#1: Call the Police
You should contact the police from the crash scene. You must report the accident to the police if someone was injured or killed, there was property damage of $500 or more to one victim, or the damage was to a parked vehicle and the owner cannot be located under Missouri Code § 303.040. In Illinois, you must report a truck wreck within ten days after it occurred if an individual was injured or killed or there was $1,500 or more in property damages.
Contacting the police will also strengthen your truck accident claim. The police officer will investigate the crash's cause and write a police report. Helpful information the police report may contain includes the following:
- Date, place, and time of the collision
- Details of how the crash occurred
- Statements of the truck driver, eyewitnesses, and you
- Photographs and diagram of the scene
- Officer's conclusions about the cause of the accident
- Any traffic citations issued
#2: Take Care of Your Health Promptly
Even if you don't believe you were injured, you should be examined by a physician within 72 hours of the crash. You may have suffered a spinal injury, organ damage, or a traumatic brain or other head injury and not realize it for days or weeks after the collision when you start experiencing symptoms.
You avoid your injuries becoming worse or turning into a life-threatening emergency when you get prompt medical care. You may also avoid arguments with the insurance company about what caused your injuries or their severity.
#3: Exchange Contact Information
While you wait for the police to arrive, you should get the contact information for the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance company. You'll need this information to file a claim.
#4: Preserve Evidence
You should begin collecting evidence right after the collision. This includes taking photos of the damage to the truck and your vehicle, the crash scene, road and weather conditions, and your injuries and obtaining the contact information for any eyewitnesses.
#5: Don't Agree to Any Insurance Company Requests
The insurance adjuster could contact you within a few days of the truck accident. You should not agree to their requests that you give a recorded statement, sign any documents, such as a medical release, or settle your claim on your own.
While they may claim they're looking out for your interests, the opposite is likely true. The insurance adjuster may be trying to locate information or get you to make a statement they can use to deny your claim and force you to accept less damages in your settlement. In addition, any initial settlement offer they make would most likely be for far less money than you deserve.
#6: Get Estimates for the Cost of Repairs
You should obtain a few written estimates of the cost to repair or replace your motor vehicle and any other property damaged in the wreck. This will help us settle your property damage claim.
#7: Contact an Attorney
One of the most important steps you can take after a crash is to retain a truck accident lawyer at Bollwerk & Associates LLC as soon as possible. Here are some of the steps we'll take to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve:
- Investigate to determine the cause of your wreck.
- Send a written spoliation letter to the trucking company, requesting that they preserve all evidence that could be crucial in determining how the collision occurred.
- Collect the evidence you need to win your case.
- Explain your rights, the value of your claim, and what to expect in clear, easy-to-understand language.
- Negotiate a fair settlement that compensates you for your losses.
- Litigate your claim if we cannot settle your claim, or the statute of limitations to sue will expire soon.
