How to Handle a Commercial Truck Accident in San Bernardino
How to Handle a Commercial Truck Accident in San Bernardino
If you or somebody you care about has been injured or sustained property damage as a result of a large commercial truck accident in San Bernardino, you need to take various steps to ensure your well-being and help secure compensation for your losses. As we review the steps that you should take, we understand that the aftermath of these incidents can be chaotic, and you may not be able to follow these steps in this exact order. However, the first few items on this list are absolute immediate necessities.
The Immediate Aftermath of a Crash
Right after an incident involving a larger commercial truck in San Bernardino, there are some steps you need to take immediately. First and foremost, you must seek medical care at the emergency room or an emergency clinic. We always suggest going to the doctor even if you do not feel much pain right after a truck crash occurs. The truth is that the signs and symptoms of some truck accident injuries do not appear until hours or days following the incident. By seeking immediate medical care, truck crash victim not only ensures their well-being but also establish a link between the incident and any injuries that arise.
While you are at the scene of a crash, if you are able to do so safely, you and any individuals you are with should begin gathering evidence. This will include using a cell phone camera to take photographs of anything you see, such as:
- Any injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Every side of the larger truck
- Debris around the scene
- Skid marks
- Traffic and weather conditions
- Road signs
- Possible causes of the crash
The Days and Weeks After a Commercial Truck Crash
The aftermath of a truck crash can seem chaotic, particularly in the days and weeks following the incident. It is crucial that you speak with a skilled truck accident lawyer in San Bernardino who can handle every aspect of the claim on your behalf. Your role is recovering from your injuries. You need to let your attorney handle the majority of the claim.
A lawyer will continue the investigation, which will include gathering evidence. They will dig into all records related to the truck driver and trucking company on your behalf. A lawyer will open communication with insurance carriers and legal teams for the other party in order to begin recovering compensation.
As this is ongoing, you must continue all medical treatment until your doctor says you have reached what they consider maximum medical recovery. If you choose to discontinue care against a doctor’s wishes, this could be taken as a sign that your injuries are not really severe and could jeopardize your claim.
We strongly encourage you to limit your communication with any other party involved in the case. Do not rush to accept early settlement offers, and refer any insurance carriers or other attorneys that call you to your San Bernadino personal injury lawyer. Do not give any recorded statements.
Truck accident claims can become very complicated, but you do not have to do this alone. You can be sure that the other party, the trucking company and the truck driver, will have their own attorneys helping their case. You need to do the same thing.