Truck Accident Injury Claims
While on any road, chances are you are going to come across a large big rig, or 18-wheeler truck.
These drivers are given training on how to drive while dealing with smaller vehicles that are on the road. Likewise, civilian drivers know that these larger trucks need more space and have a longer stopping distance compared to a regular sized vehicle.
However, accidents do happen. For those who have been in a truck accident, they will find that this can be devastating.
The large size of these 18 wheelers can cause significant damage to the vehicle and in most cases, it does result in injuries to the driver of the smaller vehicle.
The most common cause of truck accidents is due to driver negligence. While these truck drivers have had education on how to drive while on the road, there are situations in which a truck driver is not paying attention.
Sometimes they do not allow for an adequate stopping distance, or may even be too tired to be driving. While we are all sharing the road, it is important that you know what to do when involved in a truck accident.
The Reality
The reality of these truck accidents is that many drivers walk away with extensive injuries, even the truck driver themselves. Some of the more realistic injuries that are seen with Ontario truck accidents include:
- Whiplash: this is due to the sudden stopping of a vehicle due to the sheer size and force that an 18-wheeler has behind it. When a person suffers from whiplash, they may have issues for months or even years to come.
- Traumatic brain injury: In many cases, drivers and passengers come into contact with windshields and even the door itself that causes a head injury. The brain can swell, be bruised or even bleed in these cases. And when this happens, it could mean permanent damage. For those who suffer from this type of injury, it can be fatal in the long run.
- Puncture injuries: Due to the 18-wheeler truck hitting a smaller car, it is easy for items to become broken on the car that flies into the driver and the passenger. When this happens, it can hit a person anywhere on their body. For many drivers and passengers, the head is often hit, and this can cause immediate death or lifelong issues.
Actions to Take When Involved in a Truck Accident
When you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important that you follow specific steps to ensure that the insurance company and police are notified.
Step 1: Stay at the Crash Scene
When there has been an accident, be sure to stay at the crash scene. Too many people simply drive away, and for a truck driver this could be constituted as a hit and run.
For a truck driver, this can lead to losing their license to drive these bigger trucks. All drivers involved need to stay at the scene.
If possible, the truck and car need to stay where they are so authorities have a better understanding of what happened to cause the accident.
Step 2: Call for Help
Safety is the biggest thing when involved in a truck accident. Everyone needs to be certain that they are healthy and not severely injured. Therefore, someone needs to call 911 immediately and tell them that there has been an accident.
Be sure that you pay attention to your medical needs before checking on passengers, other drivers and even pedestrians that may be around.
Step 3: Take Pictures
If you are able, take pictures of the crash scene, as these can be used for later if there is an issue or someone denies certain actions caused this crash.
With today’s cell phones, it is possible to take video of what happens after the crash and even record audio. Be sure to take pictures of:
- The damage to the vehicles involved
- The area where the crash happened, such as the intersection, a stop signs or the like
Also consider recording yourself detailing what happened, if possible. This type of information can be super helpful later if a lawyer is needed to help with this case.
Step 4: Exchange Insurance Information
In most cases, if the passengers and drivers are not severely injured, exchanging insurance information is going to happen with the authorities.
However, you want to be certain that all the drivers involved have your information. This information includes:
- Your name
- A phone number to contact
- Driver license number
- License plate number
- Insurance carrier along with the agent’s name
- The insurance policy number
Step 5: Do Not Make Statements About the Crash
This advice is heard many times around: Don’t admit that this was your fault. Even if you think that this accident was your entire fault, be sure that you are not admitting it just yet.
There have been cases in which one driver believed it was their fault, yet an eyewitness saw the other driver texting and driving.
It is best to hold off on assuming until all the evidence and eyewitness accounts have been heard.
Step 6: Contact a Lawyer
When it comes to truck accidents, many times insurance companies do not want to pay as much as you think you should get.
As soon as the accident occurs, contact a lawyer. The sooner that you have a professional on your side who knows the law, the better.
Step 7: Take Care of Yourself Medically
You want to ensure that you are taking care of yourself with any medical advice that you are given. Also, follow up on any medical appointments that you may have.
This is information that your lawyer can later use if the insurance companies are not paying what they should or there is a lawsuit.
If you do not attend these appointments, chances are the courts will find that your injuries were not as bad as you state, simply because you did not get the medical treatment that was recommended.
Step 8: Get the Police Report
A police report will be filed as this is a major accident, be sure that you have a copy. And be certain that your lawyer has a copy as well.
This is the main evidence that showcases what happened and who may be at fault.
Step 9: Take Legal Action
There is always a statute of limitations when it comes to filing a lawsuit when involved in a truck accident.
This is why it is imperative that you reach out to a lawyer before you feel as though you may need one. A lawyer will act immediately to get the evidence collected and have a strong case that will work in your favor.
Being involved in a truck accident is something that no one wishes to happen. However, these happen almost every day on the major highways throughout Canada.
Whether this is due to driver’s negligence, equipment malfunction or the like, they still happen.
If you are a victim in a truck accident you need to have medical needs taken care of, vehicles replaced and maybe even money paid to you due to lost work and wages. Following these steps will help to ensure that you get what you deserve.
Have You Been Involved in a Truck Accident? We can help.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, Conte Jaswal can help you.
Our team of skilled legal professionals has a wealth of experience in successfully dealing with cycling accidents and injuries.
We will help fight on your behalf and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
For further information or legal advice about a truck accident, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Contact us today for a FREE Consultation.
