How to Navigate Personal Injury Options After a Tractor Trailer Accident

Tractor Trailer Accidents – How to Navigate Personal Injury Options

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As with any tractor trailer accident, your first instinct should be to contact local authorities. After the emergency personnel caters to your injuries, the next logical step is to give your personal injury lawyer a call to cover any necessary medical expenses. However, not every type of injury will allow you to protect your claim effectively. In this guide, you’ll learn to differentiate between truck accident claims and car accident claims as needed. 

What to Do After a Tractor Trailer Accident

Consider this scenario: your vehicle is hit, and the tractor-trailer in question has fled the scene. First, take note of the company name plastered across the vehicle. Then, you’ll want to take note of any visible numbers that request driving feedback. If possible, jot down their license plate and determine whether you’re in a position to pursue the vehicle. Avoid causing further damage by speeding or putting yourself in harm’s way. 

If not, call the authorities immediately and inform them that the perpetrating vehicle is leaving the scene. Then, provide them with the information you’ve collected and any potential observations regarding the location. Perhaps it was a delivery vehicle, and you’ve noticed loose cargo. On the other hand, you may spot tire tracks close to the scene of the accident. 

What if You Have No Information?

At the very least, you’ll want to focus your efforts on remembering the name of the trucking company. Most tractor-trailer establishments will equip their vehicles with a GPS, which they can consult following the accident. 

Relay to officers, along with the trucking company, the location of the accident, what time it took place, and how best you remember the incident. Considering that commercial truck drivers are more often than not lugging around 50,000 to 70,000 pounds of cargo, you’re most likely to receive 100% compensation for medical expenses, wage loss, disability, and any damages to your vehicle. 

Tractor Trailer Accidents in the U.S.

Every year in the U.S. alone, there are roughly 500,000 trucking accidents that occur on main roads and highways. To put matters into perspective, at least one in eight road accidents will involve a truck collision. Though reporting an accident and filing for a personal injury claim can be incredibly stressful or traumatizing, it’s essential to get the ball rolling as quickly as possible. 

A responsible trucking company must adhere to state and federal laws regarding vehicle safety. These safety procedures might include a DOT drug test, license, and further training. However, some truck drivers remain careless, loading items improperly, or driving negligently. Others might speed or venture out under poor weather conditions. If you notice reckless, intoxicated, or distracted driving, relay this information to your lawyer and the authorities. 

Conclusion 

As personal injury claims on truck-related accidents continue to skyrocket, you must get your hands on the rightful compensation. As a rule of thumb, list as much information as possible following your accident—it will come in handy when you make your claim. 

At the Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, our personal injury attorneys in Atlanta, GA, will fight tooth-and-nail to provide you with the compensation you need. Better yet, you won’t have to pay a single dime until we win your case.