When you are in an accident with a truck, your actions immediately after can influence your right to compensation later. Victims have the obligation to demonstrate fault and losses clearly, and the more evidence you have to do so, the better. Follow these steps after a Jackson, MS, truck accident to seek fair compensation for the losses you suffered. Be sure you speak with a Jackson truck accident lawyer from Hearn Law Firm today.
Move to Safety and Call 911
In every situation, your safety is the most important component of this process. Get out of the way of additional harm, call 911, and follow the instructions provided by the dispatcher carefully. If it is safe to do so, check on the others involved in the accident.
Wait for the police to arrive, even if you feel okay. You should never leave the scene of the accident if you have any injuries or there is substantial damage, or until police tell you to do so. The police officer will complete a police crash report to document critical evidence.
Gather Evidence from the Accident Scene
While you wait for care and support from the police, take photos of the area surrounding you and the entire accident scene. It is critical to capture as much information as possible, as that can prove critical in proving what happened later. Take photos of:
- The truck that struck you
- The damage to your vehicle
- Your injuries
- Debris on the roadway
- Any damage to structures
This information becomes incredibly helpful in building a strong claim for you because it shows what happened. Accident reconstruction tools can be used to demonstrate what occurred.
Exchange Information
Get the name and contact information from all parties involved. That includes the truck driver’s name and contact information, driver’s license information, insurance information, and the name of the company they work for. Take a photo of the license plate and driver’s license if possible. You will have to provide the same information to the truck driver.
Get Witness Information
If there are people who saw what happened, whether they stopped to help or witnessed the drivers prior to the accident, request their name and contact information. Witness information can help you later to reconstruct the accident and demonstrate what occurred.
Get Medical Care Right Away
Go to the hospital to have a full examination. Follow up with your doctor and continue recommended treatment. These steps help to demonstrate that you are doing everything you can to recover. They also help to show that the injuries you have are directly related to the accident.
Seek Legal Guidance Right After Your Accident
Contact a local Jackson, MS truck accident lawyer to discuss your case. Do not assume the insurance company will provide you with a fair level of compensation or even treat you well. Even if they are very nice to you, they will do everything possible to limit compensation.
Your experienced auto accident lawyer in Jackson is working solely for your benefit. They will gather additional evidence, document all of your losses, and file an evidence-backed claim that makes it clear who should pay for your losses. Your lawyer becomes your advocate in every situation.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Jackson, MS Truck Accident Lawyer
Our legal team at Hearn Law Firm is committed to working closely with you to recover fair compensation and losses. We have recovered millions of dollars in damages for victims of truck accidents. Set up a free consultation with a Jackson, MS truck accident attorney now.