Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Truck Accident Claim

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Beaumont, a city located in Southeast Texas, has benefited a lot due to its strategic location, being a part of what is known as the “Golden Triangle,” home to the largest petrochemical, refining, and manufacturing complex in the nation. It also has one of the largest ports in the country, serving as an economic motherlode for the state as well as the nation.

With such an industrial presence, truck accidents frequently occur in areas like Beaumont, TX. When such accidents occur, one’s life can turn upside down. Your physical, mental, emotional, and financial health is at risk.

As a victim, you can file a truck accident claim to get compensation for your losses; however, it’s not always that easy. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, confusing laws, and complex evidence. Which is why it is best to hire a truck accident attorney to help you through the process.

This blog aims to help you understand the process of filing a truck accident claim and protecting your rights.

Step 1: Get Immediate Medical Help

The first and most crucial thing you need to do after being involved in a truck accident is to call for emergency medical services (EMS). Truck accidents can lead to serious damage, external and internal, so getting professional help at the scene ensures your physical safety.

The medical report you get from this can also help link your injuries to the claim, so the defense cannot claim that you got those injuries from a separate incident. Also, be sure to go for a thorough medical check-up later and keep thorough records of all your bills, reports, prescriptions, etc.

Step 2: Report the Accident to Authorities

Call 911 or the local police to the scene of the accident. The cops will conduct an investigation of the accident, which will become an official police report. This report will contain details like the time, date, and location of the accident, as well as the weather conditions, witness statements, and other police findings. You can use this report to support your claim.

Step 3: Gather and Preserve Evidence

Try to collect as much evidence from the scene as possible. You can collect visual evidence like pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries and damages, and the road conditions. Be sure to get the truck driver’s information, and get contact details and statements from any witnesses.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Be sure to inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Give them basic details about the accident and avoid saying anything that may seem like an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts that you know of and don’t assume anything.

Informing your insurance company is important because most agencies require you to inform them within a certain time frame, meaning if you miss that, you might not be able to get your coverage. Reporting early also allows the insurance company to start the process earlier.

Step 5: Consult an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident claims are among the trickier types of claims, mostly because they usually involve multiple liable companies, state and federal rules, more severe damages, etc. An attorney who specializes in truck accident claims will be able to take over the legal responsibilities.

They can gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, deal with insurance companies, bring in expert witnesses like accident reconstruction specialists, and figure out where liability lies. Hiring legal support as soon as possible ensures that your rights are protected and that you get a fair settlement.

Step 6: File the Truck Accident Claim

Once your lawyer has collected the necessary evidence and identified the liable party, they will file a claim on your behalf. This claim lists all your economic and non-economic damages to ensure that you are fairly compensated for the same. When planning to file a claim, it is crucial to file within the statute of limitations, or else the claim could be denied.