If you don’t know what to do after a truck accident in TX, you might feel overwhelmed.
Truck accidents have the potential to be very traumatic, and it may be difficult to face the aftermath on your own.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we represent victims who need help navigating the claims process and pursuing the compensation they need to recover.
Here are the steps you should take after a Texas truck accident and how our attorneys can help.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in TX
After a truck accident, you may be confused and in pain. However, it’s important to not panic and remember to get yourself checked by a medical professional.
An accident with a commercial truck steps into the severe injury territory, so make sure to follow these tips to stay safe and build your claim.
1. Get to Safety and Call 911
The most important thing to do is ensure your safety and health after an accident. Even if you don’t have any obvious symptoms, make sure to seek medical attention.
Not all serious injuries may be apparent immediately after an accident, especially if you have internal damage.
In addition, the more accurate your medical assessment is, the easier it is to determine the full extent of your damages. Don’t forget to ask for copies of your treatment records for your claim.
2. If Possible, Collect Evidence at the Scene
Any documentation you have of the scene, whether it’s pictures of injuries or vehicle damage, helps build your case.
If it’s safe to do so, try to take photos of the scene and write down the contact information for any potential witnesses.
Any information you gather may be valuable, even if it seems trivial at first. Be sure to take note of any tire marks, signs, lights, etc., as these may help reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
3. Obtain a Copy of Your Accident Report
When you call 911, the operator usually sends a police officer to file an accident or police report. This report serves as one of the backbones of your claim since it provides an official record of the incident.
The responding police officer often includes their observations at the scene, as well as statements from each driver involved.
4. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
While it’s best not to give a statement to your insurance company regarding the accident, you should report it to them. The best way to do this is to give them a copy of the police report.
Even if they strong-arm you into giving a recorded statement, you have no obligation to do so. Insurance adjusters may use a one-off comment made during a phone call as an excuse to minimize or deny your claim.
If they ask for more details, we strongly recommend retaining one of our Texas truck accident lawyers.
5. Don’t Post on Social Media
Despite our best efforts, it’s not always possible to keep our social lives private. Insurance companies take advantage of this by scouring social media to find any information that hurts your claim.
Posting any photos of yourself going out during recovery may be used against you.
In fact, they might use those photos to argue that you aren’t seriously injured at all. For this reason, it’s best to stay off social media for the duration of your claim or lawsuit.
Need Help Managing Your Claim? Contact Us Today
If you still have questions about what to do after a truck accident in TX, call Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. today.
Our Texas truck accident attorneys know the ins and outs of the claims process. Whether you need help gathering evidence, negotiating your settlement, or filing court forms, we have your back.
Contact us online or give us a call to schedule a free consultation.