Riverside Truck Accident Attorney

What You Should Do After a Truck Accident to Increase Your Settlement

Truck accidents are dangerous due to a truck’s large size and power. Damages may be catastrophic as it could involve multiple vehicles. Because of these risks, many drivers feel uncomfortable driving next to a truck. There are even those who have developed semiochophobia, which is a fear of semi-trucks. With a driver’s nerves getting to them, it can influence reckless actions, such as speeding, to avoid any chances of getting into a truck accident. However, a driver’s decision to go against the rules of the road may also place themselves in a dangerous situation that can involve other vehicles nearby.

If you were involved in a truck accident and would like to pursue a claim against the driver at-fault, West Coast Trial Lawyers has experienced Riverside truck accident attorneys readily available to help you with your case. Our team has over 60 years of collective legal experience in handling personal injury cases and have recovered more than $1 billion in settlements for our clients. Due to our achievements, we have been ranked as one of the top personal injury law firms in Riverside.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at our Riverside personal injury law firm, contact our 24/7 legal team by calling (951) 393-1299 or emailing [email protected]. 

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

In 2019, about 4,119 people died in a truck accident. Of that number, 67 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, while 16 percent were truck occupants. The remaining amount were motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Since a truck accident can affect a wide variety of individuals, it is always important to know what you should do after the impact.

Below, our Riverside personal injury attorneys have created a list of steps you should take to better prepare yourself in case of a truck accident.

• Make sure everyone is okay. If you notice any injuries or damages, contact the police right away.
• Contact the police. The police will arrive at the scene of the accident and conduct an official police report. Paramedics may also be present to provide immediate medical attention to those who need it.
• Exchange information with the driver. It is imperative to swap information with the party(ies) involved in the accident. Information should include:
  • Driver’s name
  • Driver’s address
  • Driver’s insurance information
  • Driver’s license plate number
  • The type and color of the vehicles involved
  • Policy number
• Gather evidence. Make sure to take pictures and/or video footage of your injuries, damages, and the location of where the accident took place. You should also request to receive a copy of the police report. Lastly, it would be ideal to jot down your perspective on what occurred before, during, and after the accident. Do not forget to include the date and time of each event.
• Find a witness. Try to look around and see if there are any witnesses nearby. If you notice one, you should approach them and ask for consent to involve them in your case. If they give an approval, then you should request for their contact information. A witness testimony can greatly support your claim.
• Be careful with what you say. For most people, it is a natural instinct to accept the blame, even when it is not actually their fault. In a court of law, if you admitted fault at the time of the accident, your own words can and likely will be used against you.
• Get medical attention. Even if you did not suffer serious injuries, you should still get checked by a doctor just to be on the safe side. Your doctor will examine your wound and determine a diagnosis. If it is an injury that needs to be treated and monitored, a treatment plan will be created to help you recover. Your doctor visits will be saved on file and can be used as a piece of evidence to include in your claim.
• Contact an attorney. Insurance companies are not on your side. You will be given a low amount as a first offer, which will most likely not be enough to cover for damages caused by the accident. A truck accident attorney will help build your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you get the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers Today

If you have sustained injuries in Riverside or surrounding areas as a result of a truck accident, a Riverside personal injury attorney at West Coast Trial Lawyers can help you recover economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Call us today at (951) 393-1299 or email [email protected] to schedule a free consultation with our experienced, caring, and compassionate legal team.