What to Do and How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Truck accidents are common on American roads and highways, with thousands of fatalities and serious injuries reported each year. According to the Pennsylvania Department o Transportation, traffic fatalities, including those occurring as a result of accidents with trucks, have been increasing since 2020. In 2021, statistics show that traffic fatalities increased by 9%.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, knowing your rights and what to do in the aftermath is important. This blog post will cover some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents, what to do after an accident, and how a personal injury attorney can help.
Why Truck Accidents Are so Serious
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. These injuries can have long-term effects on a victim's life, including pain, disability, lost wages, and mounting medical bills. If you have been injured in a truck accident, seeking medical attention immediately and documenting your injuries should be your first steps. This will be crucial in building a strong case if you decide to pursue compensation.
Examples of common injuries sustained in truck accidents include the following:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- PTSD
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you are involved in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is assess the situation and, if possible, move yourself and your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic. Call 911 for medical assistance if anyone is injured, and report the accident to law enforcement.
Document the accident scene by taking photographs and writing down any witnesses' names and contact information. You should also collect the name, contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information of the other parties involved in the accident.
Remember: even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to seek medical attention. There are some injuries that can initially be masked by shock or inflammation, and the only sure way to know the physical impact of the accident is to seek guidance from a medical professional.
Be Careful What You Say & Whom You Speak To
It is often recommended that you do not talk to the other driver or their insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. This is because the aftermath of an accident is confusing and overwhelming, and you want to avoid mistakenly taking or accepting any responsibility for an accident that wasn't your fault. Remember, anything you say has the potential to be manipulated or taken out of context and used to either deny you insurance coverage or to assign you legal liability for an accident that you may not be responsible for.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If you're involved in a truck accident, seeking the assistance of a personal injury attorney can provide valuable insight into your legal options and rights. They can help file a claim with the other driver's insurance company, negotiate a settlement, and represent you in court if needed.
If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Physical therapy expenses
- Long-term care needs
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost and damaged property
Truck accidents can cause serious and life-altering injuries that significantly impact your quality of life. If you have been injured in a truck accident, it may be worth contacting an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. At Golomb Legal, P.C., we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can be. Our goal is to help our clients understand their rights so they can confidently make informed decisions.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, contact our Philadelphia-based law firm for guidance.