Large commercial trucks and tractor-trailers are inherent road risks. Thousands of people in the US suffer injuries and losses in mishaps involving these vehicles. If you were injured in a truck accident in Philadelphia, you should take all appropriate steps to recover a settlement, as such cases are more complex than standard car accident claims. Law firms like Quinn Law Group, LLC take appropriate measures and offer support for those who have sustained injuries in truck-related mishaps. You can schedule a free consultation to know the worth of your claim. In this post, we dig deeper into such cases and other aspects that matter.
Understanding the complexities of truck accidents
Because trucks are huge in size, the impact of a collision is often massive on passenger cars. In other words, those on the road or in vehicles are likely to suffer grievous injuries in such accidents. Such injuries include broken bone lacerations, soft tissue damage, internal injuries, crush injuries, head injuries, burns, and spinal cord damage. As a victim, you may assume that the truck driver is liable for your losses, but that may not be true. In many situations, trucking companies, loading services, or even truck manufacturers could be parties to a claim. Investigating a truck accident and identifying the responsible parties can be overwhelming and extremely challenging.
Steps to take after a truck accident
First, take your injuries seriously and see a doctor, even when the pain and symptoms don’t seem severe. If you lack medical records, you cannot expect to recover the cost of ongoing treatment and future medical care. Also, the impact and extent of your injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it makes sense to get checked by a qualified physician.
If you are in a condition to use your phone, note down the details and ensure to take pictures of the scene. The evidence can be crucial in recovering a fair settlement. If there were witnesses, collect their contact details so that you can contact them later.
Do not make any statements regarding fault to anyone. Do not start a fight at the scene. Instead, check the details of the vehicles involved and exchange information with the parties involved.
You must inform insurance companies immediately after the crash. This is non-negotiable if you wish to file an insurance claim. Remember, insurance companies are in the business of making money and don’t care whether you are a victim. It is not their job or in their interest to pay you fairly. Be careful of the documents you sign, and you have the right to refuse to give a recorded statement.
Meeting a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer
Hiring a truck accident attorney will help you fight better for your rights. Most law firms in Philadelphia will be willing to offer no-obligation reviews, and it is always better to get an overview of your case and where you stand with evidence and other details. If an attorney takes your case, they will investigate further, ensure you have a solid strategy in place, and negotiate on your behalf. Top accident attorneys have resources and contacts, which come in handy to uncover more critical details. Ensure you are honest with the lawyer and share every detail, even if you are at fault for the accident to an extent.
Affording legal help
The good news is truck accident lawyers in Philadelphia work on contingency. Your attorney will not ask for an hourly rate. On the contrary, they take the case on merit and fight to maximize the settlement, and when you recover the money, they get a share, called the contingency percentage. That could be anywhere between 25% to 50%, depending on the nature of the case.
Call an attorney soon after the accident!
