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What To Do After A Truck Accident

Contact Klie Law Offices – West Virginia truck accident attorneys

Truck accidents in West Virginia can be very confusing. Severe injuries are common. Tracking down the trucking company is often difficult. Even knowing who’s responsible for compensating you for your truck accident might not be so clear. We know because our experienced West Virginia truck accident lawyers at Klie Law Offices have been working with injury victims and their families for years.

That’s why we created this checklist of things you should do if you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a commercial truck driver. We know how hard it can be to get straight answers to your questions. So whether you’re dealing with an 18-wheeler accident on I-79 or a rear-end tractor trailer accident on I-64, contact us. We can help.

Contact the police

Some truck drivers might try to talk you out of contacting the police after your accident. Don’t give in. Make sure you demand to have a police officer investigate your truck accident. That way, there were will be no confusion later about exactly what happened in your accident, just in case the driver later tries to claim the crash wasn’t his or her fault. By having your accident investigated, an official accident report will also be created, a document that insurance companies heavily rely on when deciding how much to compensate injury victims.

Seek medical attention

Even if you feel fine, don’t automatically assume that you don’t have an injury. Many times, people injured in truck accidents sustain serious internal injuries or traumatic brain injuries that are not immediately apparent. And if these injuries are not diagnosed and treated in time, injury victims can experience serious health problems or even die as a result of their injuries. Don’t try to diagnose yourself. Talk to your doctor or visit an emergency room right away.

Gather information

After your accident, obtain the following information from the trucker:

  • Truck driver’s full name
  • Home address
  • Home phone number
  • Driver’s license number
  • Truck driver’s insurance provider
  • Truck driver’s insurance policy number
  • Name of trucking company driver works for
  • Address of trucking company
  • Trucking company phone number

Talk to witnesses

If someone saw your accident, make sure you get the person’s full name, address and phone number. And ask the investigating police officer to talk to the witness as well. Witness testimony can often make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case.

Take photographs

Don’t simply rely on police officers to investigate your truck accident. Take pictures of anything you think might help you build a strong legal case. This can include:

  • Damage to your vehicle
  • Damage to truck
  • Skid marks on road
  • Nearby street signs
  • Your physical injuries

Contact insurance company

Call your insurance company and tell them you’ve been in an accident caused by a commercial truck driver. However, keep your comments to a minimum. Even though your insurance company represents you, it’s always wise to keep your comments brief if you’ve been involved in an accident. Otherwise, you could potentially harm your ability to be compensated for your crash.

Contact us

Our experienced West Virginia truck accident attorneys can help you every step of the way. From tracking down the trucking company to negotiating directly with insurance companies on your behalf, we leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice. Schedule your free case evaluation right now. Contact our West Virginia law firm.

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