It only takes a few moments for your life to turn around after a truck accident. With bad injuries, rising medical bills, and struggle with insurance companies, it is no surprise that being overwhelmed is not surprising. It’s important to know what you should do next if you’re recovering from a crash to protect your rights and get the compensation that you deserve, according to Collins Law.
This article shares actions Birmingham truck accident victims should take and the roles of a qualified attorney.
Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Your health comes first. See the doctor for a check even if you feel fine; some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show signs right away. Having medical documentation is also essential for your injury claim. Insurance firms are searching for any excuse to deny or reduce your compensation. Early treatment results in a clear record connecting your injuries to the collision.
Report the Accident
In Alabama, it’s legally obligated to report all motor vehicle accidents that lead to injury, death, or accident damages exceeding $500. Dial 911 and check that a police report is filed. This report becomes vital evidence when pursuing your claim.
Collect basic information at the scene including:
- Truck driver’s name, license, and employer
- The truck’s license plate and DOT number
- Contact info for witnesses
- Images and videos of injuries, damage, the state of the roads, and other matters
Be Cautious with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are also expecting to hear from you after the accident. Keep in mind that their job is to protect the company’s bottom line, not help you.
According to the Collins Law, never give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement without speaking to a truck accident attorney in Birmingham first. Early offers are often far less than what your case is truly worth.
Understand Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Law
It’s one of the things to know that Alabama uses the strict rule of contributory negligence. A competent lawyer knows how to investigate and respond to unwarranted blame-shifting allegations.
To put it differently, if you are determined to bear any responsibility for the accident, even in the amount of 1%, you may be restricted from having any compensation.
Truck accident cases aren’t straightforward and could include several liable parties, including but not limited to the truck driver, trucking company, or even manufacturers and maintenance providers.
Seek The Services Of A Truck Accident Attorney In Birmingham
You deserve someone equally skilled on your side. A truck accident attorney in Birmingham can assist you in the following:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly
- Gathering crucial evidence like black box data and maintenance logs
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
- Taking your case to trial, if needed
Having legal counsel levels the playing field so you can focus on getting better.
According to Collins Law: Don’t Wait to Take Action
Time matters. In Alabama, there is a limit of two years within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. Excessive delay may compromise your case since evidence may vanish, and witnesses’ memories could become vague. Early legal intervention gives you higher chances of a successful outcome. The earlier you contact an attorney, the better it will be because it will enable the attorney to start forming a good case.
Your recovery and your future will be much different if you understand your rights and follow the correct actions.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
