The National Safety Council says that Texas had the most deaths caused by commercial truck drivers in a year. Nationally, these accidents are still a big problem. They cause more than 4,000 deaths each year on average. Today, there are so many commercial vehicles on the road in Texas. Therefore, it’s essential to know what to do if you get into an accident with an 18-wheeler in Texas.
Steps to Take After an Accident with an 18-Wheeler
Getting in an accident with an 18-wheeler can be very scary. However, it’s essential to stay calm and follow these steps.
Call the police and ask for help immediately.
The first step is always to call the police. This is important because many 18-wheeler accidents result in severe injuries. The police will be able to help you with medical attention and also control traffic.
Check yourself and others for injuries and call an ambulance.
It is vital to get checked out by medical professionals even if you can’t see any injuries. Sometimes, internal bleeding can occur, and a doctor needs to treat it immediately. If you are able, help any others who may be injured. However, if not, just wait for the ambulance to arrive.
If it’s safe, take detailed photos of the accident.
If you can, take pictures of the accident from different angles. This will help when you are trying to figure out what happened. Make sure to get photos of the cars involved and any debris from the crash. Additionally, take pictures of any traffic signs or signals in the area.
Gather witness statements and information.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their name and contact information. Further, it’s crucial to get a statement from them about what they saw. Ultimately, the more information you have, the better.
Exchange information with the truck driver.
Make sure to get the name, address, driver’s license number, phone number, and insurance information of the truck driver. Moreover, if a company employs the driver, get their company’s information.
Gather and save all documents.
It is essential to keep any official reports, receipts, doctor evaluations, or anything related to your case. These could be helpful if you need to make a claim or sue someone in the future.
Call your insurance agent and report the accident.
Talk to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, be careful about what you say. Stick to the facts and avoid giving too many details. Above all, you should be careful with insurance companies, even your own.
Call a personal injury lawyer in Texas.
Insurance companies do not usually give people what they want easily. If you are having trouble getting a reasonable settlement, it might be time to call a lawyer who specializes in personal injuries in Texas.
If you have been injured and want to know your legal options, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Texas. At Dooley Noted, we will investigate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. Ultimately, we will fight for you to get the best possible outcome.
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
After an accident, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries like whiplash or concussions can take days or weeks to develop even if you feel fine. Besides, seeing a doctor will help your case because you will have documentation of your injuries.
How Trucking Companies Avoid Responsibility
If you are involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler, the company and its insurance carriers may try to avoid paying you what you deserve. Additionally, they may try to downplay your injuries or even blame you for the accident. They could also destroy records or driver logs.
Therefore, it is essential to have an experienced personal injury lawyer. Ultimately, they know how to deal with these companies and won’t let them take advantage of you. Schedule a free consultation with us today to see how we can help.
What to do with a Settlement Offer After an Accident with an 18-Wheeler
You should always get the settlement offer in writing. This is so you can review it with your lawyer to see if it covers all of your accident-related expenses. Often, the settlement offer doesn’t come close to what you need to cover the costs. Therefore, review the proposal with your lawyer to see if it is fair. If it is not, there are ways to dispute the offer.
Why hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas?
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident with an 18-wheeler can be difficult. They often make low settlement offers and take a long time to process the claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to deal with these companies. Additionally, they’ll be able to tell if the settlement offer is fair.
Dooley Noted Law is experienced in personal injury cases. Further, we know how to deal with insurance companies. Moreover, we can help you get the settlement you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today to see how we can assist.