What Are Your Legal Rights After a Port Truck Accident?

Have You Been Hit by a Truck?

No one wants to deal with a car accident. The tedium that comes with the aftermath is enough to make a person shudder. When you deal with insurance and claims against an individual, you may feel like you have to jump through hoops just to get anything done. When dealing with those same things with a commercial truck driver, those hoops you have to jump through may feel like they are on fire.

So, how should you handle this? How do you get the outcome that puts you back on the right path of recovery and accountability?

What Should You Do After an Accident Involving a Port Truck?

If you are involved in an accident with a port truck, there are certain things you can do to ensure not only your innocence but also to hold the other driver accountable for any damage they may have caused.

It is important to remember to never admit guilt after a vehicle accident, regardless of whether you feel like you were responsible for any part of the accident. Liability is not for you to decide; the police and the insurance companies involved will be tasked with determining liability.

Follow these steps if you are in an accident with a port truck. These steps will also be useful for accidents with any other commercial vehicles.

Remain Calm

A clear mind can be one of the most useful things you can use during this process. It is easy to be rattled, but try not to panic. If you are able, and it is safe to do so, move your vehicle to a safe place. Examine yourself for any injuries. If you have any passengers, ask them to check themselves for injury.

If you or any of your passengers have suffered a serious injury, call 911 and request medical first responders be dispatched to your location. If you are uninjured or your injuries are minor, call the non-emergency number and request an officer be dispatched to your location.

You may be feeling angry and emotional. Try to keep a level head when dealing with anyone else who was involved in the accident.

Exchange Information With the Other Parties

Speak with the other drivers involved in the accident and collect their information while also offering yours. You will want to collect their first and last names, insurance provider, and company name. You should also record the truck number, which will help hold the correct driver accountable.

When law enforcement arrives, give them your information and answer their questions as they are asked. Do not offer more information than they ask for.

You can also take this time to see if any witnesses to the accident would be willing to give a statement to the police. You can also ask them for their contact information, as their eyewitness testimony could be valuable should a claim end up going to trial.

Document the Scene

This is your opportunity to collect evidence that will help your insurance provider and the authorities determine liability. In the worst-case scenario, this information will help a judge better understand the circumstances of your accident and will better help your attorney get the best outcome for your case.

Using your phone’s camera, take pictures of the scene of the accident. Attention to detail, like tire skid marks, traffic signs and lights, and even crosswalks, can help paint a picture. Take photos of any damage to your vehicle and any damage to the other vehicles involved. Take photos of the license plates of the other vehicles involved.

Document your injuries well. You will want as many photos from as many angles as possible of any cuts, bruises, or other injuries.

Document the Aftermath

Even if you feel uninjured or your injuries are minor, you should schedule a visit with a medical professional. Many injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries, can go unnoticed for days or even years! It is best to have an evaluation. Keep the records handy, especially anything that describes injuries you likely suffered as a result of the accident.

Likewise, it is time to start the insurance process. Your insurance provider will be grateful for the evidence you have collected. Answer their questions and supply the evidence.

Speak With an Attorney

If you are involved in an accident with a port vehicle or any other commercial vehicle, then you will want to start working with an attorney as soon as possible. There are too many benefits to working with an attorney who has been experienced with port vehicle accidents.

Your attorney can deal with stubborn insurance agents, insulting settlement offers, and uncooperative companies that don’t want to pay their fair share of the damages.

Commercial vehicles are backed by companies with their own legal department who will attempt to spin you as the bad guy. They know how to make a settlement offer and then convince you that it is your best bet: take it or leave it.

The Law Offices of Preston Easley aren’t afraid to take on these inflated egos. We work to get you what you deserve, and if the big companies don’t want to play fair, then we are not afraid to litigate and stand next to you during your day in court.

Call 310-773-5207 to schedule a free consultation with a team that has unique experience dealing with port vehicle accidents and the companies behind them!