The stakes are often higher with truck accident claims than regular car accident claims. Understanding the first steps to take after an Orlando truck accident and the reasons why they are important can make a difference in the outcome.
The seasoned truck crash attorneys at The Florida Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers are ready to help you obtain fair compensation regardless of whether you remembered all the steps. Other lawyers rely on us to handle their vehicle accident claims because they recognize our skills, attention to our injured clients’ needs, and our record of impressive results.
Medical Care Must Be Your Priority
By far the most important consideration after a truck crash is your health. Getting immediate medical attention is necessary for your well-being. Doing so also strengthens the compensation claim you make later.
If you lose consciousness at any time or remain conscious throughout but feel pain in your head, neck, or back, do not get out of your car. Remain still and wait for help.
If you maintained consciousness and believe you did not suffer serious injuries, you can exit your vehicle if it is safe to do so. Let emergency medical personnel check on you when they arrive and accept ambulance transportation if it is offered. If an ambulance is not available, have someone else drive you to the hospital or an urgent care center right away.
Why Is Immediate Medical Treatment Important for a Claim?
Many people are reluctant to seek medical treatment, especially if they are worried about the cost. If you do not have good health insurance, you might avoid seeking care. The hesitation is understandable, but counterproductive and unwise.
If you delay care, you give the trucking firm’s insurance company the chance to assert that you are exaggerating your injuries or were injured in another incident unconnected to the truck crash. When you seek immediate treatment, our Orlando attorneys can use the medical record to tie your injuries to the truck wreck. This is critical evidence that can greatly strengthen your claim.
Gather Evidence If It Is Possible and Safe
Truck accident injuries are often quite serious, and you may not be able to move or assess the situation. Even if you are not badly hurt, it may not be safe for you to exit your vehicle. Do not feel that you must get out and gather evidence if it is not safe for you to do so.
If you can move and are thinking clearly, there are some steps that might be helpful to your case later. If you have a dash cam, lock the device and transfer the recording to your phone. Record a voice memo or type a note with the date, time, weather, and your recollections of what happened.
Report the incident to the police, but be careful what you say to investigating officers or anyone else at the scene. It is fine for you to tell investigators that you feel too shaken to speak with them, but you will be happy to be interviewed after you receive medical care. Then get a medical evaluation and contact an Orlando truck crash attorney at The Florida Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers as quickly as possible.
Why Is Getting an Attorney an Important Step After a Truck Wreck?
You may be inclined to handle your truck accident claim by yourself, especially if you are not badly hurt. Doing so is unwise.
Florida Statutes § 768.81 allows the trucking company’s insurer to pay you less, or nothing at all, if it can shift fault for the wreck onto you. If you are negotiating yourself, they may refuse to budge off a lowball offer, insisting that your conduct was a major factor in causing the accident. Our Orlando truck accident attorneys counter this tactic with evidence demonstrating that the trucker or another party was primarily to blame.
Unsure of What to Do After a Truck Crash in Orlando? Call Our Attorneys
Our advice about the first steps to take after an Orlando truck accident is meant to help you present the strongest possible claim. But we can still help you obtain fair compensation, even if you did not follow our advice to the letter. We have achieved outstanding results for numerous truck accident victims in various circumstances.
We do not take money from you unless we win. Contact us today to schedule a meeting with our truck accident team.