What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident
Have you have ever had your vehicle squeezed between two semis or experienced an 18-wheeler breathing down your neck? At 70 miles per hour? Well, then you probably understand the anxiety and vulnerability most drivers feel when sharing the road with these massive vehicles.
Accidents that involve tractor-trailers frequently result in some of the most devastating injuries on our roads. The severity of these accidents is due to the sheer size and weight of semi-trucks. A typical tractor-trailer weighs up to 80,000 pounds. By contrast, most standard cars weigh around 4,000 pounds.
When these two types of vehicles are involved in a crash, the regular passenger vehicle’s occupants are usually seriously injured. Even worse, these types of collisions usually involve multiple vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, four out of five crashes involving semi-trucks are multi-vehicle accidents.
Because semis have the potential for serious damage, carriers are required by law to carry higher amounts of liability insurance. The operator, the carrier, the freight shipper, and the trucking equipment manufacturer may all have separate insurers. These are complex cases that require the help of an experienced attorney.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, it’s important to act quickly. Here are several important steps to take after your accident.
Get Medical Help
Your health and well-being are your first priorities. Get medical treatment for your injuries right away. This also helps you begin documenting your injuries as soon as possible after the accident. It can greatly improve your chances of proving that your injuries were caused by the collision.
Report the Accident
Contact your insurance company to report the accident. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation about your injuries. Then, you will likely be contacted by the insurance company for the trucking company. In some cases, the company’s adjustor may even offer you a settlement. It’s always best to speak to your own lawyer before making any statements to other parties’ insurance representatives. Remember that your own lawyer has your best interests in mind.
Speak to Your Attorney
Your lawyer will explain your legal options and work with you to obtain full and fair compensation for your injuries. In many cases, operator error or carrier negligence is responsible for personal injuries. Because many truck-related injuries are severe and life-changing, it’s critical to work with your attorney. It also ensures you get the compensation you deserve.
Iowa Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, it’s important to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Attorney Ed Keane today at (712) 234-3088 to discuss your case.
This website has been prepared by Keane Law Firm for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
