There are many common causes of truck accidents, including road conditions, driver negligence, and federal trucking industry violations. To build a successful truck accident injury claim, your truck accident attorney will collect evidence to prove the truck driver or trucking company was negligent.
Follow these ten tips for Connecticut truck accident victims to prepare for the claim process and avoid common mistakes that could hurt your case.
1. Collect Evidence at the Scene
If your injuries at the time of your accident aren’t severe enough to require immediate medical attention, stay at the scene to gather evidence. Take pictures and video of the damage to your vehicle, the truck, and nearby road conditions. Write down the truck driver’s license and insurance information to file a claim.
2. File a Police Report
Call the police immediately to report to the scene and collect statements from other drivers. The police will also take photos and measurements of the debris field from the accident, so the police report is a key piece of evidence for your claim.
3. Write Down Witness Contact Information
Witnesses are not required to stay at the scene. If you have their contact information, they can make a statement later when the police contact them.
4. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Truck crash injuries are generally severe, often requiring an ambulance ride to the hospital. In cases with less severe injuries where you can remain at the scene to file the police report and trade insurance information, seek a medical exam as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to establish a connection between the accident and your injuries.
5. Contact a Connecticut Truck Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
Truck accident cases are complex. Truck drivers have protection under commercial insurance policies, and the trucking company has business liability insurance. An experienced truck accident attorney in Connecticut can help you manage every step of your insurance claim or lawsuit.
6. Don’t Talk to an Adjuster Without an Attorney
Insurance companies don’t like paying claims and will attempt to deny or devalue legitimate claims, especially in high-value cases with serious injuries. Your attorney can represent your interests with the insurance adjuster investigating your claim so that you don’t say anything that could hurt your case.
7. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance Companies
An adjuster or insurance representative may call and ask for a recorded statement. Never go on-record with a representative from the insurance company. They will try to use any mistakes in your statement against you.
8. Consider Liability by Other Parties, Such as the Trucking Company
The driver isn’t always the only negligent party in a truck accident. The trucking company, loading company, truck part manufacturer, or government entity responsible for maintaining the road could share in liability for your accident.
9. Preserve the Evidence for Your Case
Your attorney can write a spoliation letter informing the trucking company of your claim to prevent destruction of evidence for your claim, as well as requesting specific evidence during discovery.
10. Don’t Discuss Your Truck Accident Case on Social Media
Insurance company representatives will look for information about your case on social media to use against your claim. Don’t post information about your claim or case online.
The Law Offices of James A. Welcome: Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers
If the medical bills are piling up from a truck accident, turn to our team at the Law Offices of James A. Welcome. With nearly two decades of experience helping injured clients, our skilled attorneys can help build your case. Call today at (203) 753-7300 or contact us online to request a consultation with a truck accident attorney in Connecticut.