Trucks weigh tens of thousands of pounds and can easily cause catastrophic injuries in car accidents. A st. louis truck accident lawyer can help you recover damages to cover your losses and medical bills, as well as any pain and suffering.
Insurance companies always try to pay as little as possible, so it’s vital to start your case as soon as you can after an accident.
1. Gather Evidence at the Scene
It is important to gather evidence at the scene of the accident. This can include physical items, eyewitness statements, and documentation.
Photographs of the vehicles, roadway debris, skid marks, and anything else notable from various angles are essential. Also, take photos of any traffic control devices that may have been involved, like stop signs or traffic signals.
This is an important step because some of the evidence at an accident scene can disappear as you handle your duties of calling 911, EMTs, and towing. If you preserve this evidence, you’ll have it ready to present in your lawsuit later.
2. Report the Accident
When you’re involved in a car or truck accident, Missouri law requires you to report the incident. This is to ensure that police and other emergency responders arrive quickly to render aid.
It also helps to stay calm and assess the situation at hand. This is especially important if you have injuries that could potentially be life-threatening, such as brain trauma and spinal cord damage.
After an accident, it’s essential to gather as much evidence as possible, including police reports, photographs from the scene, skid mark measurements, vehicle inspections, and eyewitness statements. This can help you prove your case against the truck driver and their insurance company.
4. Take Photos of the Damages
One of the best things to do after a truck accident is take photos of the damages. This will allow you to show what the damage was, where it occurred, and what caused it.
If you have a camera with you, it is also smart to take photos of the scene as well as any debris that may have been thrown out from the accident. This will help your lawyer make a case against the at-fault party.
Once you have the evidence in hand, it is time to file a claim for compensation. This will allow you to recover both economic and non-economic damages. The amount you are entitled to depends on your injuries and the degree of pain and suffering you have experienced.
5. Contact an Attorney
If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact an attorney. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for compensation.
The first step in your claim is to determine the value of your damages. This involves identifying the cost of your medical care, physical therapy, lost income, and other costs related to the crash.
You can use receipts, bills, property damage estimates, and other documentation as evidence for your claims.
Missouri law allows victims of truck accidents to demand financial settlements for past and future damages. Depending on the circumstances, you can receive compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages if the at-fault party acted with a conscious disregard for your safety.
