A truck accident is one of the worst experiences a person can have. If you are involved in such a crash, you need to know your rights and how to protect them. Below are some helpful tips to help you make sure you do everything right.
Insurance policies do not cover all types of damages
If you are involved in an auto accident with a truck, you might be wondering how an insurance policy can pay out the claims. There are a few ways you can be reimbursed.
One way is through your insurer’s legal department. Your carrier will assess the facts surrounding the claim and decide if they have the financial wherewithal to pay out. If you do not participate in the process, you could be left out in the cold. If the other driver has an insurance policy, he or she may offer to pay for the damage. If you are the at-fault driver, you can choose to accept or deny the offer.
Another way to get compensated for damages is to sue the other driver. There are a number of states that require drivers to carry no-fault car insurance. However, this does not mean you cannot pursue a personal injury claim. A lawyer can evaluate your case and seek a fair settlement from the insurance company.
Avoid saying the wrong thing
There is a small chance that your vehicle was involved in a fender bender. If you are lucky enough to have escaped, there’s a good chance you will need a few bucks to cover the tab and the accompanying expenses. To that end, you should be sure to take a few notes with you. As far as legalese goes, the best bet is to keep an open mind and ask questions. Besides, you never know when you may be involved in an incident where you will need to enlist the services of a lawyer. In the meantime, your best bet is to read up on the latest and greatest in trucking insurance.
Get a medical exam
If you are involved in a truck accident, it’s important to get a medical exam right away. This will ensure you are fully documented with injuries relating to the crash. Without immediate treatment, the injury could become disabling or even life-threatening.
Insurance companies often ask people involved in accidents to participate in independent medical exams. These exams are required by most courts, and they help determine whether you have suffered a significant injury. However, failing to attend an IME can result in denial of benefits, and your claim may be dismissed.
A doctor will review your symptoms and pre-existing medical records to form a diagnosis. He or she will determine if the current medical treatments are appropriate for your condition. The results of the exam should be provided to your attorney within a few weeks.
What can I do to protect my rights after a truck accident?
File a lawsuit
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you’re likely wondering what your rights are. You should consider getting a lawyer to help you pursue compensation for your damages.
You’ll need to prove that the truck driver was at fault for the crash. You should also take photos of the scene and any injuries. These can help you build a case and contact your insurance company.
You should also keep track of any witnesses. These people may be just as important as physical evidence. You should get their contact information, as well as names. You should also record their addresses.
To determine if you have a case, you’ll need to gather medical records, witness statements, and other evidence. Your attorney will be able to assess these and translate them into monetary amounts.
Do your own detective work
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, there are several things you can do to ensure your own safety, as well as the safety of others. One of the best ways to do this is by getting a little detective work done on your own.
First, take a good look around the scene of the crash. Not only will this help you determine the location of the incident, it will also be a helpful reference if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
Next, take pictures of the accident site. This includes the accident itself, as well as any skid marks and other road obstructions. A picture is a great way to remember the scene of an accident, and can be useful later on, when the damage may have been significantly worse.
