Driving alongside a semi-truck can be intimidating. While these vehicles play a vital role in transporting goods across the country, their massive size tends to cause more damage in the event of a crash. If you have been involved in a car accident with one of these trucks, understanding the steps you need to take immediately after is essential to ensure your well-being and protect your legal rights. Please continue reading to learn how you should handle the moments after a truck accident and how our dedicated Manatee County Truck Accident Lawyers can guide you through these difficult times.
What Steps Should I Take After a Semi-Truck Accident?
Semi-truck accidents are often serious, leaving victims with catastrophic injuries. As such, the single most important thing you can do after an accident is seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s vital to get a thorough medical examination. Some injuries are not immediately apparent and have delayed symptoms. Therefore, prompt medical treatment can prevent potential complications in the future.
No accident is too small to forgo calling 911. You should always report a truck accident to the police. When the police arrive at the scene, they will conduct a preliminary investigation into the accident and write up a police report. This will provide a third-party perspective of an accident, including facts and accurate descriptions. Without this documentation, it can be more difficult to prove what happened and who was at fault.
If circumstances permit, you should gather as much evidence related to the accident as possible. Take pictures and videos of the accident scene including vehicle positions and damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Additionally, you should collect the contact information of witnesses. Their statements may be able to corroborate your version of events later on.
Should I Consult a Lawyer?
Finally, seeking professional guidance is crucial to navigate the complexities of the legal system. You should consult an experienced lawyer who can examine the details of your case, guide you through this complex process, and help you make informed decisions. It’s important to note that under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, an injured party can recover damages if they are partially at fault for an accident. However, they must be less at fault than the other parties involved. If they are more than 50% at fault, they will be barred from collecting compensation. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss these matters with a lawyer as soon as possible to safeguard your right to compensation.
Being involved in a semi-truck accident can have long-lasting impacts on your physical and emotional health. That’s why the team at Becker & Lindauer, LLC will work tirelessly to assist you during these challenging times. Our legal team is prepared to help you gather evidence and fight for the compensation you deserve. Connect with our firm today to discuss your legal options.
