How to File a Truck Accident Claim
Posted in Truck Accident on December 9, 2021
If you or somebody you love sustains an injury caused by the negligence of a truck driver or trucking carrier, you should be able to recover compensation for your losses. However, filing a truck accident claim in Seattle or the surrounding areas can be confusing. Here, our local team of Seattle truck accident lawyers want to describe the process involved in making sure that your truck accident claim is filed appropriately and on time.
Truck Collisions Can Be Severe
According to data available from the Washington Department of Transportation, there were more than 5,000 total collisions involving heavy trucks across the state during the latest reporting year. Out of these incidents, there were 42 fatal collisions and more than 1,000 injury-causing collisions.
It is very important that individuals involved in these collisions report the incident and file a truck accident claim as soon as possible. We strongly recommend that any person involved in a collision with a heavier commercial truck work with a skilled attorney who can handle every aspect of the claim on their behalf.
This is Not Your Typical Claim
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Washington, you need to know that this is not like your typical vehicle accident case. Trucking companies are held to a higher standard than typical drivers on the roadway. Truck companies must hire drivers who are properly trained to handle these heavier vehicles, and they must conduct proper background checks. Trucking companies are required to monitor how long their drivers operate and ensure that they receive proper rest. Additionally, truck companies have to ensure that trucks are regularly inspected and maintained on a regular basis.
Seek Medical Care
You must seek medical care in the aftermath of a truck accident from Washington. Seeking medical care right away helps ensure your well-being and also helps ensure that the injuries are documented. If you do not seek immediate medical care, the trucking company is surely going to try and say something along the lines of “If they were really injured, why did they not seek medical care immediately?”
Reporting to Your Insurance Carrier
You do have to report the truck crash to your insurance carrier, but you do not have to go into much detail when you make your initial report. Your insurance carrier needs to know that the collision occurred and that you are seeking medical treatment for your injuries.
Do Not Speak to the Truck Company or Their Insurance Carrier
It is critically important that you not speak to the trucking company or their insurance carrier after the incident occurs. Their job is to gather the information that can help their case and hurt yours. If you are contacted by insurance carriers, the trucking company, or any legal teams, refer them to your attorney.
Let an Attorney Handle Your Washington Truck Accident Claim
Because truck accident cases can become so challenging, and gathering evidence is difficult, we recommend that you work with a skilled truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. When an attorney gets involved immediately, they can begin gathering all evidence needed to prove liability. They will also take over all communication with other parties and ensure that you are able to focus on recovering from your injuries.