Have You Been in a Big Truck Accident? Lawyers Share Important Next Steps

A traffic crash site can be a chaotic place, especially if people have been hurt or killed. This is exactly what happens in many cases where a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle or motorcycle. Experienced big truck accident lawyers attest that what you do after such a crash matters.

Taking appropriate measures immediately after a large truck crash is crucial for several reasons. For one thing, the right steps ensure you get medical assistance for any serious injuries you sustained.

For another, you can satisfy your legal obligations to report the accident. Additionally, taking the appropriate steps will protect your ability to seek compensation for your injuries.

Steps to Take After a Truck Crash: An Overview

Experienced and knowledgeable Wyoming big truck accident lawyers recommend that you take the following steps if a commercial truck hits you or a loved one:

• Contact 911 immediately if anyone appears hurt or killed
• Report the accident to local law enforcement if it seems to have caused more than $1,000 in property damage
• Prioritize getting to a hospital for evaluation and treatment
• Work with a semitruck accident lawyer to file your insurance claim

Wyoming’s statute of limitations for truck accident claims stipulates that you only have four years from the date of your wreck to complete these steps.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Truck Crash

After a truck crash, it’s imperative that you seek medical attention. For instance, you should:

• Visit a hospital emergency room or healthcare provider as quickly as possible
• Avoid deciding whether you need care based solely on how you feel physically
• Avoid relying on a paramedic’s exam at the crash site to tell you how severely you’ve been hurt

Traumatic brain injuries, damage to internal organs, and soft tissue injuries can only be diagnosed with medical imaging performed at a hospital. Moreover, your symptoms might not be immediately apparent. Getting these injuries detected and treated sooner will increase your chances of making a full recovery.

However, even if you do not sustain permanent or disabling injuries in your wreck, visiting the nearest emergency room for an exam still has benefits. A doctor will perform a full exam so they can note any harm you sustained. Doing so gives you an accurate picture of the amount of financial compensation you will need.

When and How to Report Your Truck Crash

Wyoming law requires drivers to report any traffic accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. This means that almost every collision involving a commercial truck will need to be reported to authorities. If you’re unsure whether your crash should be reported, err on the side of caution and report it anyway.

Reporting a truck accident in Wyoming is as simple as calling 911 if it appears someone is injured or has been killed. Otherwise, you can contact the local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency line. In either case, be prepared to inform the dispatcher of your name, location, and whether anyone needs emergency medical services.

It is unnecessary for each person involved in the crash to report it. It only needs to be reported once. And if you are physically able to, remain at the scene after the crash. Give other drivers your license and insurance information, and cooperate with law enforcement’s investigation. Do not discuss who was at fault with any other driver.

Navigating the Insurance Claims Process With Your Big Truck Accident Lawyer

You should consider filing an insurance claim against the trucker’s insurance carrier if the truck driver was primarily to blame for the accident. Your attorney can help you do so and can also assist with:

• Gathering documentation and records relating to your losses
• Establishing fault if the truck driver’s insurer contests responsibility
• Negotiating an appropriate settlement for your claim
• Advising whether you should take your claim to trial

Having a skilled lawyer helping you with this step can be very valuable. Filing and resolving a claim can require numerous phone calls, e-mails, and demand letters. You might also need to respond to document requests, file legal pleadings, and attend court. When you are working with an attorney, your lawyer can perform these tasks for you.

FAQ

Does Every Truck Accident Get Reported to the Police?

Wyoming law only requires reports for crashes that cause at least $1,000 in property damage or lead to an injury or death. However, all but the most minor truck accidents are likely to satisfy at least one of these requirements. It is safest to assume you should report your truck crash.

What Should I Do After Going to the Hospital?

Once you are discharged, follow any instructions you are given for at-home care. Keep all follow-up appointments as best you can. If you notice any new or worsening symptoms, return to the hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

How Long Will It Take for My Claim to Get Paid?

Once you submit your claim against the truck driver’s insurance company, there can be a delay before you get paid. The length of this delay depends in part on how clearly the evidence shows the trucker was at fault and how well-documented your injuries are. It can take weeks to receive compensation for your claim.

Contact The Spence Law Firm for Help With Your Truck Claim

There’s often a lot going on after a truck crash, and it is easy to forget what needs to be done. Your big truck accident lawyer from The Spence Law Firm can guide and support you through the recovery process. Contact The Spence Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and meet your truck accident recovery team.