A top priority following an accident with a negligent trucker should be keeping your personal injury case strong. Ignoring any facet of your accident’s aftermath can potentially hinder your chances of receiving the compensation needed for recovery. Never overlook any factor concerning your trucking accident. Follow our set of tips to know exactly what to do if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Don’t Claim Responsibility
An accident, no matter how minor or severe, can be an overwhelming experience that sometimes leads to irrational thinking. If you experience an accident with an 18-wheeler, remain calm and do not claim fault when talking to the other party or when filing a report. Once the authorities arrive, they will determine who was responsible for the accident.
Stay Put
You may think your accident is too insignificant to fuss about, so you might as well leave, right? Leaving the scene of an accident can potentially implicate you in the crash and can be reported as a hit-and-run crime. Even if you weren’t responsible for the accident, a hit-and-run charge can potentially result in the following:
- A $500 fine if the other vehicle’s damage is under $200
- Six months in jail if the other vehicle’s damage is over $200
- One year in county jail or five years in state prison if there were minor injuries
- Two to 10 years in state prison if there’s a serious injury or death
Pile Up the Info
If medical attention has been received or is unnecessary, it’s extremely important to immediately take down important information, which can then be used to solidify your case. Make sure to gather information such as:
- Truck driver’s name, address, and employer
- The exact location where the accident occurred
- The trucker’s insurance information
- The damage to both vehicles
Legal Counsel You Can Trust
In the difficult times of an accident’s aftermath, you and your family need a knowledgeable personal injury attorney by your side. At the Greenway Law Firm, we value our clients and know that their unfair struggles can be eased with the justice and compensation they are rightfully entitled to. It’s time to create a strong case for you, so contact our office in Austin and tell us your story today.