Getting into a car accident in general can be terrifying. But when you’re in an accident with a truck, things can quickly spiral out of hand. Truck drivers and their companies are adamant about saving money and avoiding fault for accidents. However, without the help of a Texas truck accident attorney, it can be extremely difficult to get compensation after an incident. Quick timing and action are crucial if you want your insurance claim or lawsuit to succeed.
Contact Local Authorities
After any accident with a truck, you should contact local authorities right away. This is a critical step if the truck driver does not pull over. Attempting to chase down the truck can cause you to lose them, and then you’re stuck with the damage. Pulling over and calling the local police, however, can help. They can more easily track down the at-fault driver and pull them over. Staying close to the original scene of the accident is necessary for any insurance claim.
Know Who’s at Fault
In a truck accident case, there are four main parties that could be at fault. It’s crucial that you know who you’re seeking compensation from in order to have your claim or lawsuit succeed. At-fault parties include:
The truck driver – If the driver was negligent in their driving, they would be liable for injuries and damage.
The truck company – It’s the company’s job to ensure all drivers have licenses, training, and are not driving for longer than the allotted hours. Failure to adhere to these federal regulations can mean the truck company itself is liable.
The cargo company – Cargo companies often rent out trucks for transport. However, if the cargo is not properly loaded, it can create dangerous driving conditions. If these conditions lead to an accident, the cargo company is at fault.
The truck manufacturer – Just like cars, trucks can have faulty parts. If a truck part fails and causes an accident, the manufacturer of that part could be held liable for damages and injuries.
Gather Evidence
Making sure you have the evidence you need to get compensation isn’t always easy. However, working with a Texas truck accident attorney can help. They’ll know exactly what you need to make sure your claim goes through successfully. When seeking compensation for a truck accident, you’ll need the following information:
- Name and insurance information of the at-fault party
- Contact for the reporting officer and the report number issued to the case
- Photos or video of the incident
- Estimates for property damage repair
- Medical records and receipts
- Witness testimony
The sooner you gather this information, the better your odds are of getting the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Texas Truck Accident Attorney
If you were in a truck accident, working with a lawyer is your best bet for getting compensation. As a certified and experienced Texas truck accident attorney, Attorney Vickery is ready to help you navigate the insurance or personal injury lawsuit process. Contact the Vickery Law Firm today at (903) 504-5490 or send an email to ron@vickerylawfirm.com for help with your truck accident case.