Being involved in any car accident is a traumatic event. But the stakes are even higher when you’ve been hit by a commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles are often much larger and heavier than passenger cars, which can cause a great deal of damage. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you need to take a few important steps.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Often, the full extent of an injury is not immediately apparent, and getting prompt treatment can make a big difference in your recovery. In addition, having documentation of your injuries will be essential when it comes time to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
2. Gather Evidence
Once you’ve received medical treatment, it’s important to gather evidence of the accident. It includes photos of the scene and your injuries, witness contact information, and other relevant documentation. If possible, it’s also a good idea to get a copy of the police report.
3. Contact an Experienced Attorney
Being involved in any car accident is a traumatizing experience. But when a commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, hits you, the damages can be especially severe. If you’ve been hit by a commercial vehicle, the first step you should take is to contact an experienced attorney. Commercial vehicles are subject to different laws than regular passenger cars. An experienced attorney will be familiar with these laws and will be able to guide you through the process of filing a claim and seeking compensation.
In addition, an attorney can help to identify any other parties who may be liable for the accident, such as the truck driver’s employer. If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t try to navigate the legal process independently. Speaking with an attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you should first notify your insurance company. Even if the accident was not your fault, it’s important to let your insurers know as soon as possible to begin the claims process. In addition to contacting your insurance company, you should also exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact information, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information. Once you have all of this information, you can begin filing a claim and seeking compensation for your damages.
5. Follow Your Lawyer’s Advice and Cooperate With Their Investigation
It is important to follow your lawyer’s advice and cooperate with their investigation. It will give them the best chance to build a strong case on your behalf. Your lawyer will likely need to gather evidence, such as medical records and eyewitness testimony. They will also need to speak to the commercial vehicle driver and any witnesses to the accident. You can give them the best chance to get the compensation you deserve by cooperating with your lawyer.
If you are hit by a commercial vehicle, the best action is to seek medical help immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Many injuries from car accidents, especially those involving large trucks, take days or even weeks to manifest. After a doctor has checked you out, your next step should be to contact a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney will be able to help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t hesitate to seek the help you need to protect your rights and get the best possible outcome for your case.
