could unknowingly relinquish your rights or put your truck accident claim in jeopardy. Never give statements to any truck crash promises adjuster and never sign a release or allow the adjuster to appear at the automobile injury without speaking to your own truck accident attorney first. Merely tell the adjuster that you need to review the paperwork with your attorney and will get back to them with your response. Too many folks rush into signing an adjuster’s documents not having the language reviewed by a lawyer. Thus, the unwary may waive their right to sue the negligent truck driver and the trucking company for accident-related personal injury. Claims adjusters regularly try to get recorded statements early, aiming to minimize the incident victim’s injuries for later use in court. Even limited property damage releases can contain unrelated language releasing all personal injuries suffered from the semi-accident.
Contact us, your semi-accident lawyers. We provide aggressive, prompt, and ethical advocacy for individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injury, accident injury, and wrongful death. Contact us today.
