If you’ve been in a crash in Homestead involving a tanker, big rig, tractor trailer, or any other truck, you may be thinking about the immediate short-term. You may worry whether you have hurt your back or suffered an injury. You may want to contact loved ones, get checked out by a doctor, or file a claim with your insurance company.
However, if you have been in a truck crash, you will want to take the long view. You will especially want to consider the long-term implications of your accident. To do that, you will need to consider:
1) Accident reconstruction and the investigation.
When you are in a trucking crash, the insurance company for the truck carrier will show up and look for evidence of how the accident happened. If you have an attorney or insurance company, they will also generally send someone to the scene. Depending on how serious the accident was, the police may show up.
Eventually, accident reconstruction experts will be able to use computer software to determine the most likely chain of events which led to the accident. They will base this information on where the vehicles ended up and their findings will determine who is liable for the crash.
Liability can help determine whether you qualify for a settlement for your damages, so it is important. Although you may not be thinking about the investigation after your collision, you should be. If possible, get the contact information of everyone at the scene. Take as many photos as possible of the area and of where you and the truck ended up. If possible, do not move your vehicle until police show up, as the final resting place of both vehicles can help determine who or what caused the crash. If you must move your vehicle do to move over laws, take plenty of photos first.
2) Your future medical situation.
If you may have hit your head, it is important to get medical attention right away. In fact, if anyone at the scene was jostled or thrown, it is important to get medical attention at once, even if they do not look injured. Some internal injuries don’t show symptoms right away, but internal bruising or damage to an internal organ can be fatal without prompt care. Keep in mind, too, that getting fast medical attention can help you heal more fully and can help you avoid complications later on.
3) Your future legal claim.
After your accident, you may be thinking about the immediate concerns: contacting your employer to explain you will be late or contacting your insurance company and a tow truck. However, keep in mind that a truck collision is also a legal matter. If you file an insurance claim or pursue a civil claim, what you do and say at the accident scene can make an impact.
Always cooperate with police but do not give out more information than necessary. If you’re not sure about something (such as how fast you were driving) do not guess or estimate. Do not volunteer information. Do not speak with the insurance adjusters at the scene; tell them your attorney will contact them. Avoid signing any documents or making any official statements until you have consulted with an attorney.
A personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community is trained to consider the long-term costs and consequences of your injuries so they can fight for your right to fair compensation. If you’d like to speak to a personal injury attorney after your crash, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation.