After a truck accident, you should prioritize safety and call 911 to report the crash. Move your vehicle to a safe location if it’s drivable and you are physically able. Wait for emergency responders to arrive, and make sure the police document the accident with an official report. If you are injured, request immediate medical attention and follow up with a doctor.
Gather as much information as possible at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver, and get the names of any witnesses.
Finally, call a Kansas City truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.
How Do Truck Accident Claims Differ From Car Accident Claims?
Truck accident claims differ from car accident claims in terms of liability, regulations, and the severity of injuries involved. Truck accidents often involve more serious injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, which can make medical treatment and long-term recovery more extensive. Kansas City personal injury lawyers have the experience to help.
Liability is also more complex in truck accidents. While car accident cases typically involve only the drivers, a truck accident claim may include multiple parties, such as the trucking company, the truck driver, and even manufacturers of defective parts.
Additionally, trucking companies must comply with federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), making legal claims more challenging to navigate without an experienced lawyer.
Get the compensation you deserve with trusted legal guidance.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Several parties can be held liable for a truck accident, depending on the cause of the crash. While the truck driver is often the primary responsible party, liability may also extend to the trucking company and other third parties.
Potential Liable Parties in a Truck Accident:
- The truck driver: If the driver was negligent, such as speeding, driving while fatigued, or distracted, they can be held responsible.
- The trucking company: Companies may be liable for poor hiring practices, inadequate training, or failure to maintain their vehicles.
- Other drivers: If the accident was caused by another driver, their insurance should cover your losses.
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation. A truck accident lawyer will help identify all responsible parties to maximize your compensation.
What Should You Avoid Doing After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, you should avoid making statements that could harm your claim or accepting a settlement offer before speaking with a lawyer. One of the biggest mistakes victims make is admitting fault at the scene. Even apologizing can be misinterpreted as an admission of liability.
Here are a few additional things to avoid:
- Don’t give a recorded statement to insurers: Insurance companies will try to get you to say something that minimizes your injuries or suggests fault. Always refer them to your lawyer.
- Don’t delay medical treatment: Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Waiting to seek care can harm both your health and your claim.
- Don’t accept a quick settlement offer: Insurance companies may offer a low settlement to resolve the case quickly. These offers rarely account for the full extent of your damages.
Avoiding these common mistakes will protect your right to pursue fair compensation. A law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and served hundreds of clients can guide you through the legal process and help you with what to do after a truck accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, you can recover compensation for both financial losses and emotional harm caused by the crash. This compensation, often referred to as “damages,” is intended to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially after your accident.
The most common types of compensation include:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical needs related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover lost income, as well as compensation for reduced earning capacity if you are unable to return to your previous job.
- Pain and suffering: Truck accidents often result in significant physical pain and emotional trauma. You may be entitled to compensation for your suffering, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
In some cases, victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if the trucking company or driver acted with extreme negligence or recklessness.
A truck accident lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your damages to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
We’ll help you appeal and secure your rightful benefits.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?
A truck accident lawyer can help you by handling the legal complexities of your case, so you can focus on your recovery. Truck accident claims are more complicated than car accidents because they often involve multiple parties and federal regulations. Without an experienced lawyer, victims risk losing out on fair compensation.
Your lawyer will:
- Investigate the accident: Gathering evidence, including driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records
- Identify liable parties: Ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable, from the driver to the trucking company
- Handle communication with insurers: Protecting you from lowball settlement offers and aggressive insurance tactics
- Negotiate a fair settlement: Ensuring that your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, are fully compensated
By having a lawyer manage your case, you can feel confident that your rights are protected and your best interests are prioritized.
Call Kevin McManus Law for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal advice. With over 60 years of combined experience, Kevin McManus Law has helped victims in Missouri and Kansas recover millions of dollars in compensation.
We know how to handle the complexities of truck accident cases and are ready to fight for the results you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your legal options, protect your rights, and help you secure the compensation you’re entitled to.
