Getting into a collision with a commercial truck can be more serious than a typical car wreck. There are often severe injuries involved and complicated legal issues that follow. You might feel overwhelmed and stressed in the moments and days after the collision.
So, what to do after a commercial truck crash in Kentucky?
These next steps can protect your health, finances, and legal claim. Here’s what you need to know to proceed after a truck accident.
Make Safety Your First Priority
Truck accidents happen every day in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, 2023 saw a total of 10,604 truck accidents.
Immediately after any crash, you want to take a deep breath and stay calm. Make sure to call 911 right away. When emergency responders arrive, they will assess injuries and provide medical care. Most importantly, they can file a police report. You will need that as an important piece of evidence.
Even if the accident seems minor, you should never assume everything is fine. Commercial trucks are massive, and even low-speed impacts can cause serious damage and injuries.
Get Medical Attention
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a truck accident is declining medical care. Adrenaline can mask injuries. Some symptoms, like concussions or internal injuries, may take hours or even days to appear.
Getting checked out by a doctor creates a medical record. You can use that to link your injuries directly to the crash. Many times, insurance companies often look for that when evaluating claims.
Gather Information
If you’re physically able, you’ll want to collect as much information at the scene as possible.
That may include:
- Photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries
- The truck driver’s name, license number, employer, and insurance info
- The truck’s license plate and DOT number
- Contact details for any eyewitnesses
This documentation could be necessary when it comes to proving what happened.
Watch What You Say at the Scene
After a traumatic crash, you may want to apologize or explain after a traumatic event. However, avoid saying anything that could be taken as an admission of fault.
Also, you never want to sign anything or agree to a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney. In these cases, insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, but their goal is to protect the company’s bottom line, not offer a fair settlement.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
You will want to let your insurance company know about the crash as soon as possible. During this time, provide just the basic facts. You will want to be careful not to speculate or downplay your injuries, especially before a full medical evaluation. Keep your statements brief. Also, do not give a recorded statement until you have talked to a lawyer.
Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney
After a serious crash, you should seek out legal support as soon as possible. An experienced truck crash lawyer can provide clarity and look out for your best interests.
They can:
- Investigate what really happened
- Collect and preserve key evidence
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Make sure your claim includes everything you are entitled to, such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
Be Mindful of Legal Deadlines
Kentucky gives you one year from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like a lot of time, but investigating the crash and gathering evidence can take weeks or months. If you have been involved in a big rig accident, you must contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Moving Forward After a Truck Crash
A commercial truck crash can turn your life upside down in an instant. Fortunately, you do not have to figure everything out on your own.
At Peterson Law Office, we’re here to help you through the truck accident claims process and answer your questions so you can take the next steps for your claims.
