Being in a truck accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Since these vehicles are much larger than passenger cars on the road, the injuries suffered can be catastrophic and life changing. You might require extensive medical treatment, lose time from work, and be unable to participate in the activities you once enjoyed. Importantly, there are several things you should — and should not — do if you have sustained a truck accident injury.

Here are several steps to take to protect your rights after suffering injuries in a truck collision:

1. Get the Medical Help You Need

Your health is first and foremost after you have been in a truck accident. It is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you were badly hurt. It is not uncommon for a truck accident injury to become apparent several weeks later.

By going to the emergency room or a doctor right away a doctor can rule out any internal injuries and put you on a course of treatment to prevent any diagnosed injuries from becoming worse. Be sure to continue your medical treatment, follow your doctor’s orders, and attend any follow-up appointments. If you have a “gap” in treatment, the defense will argue you are not as injured as you claim to be.

2. Contact the Police

Under Washington State law, the police must be called following any accident involving injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000. When the police arrive at the scene, they will generate an accident report that contains information about the accident, who was involved, the injuries sustained, and how the collision occurred.

3. Collect Evidence

If possible, collect any evidence from the scene of the accident that might support your truck accident injury claim. Take photos and video of the accident scene, your injuries, the road conditions, and the vehicles involved. Be sure to get the contact information for any witnesses who saw the crash as it occurred as their account may be key to proving your case.

You should also obtain the truck driver’s name, their license plate number, the name of the company they work for, and their insurance information. This can be used to identify the parties responsible for the accident in order to establish liability. An experienced truck accident attorney will know how to obtain other critical evidence such as black box data, surveillance footage, truck maintenance reports, truck logs, and dashcam footage.

4. Do Not Admit Fault or Apologize

After suffering a truck accident injury, avoid making any statements to the truck driver, law enforcement, or anyone else at the scene that could be misconstrued as an apology or admitting fault for the accident. If the police ask you questions and you are unsure about the facts, it is important to say so rather than try to guess.

5. Be Cautious About Using Social Media

It is essential to exercise caution when using social media after a truck crash. You should not post anything on social media about the accident or your injuries. It might even be a good idea to deactivate your social media accounts while your personal injury case is pending — any photos or comments you post can be used as evidence against you and damage your claim.

6. Be Careful What You Say to the Insurance Company

You should be very careful what you say to the insurance company if an adjuster calls you looking for information about the accident or your injuries. Anything you say can be used against you to devalue or deny your claim — and you should not provide a recorded statement. Once you have the representation of an attorney, the insurance company is no longer permitted to speak with you directly and must only communicate with your legal counsel.

7. Document Your Injuries and Losses

As time goes by, you may forget key details that could help strengthen your case. Keep a daily log of how your truck accident injury has impacted you, your relationship with your family, and your livelihood. Note the specific pain levels you feel, the limitations suffered, and the financial losses you have incurred. You should also keep track of the medical treatment you have received and the doctors you have seen. This can help to refresh your memory when necessary as well as provide your attorney with the information they need to build a solid claim.

8. Consult with a Truck Accident Attorney

It is imperative to consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after a truck collision. They can guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit to recover your economic and non-economic damages, negotiate with the insurance company, and advocate on your behalf in court. A skillful attorney can also help you avoid any pitfalls that could impact your ability to secure fair compensation.

Contact an Experienced Washington Personal Injury Attorney

If you suffered a truck accident injury, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. The Bellingham personal injury attorneys at Robinson & Kole provide committed counsel to accident victims throughout Washington State for a broad scope of personal injury matters, including truck accidents. Our legal team works diligently to secure the maximum compensation available under the law in each case.

We welcome you to contact us for a free consultation by calling 360-671-8112 or by using our online contact form. Se habla Español.