You can’t always count on every motorist to follow traffic laws and do their part in making the roads safe. Accidents can happen at any given moment, wherever there are reckless and negligent drivers. However, no harm is greater than that inflicted by a ten-wheeled truck. While drivers of large vehicles are trained sufficiently and have to undergo special licensing processes, even the most experienced operators can still commit preventable errors. 

These errors can do more harm to other motorists than they do to the goods they are carrying. Considering the size and the top speeds these vehicles could reach, severe injuries and fatalities are expected to result from even the slightest mistake. 

Fortunately, you are well within your rights as a driver to file a truck accident claim and hold the other party, including the company they represent, liable for the pain and suffering you will have to endure. All it takes is knowing how to up your chances of a surefire legal victory. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

1. Have Yourself Checked

You might think that a minor fender-bender with a semi-truck isn’t worth going to the doctor for, but you should know that the minimal injuries that emerge immediately following the accident may indicate more serious underlying conditions. A sudden surge in adrenaline levels may have masked the initial pain, but in due time, your adrenaline drops, and you will begin to feel the peak of pain. 

It’s always a good idea to get checked for underlying conditions and have them treated before they get worse. Another reason why you should do this is to establish a direct link between your injuries and the accident. Delaying any medical treatment longer will put your claim up for dispute, as the other side may attribute your injuries to another accident.

2. Obtain Facts Directly from the Ground

Even more crucial than getting a timely medical report on your injuries is providing enough evidence detailing the extent of the damages you’ve suffered as well as establishing liability. In most cases, you should be able to sue the driver directly for negligent handling, but their employer can also be held liable for contributing to the accident. 

The latter usually happens when the trucking company fails to comply with industry safety standards as well as recruitment and training standards. Whichever the case, opt to take pictures of the accident scene and talk to witnesses, including the driver at fault. Be sure to share information, especially about their employer. 

3. Get the Right Legal Professional

Even with all the facts in place, you won’t be able to go far with your truck accident claim if you’re unfamiliar with the process of filing one, let alone ensuring a victory in the courtroom. You still need a capable and experienced lawyer who is well-versed in local personal injury laws and truck accident litigation to help build your claim. 

Avoid having to assume that any car accident lawyer will do. If the accident happened in Texas, you might as well get a Dallas or Houston truck accident lawyer to build your case, walk you through the process, and use evidence in a way that justifies the compensation amount you truly deserve. 

4. Be Mindful When Talking About Your Claim

The worst you could ever do with a truck accident claim is to disclose the details to anyone, even those within your closest social circle. You should know that the other side will be closely monitoring your interactions and online activities, and search for anything that they could use to dispute your claim. 

As your case continues to pick up steam, take care not to divulge details about the compensation amount you demand as well as your medical condition. Allow your lawyer to be your chief spokesperson on anything related to your claim. This will help you avoid issuing agreements and comments that the other side may use to prove you’re not as affected by the accident as you claim.

Endnote

Being a victim of a truck accident, you just can’t sit down and let the driver and their employer go scot-free. Demand fair compensation and ensure that they face proper punishment under the law by following the tips above.