A collision between two equally sized cars is one thing. It’s another thing entirely to be on the receiving end of an accident with a larger truck, whether it’s a pickup, flatbed, or cargo truck. If that’s what happened to you, reach out to Long Island truck accident attorneys at Jacoby & Jacoby.
Our lawyers will do everything they can to help you receive the highest amount of compensation possible. However, there are steps you can take on your own to help your case. The sooner you begin documenting everything in case it goes to court, the better off you’ll be.
Steps to Maximize Your Compensation After a Truck Accident
Part of receiving the ideal amount of compensation means proving the severity of your injuries and relating them precisely to the collision. With some quick thinking, you’ll be on much better footing if you follow these steps shortly after the truck accident occurs.
- File an Insurance Claim: You’ll want to contact your insurance company right away to get a claim started. This speeds up the claims process so that the agency gets working on your case promptly.
- Call the Police: For a truck accident, it’s a good idea to get documentation from the local police. They’ll get statements from everyone involved, including witnesses, to create a timeline of events and help determine who’s ultimately at fault (or what the ratio of fault is if both parties are to blame).
- See a Doctor: Even if you feel all right, it’s recommended to seek medical attention promptly. There could be hidden injuries that won’t manifest into pain for several days or weeks. You want to tie anything irregular directly to the incident, so you should receive a comprehensive check-up following a truck accident.
- Document the Scene and Any Damages: You or someone you’re with should try to photograph the scene if possible. This includes getting pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved. You’ll also want to photograph any visible injuries as well as extenuating circumstances, such as a pothole that could have thrown a vehicle off course, that might relate to the incident.
- Get in Touch With a Lawyer: Your primary focus may be on getting medical attention, but it’s still a good idea to seek legal assistance as early as possible. Professionals can help gather evidence and get in touch with insurance companies so that you have the best shot of receiving the most amount of compensation.
Factors That Can Impact Compensation for Truck Accidents
No two truck accident cases are the same. Just because someone got a large sum of money doesn’t mean you’re owed the same amount. There’s a litany of factors that affect how much money one can receive following a truck accident.
Naturally, compensation is greatly impacted by the overall severity of any injuries and the accompanying medical bills. Suffering multiple broken bones will require greater compensation compared to only being scraped up a bit.
Some forms of compensation for truck accidents are more malleable, such as pain and suffering. There are also potential lost wages if you have to take any time off work to go to medical appointments. Additionally, you may be unable to work if your injury prevents you from doing so, which must also be considered.
There’s also the distribution of fault. If the truck driver is 100% responsible for the accident, you’ll be on much better legal footing than if you contributed to the collision somehow. The other driver, who will likely have a lawyer as well, might try to pin the blame on you, which is why it’s critical to seek legal representation right away.
Why Hire a Lawyer After a Long Island Truck Accident?
Naturally, an attorney is generally recommended if you plan on taking the case to court. However, a lawyer can be a huge asset even before it gets to that point.
Your lawyer will be able to gather evidence on your behalf, which could help in getting the other driver’s insurance company to agree to greater compensation. Simply having an attorney in your corner can help in this regard because the agency may realize you mean business and will be more willing to prevent you from filing a lawsuit.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer at Jacoby & Jacoby
Getting struck by a truck, whether you were walking or in another vehicle, can be a life-altering event. You may naturally just be glad that you and your passengers are OK, but you still deserve compensation for the road to recovery, and that’s where Jacoby & Jacoby can help.
Contact our personal injury law firm for a free consultation with no obligations. We’d be happy to fight for you, and we can get the legal process started immediately by chatting with you at your home or hospital room.
