What to Do After a Truck Accident in Virginia

A smashed front end of a truck after an accident. Five things to do after a truck accident in Virginia.

The five things to do after a truck accident in Virginia involve calling 911, seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, cooperating with authorities, and retaining an experienced Charlottesville truck accident lawyer.

MartinWren, P.C. has the first and only attorney in Virginia who is board certified in Truck Accident Law. That certification shows our deep experience handling truck crash claims. It also demonstrates our knowledge, skill, and ethics in being able to represent clients in these cases.

An attorney can protect your best interests while guiding you through the claims process.

1. Dial 911 and Report the Accident to the Proper Authorities

As you consider the five things to do following a truck accident in Virginia, put your health, well-being, and safety front and center. Contact 911, as this will bring medical personnel and police officers to the scene of your trucking accident. From here, speak with medical professionals and the police at the scene about the incident.

Medical personnel can evaluate your injuries and, if necessary, take you to a hospital for further care. Meanwhile, the police will gather information from you and others involved in your trucking collision. They can use this information to prepare an accident report. Ultimately, this report can make a world of difference if you proceed with a truck accident claim or lawsuit.

The team at MartinWren, P.C. has handled thousands of personal injury cases. We can connect you with a personal injury lawyer in Charlottesville who will explain the steps to take in the aftermath of a trucking collision. If warranted, we can represent you in your case against anyone liable for your truck accident. To learn more, schedule a free case consultation with us.

For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100

2. Seek Medical Care After a Truck Accident in Virginia

If you feel tempted to “tough it out” after your truck collision, don’t. Otherwise, if you ignore your truck accident injuries, they will get worse. Because of your actions, your injuries could affect you physically and cognitively for years after your trucking crash.

When you think about the five things you should do after a truck accident in Virginia, err on the side of caution by getting medical attention. If medical professionals arrive at the scene of your truck accident, let them assess and treat your injuries. Along with this, track what you spend on medical care, as you can pursue damages from anyone liable for your truck accident.

Per the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243, you may have two years from the day of your truck accident to ask for compensation from any responsible parties. Ask for legal help if you’re debating whether to file a claim or lawsuit based on your medical costs or other truck accident losses. Consult with a truck crash lawyer, and they can explain your legal options in detail.

3. Collect Evidence to Protect the Integrity of Your Claim

You are familiar with the truck accident statute of limitations in Virginia, but you have no idea if you have grounds for taking legal action against any liable parties. The collection of evidence that you have from the accident scene can play a role in your case. If you have a wide range of proof, it becomes increasingly likely that you can recover damages.

When you weigh the five things to do after you get into a truck accident in Virginia, keep in mind that you should retrieve evidence from the scene of the incident. Take photos and videos of your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and other parts of the scene. Remember, you only have one chance to get proof from the accident scene. Capitalize on this opportunity, as doing so can strengthen your case.

Outside of evidence from the accident scene, you may obtain witness statements, a police report, and other proof following your trucking accident. The collection of evidence at your disposal may convince a liable party or their insurer to offer a fair settlement. Or, your proof may compel a judge or jury to award you damages.

4. Talk with the Authorities and Insurance Companies

You may feel overwhelmed in the moments after your accident with a truck. The police want to help you. If you talk with police officers, stick to the facts, how it happened, and what may have contributed to it. Don’t take responsibility for the incident, as doing so can hurt your chances of getting money from any liable parties.

Even if you’re not to blame for your trucking accident, you should notify your auto insurer about the incident. It may be in your best interests to have your attorney speak with an insurance adjuster about your collision.

Truck accident attorneys focus on getting verdicts and settlements that match their clients’ expectations. Hire a truck collision lawyer, and they can communicate and collaborate with insurance companies on your behalf. This minimizes the risk that you say something that unintentionally compromises your case for damages.

5. Retain a Truck Accident Lawyer in Virginia

The last of the five things you should do after a trucking accident in Virginia relates to legal guidance and support. Partner with an attorney who has relevant truck crash case experience. This lawyer will serve as your legal advocate and representative as you try to secure compensation from anyone at fault for your truck accident.

Ideally, your attorney can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company of the party liable for your truck collision. They can keep you updated about their settlement negotiations. If your lawyer gets an offer, you can review the proposal with them.

Unfortunately, truck crash insurance settlement negotiations may be contentious. Regardless, your attorney continues to prioritize your legal rights and best interests. If no settlement agreement is reached, they can argue your case in court. When they do, they can explain to a judge or jury why you deserve damages based on the harm that you’ve suffered.

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The Bottom Line on the Five Things You Should Do After a Virginia Truck Accident

Leave nothing to chance following your trucking collision. Trust the team at MartinWren, P.C. to teach you about the five things to do following a Virginia truck accident.

On top of that, we will handle your legal matters as you recover from your truck crash and injuries. For more information, request a free case consultation with us.