The Steps You Take Immediately after the Crash Can Be Critical

When you are hurt in a collision involving a big rig, semi, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler or other commercial truck, your life can change in an instant. Even if neither vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, the sheer size of an over-the-road carrier often leads to serious and catastrophic injury. The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of the wreck can have a significant impact on your ability to fully recover for all your losses.

Your First Concern—Your Health

Before you consider anything else, you need to take all necessary steps to address any injuries you may have sustained. If you are uncertain about your ability to get out of your car and move about, stay where you are until emergency medical professionals arrive. This isn’t the time to be strong or heroic—it’s the time to acknowledge that you may have suffered serious injury and to defer to the expertise of medical professionals. Even if you can walk away, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you get medical care, the better your chances that your condition won’t deteriorate. In addition, the longer you wait to get medical care, the greater the risk that defense attorneys will attribute your injuries to an intervening cause.

Gather Information, If Possible

If you can do so without risk to your health, you’ll want to do what you can to obtain evidence to support a potential legal claim. Get contact information from anyone involved in the accident, as well as witnesses. Take pictures of everything, from the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you have sustained to road conditions, skid marks, weather conditions or any roadway defect.

Retain Experienced Legal Counsel

A truck accident injury claim is substantially different from a car accident claim, so you’ll want to hire a lawyer with experience handling these types of cases. Your attorney should be familiar with state and federal regulations governing trucking operations, driver and maintenance logs, on-board data recorders and weight restrictions.

Contact Attorney David J. Karbasian

Contact our office online or call us at 856-667-4666 / 856-600-HURT to schedule an appointment. Your first consultation is without cost or obligation. The sooner you call, the sooner you can move forward with your claim. We can accommodate evening or weekend meeting requests and will come to your home, if necessary.