The nature of being a professional driver, whether as a long-haul truck driver, delivery vehicle operator, or ride-share driver, presents a certain level of risk.
Accidents occur even with all the precautions and safety measures set in place. Being injured on the road may prove to be a harrowing event, not just because of the physical pain you may be in but also because of the strains, lost wages, and medical bills it may have on your finances.
If you are a truck driver, the stakes are much higher. Here’s what drivers should do next if they’re injured on the road, especially seeking the proper legal help like a truck driver injury lawyer.
Get Medical Attention
Above all, your health and safety come first. If you sustain an injury in an accident, no matter how small you think it is, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Some injuries — like whiplash or concussions — can take time for symptoms to start, even if you think you feel fine afterward.
Some, however, may be harder to spot immediately and, if not treated early on, can become serious, and getting checked by a healthcare professional ensures that whatever injuries you sustained are documented and treated as early on as possible, which is important in terms of your recovery and for any potential claims you might later make.
Report the Accident
The next step is to report the accident to the authorities. If you operate a commercial vehicle, your employer may have certain procedures that need to be followed for your accident report.
In either case, though, be certain to have the accident documented by law enforcement, as they will create a report that is essential to actions that you may take later.
We make sure that the report contains correct details about how the accident occurred, any possible contributing factors to the accident, and who the other parties involved were.
Being a truck driver, you should also inform your company of the accident. They might have insurance policies that can help cover your medical expenses or losses from the accident.
Gather Evidence
Perhaps the most important thing you can do following an accident is to establish as large a trail of evidence as possible.
If you can physically do so, take photos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicle, skid marks, weather, and anything else that will be relevant.
Also, collect the contact information for any witnesses. If there’s a disagreement over details about the accident, their testimonies can corroborate your version of events.
Tip: When in an accident, exchange insurance information with the other (or other) driver(s) involved. If you’re a truck driver, your company’s insurance should cover damages, but it’s still important to have all details in place for any potential claims.
Seek Medical Attention and Document Injuries and Expenses
Maintain detailed notes about all of your injuries, medical treatments, and any costs you suffer from the accident.
This encompasses hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, medications, and even lost wages if you can’t work because of your injuries.
However, the more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be if you file a claim or complaint.
In addition, if you suffer from a long-term injury or require physical therapy or rehabilitation, these costs should be documented as well.
Professional driver injuries can be tough since a long recovery might prevent you from returning to work and cause significant financial distress.
Contact an Attorney for Truck Driver Injuries
Insurance companies might attempt to reduce your claim, or your employer’s insurance company might not want to provide a just settlement.
This is where you need a truck driver injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can explain your rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and make sure that you are given the compensation you deserve.
Truck driver accident attorneys do deep work on how local statutes and the larger trucking civil system work.
They can help you secure a settlement that appropriately addresses all areas of your accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and the potential for future care.
File a Claim or Lawsuit
If your injuries are severe, then you will probably file a claim with your insurance provider or suing the negligent party.
A truck driver injury lawyer can assist you with this process. They will collect all evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with medical professionals to ensure your case is solid.
In some situations, your employer’s insurance might pay for the injury. If, however, the accident resulted from another driver or a fault of a third party (like poor road conditions or faulty equipment), your lawyer will assist you if you wish to pursue damages from the responsible party.
Conclusion
Getting hurt on the road can be an exceptionally difficult experience, especially for professional drivers who rely on being able to do their job for their income.
And remember, by acting quickly to get medical help, documenting the scene of the accident, and taking the time to speak with an experienced truck driver injury agent, you can make sure that your recovery process is as smooth as possible and that you’re compensated for your damages and losses.
You don’t have to go through this process alone. Experienced legal counsel can help you secure the justice you deserve
