Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky and a major transportation hub, sees thousands of semi-trucks rolling along I-64, I-71, I-65, and the city streets daily. Three major interstate systems meet in Louisville, which causes considerable semi-truck traffic. More trucks mean a higher chance of getting into a collision, and knowing what to do after a truck accident can greatly impact your recovery.
Your first step in a truck collision should always be to preserve your safety by calling 911 and by seeking any emergency medical care you need. Protecting your legal interests is also important after a commercial vehicle crash, so as soon as you’re able, talk to a Louisville truck accident lawyer about your rights.
Step one: Calling emergency services after a truck accident
We noted that calling for police and emergency medical care should be your first step; the faster your injuries are diagnosed and treatment begins, often the better your chances of recovery. The exam by first responders also creates a paper trail linking your injuries to the accident, a vital aspect of causation that your attorney can use to help build a case for compensation from the at-fault trucker.
Having a police officer on the scene to create an official accident report and manage the situation takes a big burden off you, too. You don’t have to worry about what to do next. The responding officers take control. And there’s a chance that a representative from the trucking company may arrive at the scene, too. The police officer can help keep a distance between you and that representative, ensuring you’re not hassled while you’re getting medical attention. It’s best not to talk to anyone besides the police and just focus on yourself.
Step two: Get medical attention
There’s a good chance you’ll need emergency care after the wreck; trucks weigh more than 15 times what your passenger car does, so the impact is significant, even if both vehicles are traveling at slower speeds. But, if you don’t go to the hospital from the accident scene, it’s still important to get checked out by your own doctor or urgent care as soon as possible after the wreck. Not only can they diagnose “hidden injuries” that don’t present symptoms right away, but these medical records help prove that the accident caused your injuries. Also, many people think they will get better in the days after the wreck, only to find they are getting worse. Early medical attention helps get you back to where you were before the wreck.
Step three: Call a lawyer
After the immediate care you need after the wreck, it’s time to consider your legal rights. Your truck accident lawyer can advise you on what to do next, inform you of your eligibility for a settlement after the wreck, and guide you through the legal process. Your lawyer can also help you manage your car insurance benefits to make sure you don’t end up with large out of pocket amounts owed.
Your attorney can also be the primary point of contact between you and the other party. This helps ensure that you understand your rights and the law, and it takes the pressure of what to do next off your shoulders.
Step four: Keep a journal or record of how the accident impacted your life
This is part of the case-building for your non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and emotional trauma. Many people develop anxiety or PTSD after a truck accident, and deserve to be compensated for that, and the physical pain of their injuries. Your log can show a jury how the truck accident affected all areas of your life.
Hurt in a truck accident? We’re ready to help.
When you work with the attorneys at Grossman Green PLLC, you don’t have to worry about what to do next. We offer a free consultation, so please call (502) 657-7100 today.