Every day, trucks travel the roads and highways of Kentucky, delivering goods all over the state.
With so many trucks on the road, accidents will inevitably happen. However, due to their sheer size, trucks bring an added element of danger. When a car meets a truck in a crash, the outcome can be catastrophic.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a truck accident in Kentucky, knowing the steps to take after the accident can make a significant difference in your safety and legal options.
At the Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher, we understand the complex nature of truck accidents and are here to help you through every step of your recovery. Call us today!
What to Do Immediately After an Accident
The steps to take after a truck accident start right after the collision. Following these steps can help protect your safety, document the events of the accident, and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call for Help
First, check yourself and others for injuries. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. In 2022, 5,936 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks, with 70% of the fatalities being occupants of other vehicles. If you’re able, call 911 and follow the operator’s instructions. Immediately getting medical help is vital, even if an injury initially seems minor.
Document the Scene
Once you’ve called for emergency services, document the accident. Take photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Exchange information with the truck driver, but avoid making statements that suggest fault. Kentucky law allows for comparative negligence, meaning your words could impact the amount of your future claims. Documenting the scene and gathering evidence provides valuable information to your attorney should you decide to pursue legal action.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, medical evaluation is essential. Truck accidents can cause injuries that may not be apparent right away, such as concussions or internal damage. Of course, more severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury and fractures require immediate medical care.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, seeking medical attention is important to ensure you receive the care you need. Seeing a healthcare provider also creates a medical record you can use to prove your injuries in any claim against the truck driver or trucking company.
Contact the Insurance Company
After seeking medical attention, contact your insurance company to report the accident. If you must speak with the truck driver’s insurance company, be cautious about the information you share. Trucking companies often have legal teams to defend drivers and can use what you say against you to minimize insurance payouts. Due to the significant damages caused by truck accidents, being prepared for the insurance company to challenge your claim is crucial.
Consult an Attorney
Are you still wondering what to do after a semi-truck accident? If so, consulting a truck accident attorney is the most important step. An attorney can step in and represent your best interests. Attorneys have experience in gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, navigating all types of claims, and getting you the compensation you deserve
Have You Been Hurt in a Kentucky Truck Accident?
If you or someone you care about was recently involved in an accident with a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to financial compensation for what you’ve been through.
At the Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher, our Kentucky truck accident lawyer has extensive experience handling these high-stakes cases and knows what it takes to secure a favorable outcome for her clients.
We take truck accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t charge you anything up-front and only recover a fee if we successfully obtain compensation for you. To learn more, give us a call or connect with our Kentucky truck accident lawyer by completing our secure online contact form.