Every year, the number of trucks and commercial vehicle accidents involving 18-wheelers on roads and highways in the country is thousands.
These collisions often cause the most catastrophic results; they result in serious injuries, enormous property damage, and, most sadly, death.
If you ever find yourself in an unfortunate situation of being involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in San Antonio, it’s very important that you know the legal protections available and how to seek the deserving compensation.
Remember that if you want to claim compensation for the damages, then you should contact a reputable 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in San Antonio.
In this thorough guide, We will take you through step by step everything you need to do after an accident, making sure that you stay safe at the scene and that you know how to work with the insurance companies and the law to get the best results.
What to Do in the First Minutes after Being in a Crash
Check for Injuries:
First and foremost, make sure you and anybody else who has been involved in the accident have not been injured. If there are any injuries, dial 112 (or 911 for the US) immediately. For the preservation of your well-being and your life, we have made safety measures our highest priority.
Move to Safety if Possible:
If you can do so and it’s safe, move yourself and your vehicle to a safe place away from the oncoming traffic. This may reduce the likelihood of future accidents and injuries.
Call the Authorities:
Following the crash, even if it seems to be a minor one, it is necessary to report it to the police.
Call 911 or the appropriate emergency number for notifying local authorities.
Document the Scene:
While waiting for police, if you can, describe the accident scene with the help of photos or videos.
Take pictures of all the crashed vehicles, the location, any visible damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
Gather Witness Information:
If there are any other people who witnessed the accident, note down their names and contact information as well.
Testimonies of witnesses may be important in proving that certain things occurred and that people are responsible for them.
Limit Discussion About the Accident:
Do not talk about the details of the accident with other parties, especially not admit your guilt.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Surviving the legal aftermath of a collision with an 18-wheeler truck is as hard as crossing a maze, and even more so when considering the details of personal injury law and the regulations governing the trucking industry.
Having knowledge of your rights and obligations in these cases is of paramount importance for self-defense.
Know Your Rights: The fact that you are a victim of a truck accident in no way means that you do not have legal rights.
These rights could include the right to claim reimbursement for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other harms that were caused by the accident.
It is very important to learn about the rights and how they apply to your particular case.
Preserve Evidence:
One of the first and the most important things to do after a truck accident is to take photos and gather the information as well as the witnesses’ statements so that you have sufficient evidence to support your claim.
In addition to that, the process of gathering evidence will consist of obtaining documents such as medical records, police reports, photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, witness statements, and anything else that is relevant.
The more evidence you have, the more powerful your case is.
Understand Liability:
Identifying the party liable for a truck accident is not an easy task as it can involve a number of parties like the driver, the trucking company, the maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, etc.
Determining who or what caused the accident and to what extent is crucial to seeking compensation.
Comply with Legal Deadlines:
In litigations of injury, there are frequently time limits for the filing of claims, which are called Statutes of Limitation.
These deadlines are different for each jurisdiction and may be only a few months or even years after the accident.
If the statute of limitations is not respected, you can lose your right to claim the compensation. It is necessary to keep deadlines in mind and act accordingly.
Legal Expertise and Experience:
Truck accident cases are different from other cases in terms of laws, regulations, and intricacies that only an attorney with expertise and experience can handle.
A competent truck accident lawyer is well-versed in the intricacies of these cases, including the federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry, liability issues, and insurance matters.
Their experience is a great advantage for them because they can easily manage the legal procedures and secure your rights.
How A Good Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get Compensation For Damages
A great truck accident attorney will do a detailed examination of the conditions that caused the accident.
This investigation can be conducted by collecting different evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, electronic logging device (ELD) data, truck maintenance records, or black box data.
With the help of your lawyer, the discovery of important evidence will help your lawyer prepare a solid case in order to get you the compensation you deserve.
Identifying the parties responsible for the accident is vital in truck accident cases, as liability may be extended to the trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, or maintenance providers in addition to the truck driver.
A lawyer from Mokaram Law Firm will do a thorough investigation of all possible sources of liability and enforce accountability on those individuals and entities who are responsible for your injuries and damages.