People aren’t always sure what to do after an collision with a heavy semi-truck or tractor trailer. For someone who is recovering from an collision, dealing with a trucking company and their insurer can be overwhelming.
Here are a few tips to avoid many of the common mistakes people can make after being involved in an collision with a heavy or commercial truck.
1. Not getting medical attention or treating an injury
Some injuries can take hours, days or even weeks to appear. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after the collision and to see a doctor if you notice pain, stiffness or soreness later on. Getting medical care after the collision is powerful documentation to support an injury claim.
2. Talking to anyone other than law enforcement
Representatives for the trucking company and their insurers may pressure you for details about the collision or your injuries. Unfortunately, this is how people can hurt their own claim. If you have been in an collision, you are not required to share any information other than the official report you give to the police.
3. Not investigating the collision, gathering witnesses or collecting evidence
It is important to preserve any evidence that proves safety regulations or industry standards were not followed by the driver or the trucking company. In these cases, collecting, preserving and examining evidence related to the collision is vital.
4. Settling with the insurance company right away
Most people aren’t aware of the extent of their injuries, treatment or the psychological toll of a serious collision right away. It’s important to sensure that the settlement will cover all of your short- and long-term losses.
5. Accepting the insurance company’s interpretation of the collision
It is not uncommon for a trucking company to avoid paying the full value of a claim. Even if you are worried that you’re partially responsible for the collision, it may still be possible for you to seek compensation under Pennsylvania law.
If you or a loved one is involved in a trucking collision, taking these steps can help prove negligence on the part of any parties who may be involved with the trucking operation.