In some ways, trucking accidents are quite different from other motor vehicle collisions because they tend to be much deadlier. Indeed, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), big rigs or 18-wheelers often weigh up to 20 or 30 times as much as a smaller passenger vehicle, which means they can cause devastating crush injuries when they are involved with a passenger car or pickup truck. In addition, large trucks have a significantly greater ground clearance than passenger vehicles, which makes the likelihood of an under-riding accident more likely—a type of accident that is often deadly.
At the same time, trucking collisions are similar to other motor vehicle crashes in that accident victims should take certain steps following the accident to preserve their ability to seek compensation through a truck accident lawsuit. The following are some of the key steps you should take after a Florida truck accident.
- Capture Photographs at the Scene of the Truck AccidentÂ
While trucking collisions can be devastating and vehicle occupants who are injured in the crash may not be able to physically move around to take photos, it is important to document the scene if you are able to do so. Use your smartphone to take a variety of pictures that depict the scene where the trucking accident happened and any close-up images of property damage and injuries.
- Record Contact Information for Witnesses and Others Involved in the CollisionÂ
If anyone witnessed the collision, or if anyone else was involved in the crash, be sure to record contact information. It could be extremely difficult to track down witnesses later on, and you will need to have contact information and other details for anyone who was driving a vehicle in the collision, including the trucker and any other motorist.
- Get Help from a Medical Doctor as Soon as PossibleÂ
You should get medical attention as quickly as possible. Certain types of injuries do not immediately have obvious symptoms, and your injuries could worsen significantly if you are not evaluated and properly treated by a health care provider.
- Report the Accident to Your Auto InsurerÂ
Do not forget to report the accident to your auto insurer, but keep the information objective. You do not want to provide a statement to anyone that could be construed as an admission of liability later on.
- Seek Advice About a Truck Accident Claim from a Florida Trucking Accident AttorneyÂ
A truck accident lawyer in West Palm Beach can help you to determine which parties may be liable for the truck crash, from the truck driver to the trucking company to other parties. Then, your lawyer can help to determine your eligibility for filing a lawsuit and can help you to get started on your claim.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Trucking Accident LawyersÂ
If you or someone you love was involved in a serious truck accident in Florida, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against one or more liable parties. An experienced West Palm Beach trucking accident lawyer at our firm can speak with you today about your case. Contact Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith PLLC today to learn more about how we can help you with your claim.
Resource:
iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks
