In South Bend, the local roads often see both commercial trucks and day-to-day commuters, which brings about a reality many residents face: risk from truck accidents. For residents in South Bend, Indiana, a truck accident is one of the most traumatic incidents that may occur in one’s life. With the enormity and weight of the big trucks, you can face severe injury and considerable property damage that makes the aftermath complicated and overwhelming. Besides the physical trauma often involved, residents get to face the complicated maze of medical, legal, and insurance issues that can also be overwhelming. Knowing what to do after a truck accident is important to ensure safety and protect one’s legal rights. This article is made to equip the residents of South Bend with essential steps they should take after a truck accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
A case involving a truck accident is complicated, often involving several parties, and from the very beginning, legal assistance may help to protect one’s rights. Blackburn Romey, South Bend truck accident lawyer, will assess the probable value of your claim based on your medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering. They will further be helpful in the collection of evidence and negotiations with insurance companies so that you are not underpaid or bullied in your claims. The early consultation will, therefore, enable you to go through the post-accident scenario quite smoothly and, thus, an easier way to get your compensation.
Document the Scene
To build a stronger case, you have to document as much as you can about the scene of your truck accident. Once you have made sure you are safe, gather as much information as you can: vehicles, surroundings, and visible injuries. Also, gather contact information of everyone present who can provide an account of what happened. Obtaining a police report is also important because it is the formal documentation of the accident, which is quite crucial in both insurance claims and litigations. Full documentation will help explain what happened and also add substance to your case upon seeking compensation.
Understand the Timeline for Filing a Claim
It is important to know the timing for filing this claim following the accident because, generally, under Indiana law, you have two years from the time of the accident to commence a personal injury claim. Waiting too long may put your case in jeopardy and limit your options. Your truck accident lawyer will fast-track everything by taking you through what you must do, filing all paperwork in a timely manner, and efficiently gathering evidence. Their experience allows them to anticipate what deadlines are coming up and maneuver through the many complicated requirements so that, as you focus on your recovery, your interests are well taken care of.
Notify the Insurance Company
The most important way damages and injuries can be compensated for is by notifying the insurance company about the truck accident. After taking proper care of your safety and undergoing treatment, you can proceed to file claims to the insurance companies regarding the accident. This should have a comprehensive and objective elaboration of what happened, including facts in regard to the accident, injuries, and necessary evidence such as a police report and witness statements. This, however, needs to be handled with caution. Obviously, insurance companies would want to minimize the claim or shift blame; hence, this is best done through your lawyer. They will assist in processing the claim and fight for your right to get the compensation that you are entitled to.
