The U.S. is loaded with trucks transporting goods from one state to another. In fact, the total market size of the U.S. truckload industry has exceeded $200 billion in 2021 for the first time in history. As you can see, the truckload industry in the U.S. has experienced a continuous increase over the years due to the improved economic need for inland freight transportation.
However, as there are more and more trucks on open roadways throughout the U.S., nobody can deny the fact that there’s been a sudden surge in truck accidents lately. Of course, truck accidents can be traumatic and are some of the worst types of accidents that can happen to anyone. Like any other vehicle accident, truck accidents happen very suddenly, leaving many drivers and passengers injured and sometimes even have fatal consequences.
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However, suppose you’re lucky enough to avoid those fatal consequences, and you’re barely or not injured at all. In that case, the process of dealing with your truck accident does not need to be overwhelming or complicated if you know what to do right after. Of course, you’ll have to deal with the police while they file their police crash report and might need to look for the services of a professional personal injury law firm like Easton & Easton, LLP to protect your rights and fight for your rightful compensation along the way. Still, being prepared, knowing your rights, and understanding how to respond if you ever find yourself in such a situation is essential.
So, to make things easier for you, if you ever find yourself in such a problematic scenario, read along to learn the steps you should immediately take after experiencing a truck accident in California.
Immediately Call 911 If There Are Any Injured Passengers
If you are involved in a truck accident with injuries, immediately call 911. You should also contact the emergency line if you notice the driver of the truck or any other passenger lying on the road, even if they say that they are perfectly fine. In addition, you should also contact the nearest police department and report that you’ve just experienced a truck accident on an open road.
Since truck accidents often result in multiple injuries and fatalities, if you ever find yourself in a commercial truck accident, don’t wait for other people to take care of the injured passengers and do anything within your powers to secure their position and move them away from the damaged vehicles. On most occasions, you must act quickly because someone could be bleeding or have internal injuries that need immediate attention.
Contact A Personal Injury Attorney
As we mentioned before, had you been injured in a truck accident in California and are unsure of what to do next, you should consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer who can assist you with your case. For example, if you’ve taken part in a truck accident in Orange County, hiring the best truck accident lawyer in Costa Mesa can help you deal with the legal steps that must be taken immediately after an accident so that you do not end up losing your rights.
First, they can ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses. Second, they can help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Finally, depending on the circumstances of the accident, your lawyer may be able to argue that another driver was overly negligent in causing the accident and that this negligence contributed significantly to your injuries.
Document The Accident
Most individuals who have been involved in a truck accident are unaware that they are legally entitled to take pictures of the scene right after the accident occurred. By taking these photos, you will be able to document the scene’s status, and consequently, help your attorney during negotiations with the other party’s insurance company or their attorney.
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Document everything that’s wrong with your truck and the other vehicles, if any. If any evidence is moved or destroyed before it can be photographed, then it will be much more difficult to prove liability on the part of a negligent driver. In fact, photographic evidence is so important that many attorneys will not take a case unless they have photographic proof of the injury or damage caused by the accident.
File An Insurance Claim
Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to get help from an experienced truck accident lawyer when you file a claim with the insurance company. Having a lawyer’s help when you file a claim might make all the difference in your claim’s outcome. For example, suppose the insurance provider doesn’t offer a fair settlement. In that case, you and your lawyer can decide whether it might be advantageous to continue negotiating, take the offer on the table, or pursue a lawsuit.
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself involved in a truck accident in the State of California, don’t panic and follow the steps from above to make your unpleasant journey through this process much smoother and ensure that you’ll get the fair compensation you deserve.
