Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. When a tractor trailer comes barreling toward your car or SUV, it can be one of the scariest things in the world. No car stands a chance against a large truck. Truck accidents tend to cause really serious injuries. You’ll need to focus on recovering from these injuries. That’s why you need an experienced truck accident lawyer in Springdale to handle the legal side of things for you.
In order to give your lawyer a chance to adequately prepare your case, you need to do the following after your truck accident:
- Call 911
- Go to the hospital and seek immediate medical treatment
- Make sure the cops come to investigate the accident scene
- Contact your truck accident lawyer right away so they have time to prepare your case
As long as you follow these steps, you should be in a position to recover for your injuries. Your Springdale truck accident lawyer will do what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Make Sure You Call the Police
It’s important that you call the police, even if the accident is minor. The other driver may ask you not to call the police. This is never a good idea. If they’re asking you not to call the cops, there’s a reason.
Some of the reasons the other driver may want to avoid calling the police include:
- They don’t have their commercial driver’s license
- They have active warrants or are afraid they’ll lose their job
- They’ve no insurance
- They are driving a stolen truck
- They’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol
The cops are there to do a thorough investigation. Your Springdale truck accident lawyer is going to need the police report. This report is going to include some really important information. This will include:
- Copies of the truck’s maintenance logs
- The truck driver’s hours log
- Pictures of the accident scene
- Statements made by both drivers
- Description of the road conditions
- Notes about whether either driver was drunk or high at the time of the crash
Your attorney will rely on this information to prove your case. The truck driver will have a team of lawyers working for them. You don’t want to make your lawyer’s job any harder than it already is.
Always Seek Medical Treatment
Most truck accidents cause very serious injuries. Even if you’re lucky and you escape with minor injuries, you need to get medical treatment. Your lawyer is going to need medical records to prove your injuries.
You may have suffered injuries that you can’t see. Or, you think your injuries are minor and they’re not. Some of the injuries caused by a tractor trailer accident include:
- Internal injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck and head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and lacerations
- Facial disfigurement
Any of these may require surgery. You may need to spend a good deal of time in the hospital. It could be weeks or months before you’re back to work.
Your Springdale truck accident lawyer will need your medical records to prove your injuries. The doctors at the hospital will do the tests necessary to determine how bad your injuries really are. Some of these tests are:
- X-Rays
- CT scans
- MRSs
- Physical Examination
- Neurological Exam
There’s never a good reason to refuse medical treatment. You need to go to the hospital right away. If you wait too long, the defendant will claim that you were hurt by something other than your car accident.
You Shouldn’t Handle Your Truck Accident Claim Yourself
There’s no law that says you need to have an attorney handle your case. You can certainly file your own insurance claim. You can even file your lawsuit all by yourself. However, this is not always the best idea.
You want to have an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side. They’ve years of experience dealing with insurance adjusters. They know the court rules and how to deal with court clerks. They also know how to deal with defense lawyers.
The insurance company may try to take advantage of you if you don’t have a lawyer. They’ll offer you a low-ball settlement and hope you take it. Your truck accident lawyer in Springdale, Arkansas knows what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact an experienced Arkansas truck accident attorney at Jason M. Hatfield P.A. today and schedule your free initial consultation.