Getting into a car accident can cause many types of injuries, but when the other vehicle is a semi-truck, you may have extensive injuries, including pain and suffering. You deserve a fair settlement to help pay for medical bills and lost income while you heal. Check out these three important steps you must take after you've been in a collision with a semi-truck.
Contact Your Insurance Carrier
As soon as you can, contact your insurance carrier to report the accident. Most insurance carriers require you to report all car accidents promptly. If you fail to do so, they will likely drop you as a customer. If it turns out the accident was partially or all your fault, and your insurance carrier needs to pay you or the other driver, the claims will likely get denied. Tell your insurance carrier everything about the accident. If you filed a police report, which is a good idea if you are involved in any major accident, send the insurance carrier a copy too. If you need to speak to the other insurance carrier, be mindful of what you say or sign as they may use anything to give you a reduced settlement.
Seek Medical Treatment and Follow the Plan
Regardless of how you feel, it's a good idea to visit the doctor. You may have been taken directly to the ER after the accident, but if you weren't, make an appointment with your doctor soon. This bolsters your case by showing your injuries were severe enough to make you visit the doctor. If the doctor recommends a treatment plan, you need to follow it because it is your responsibility to do everything you can to reduce your injuries. If you fail to seek medical treatment or follow a treatment plan, your settlement may be reduced or denied.
Hire a Skilled Auto Accident Attorney
After any big collision, you should consider hiring an attorney who can do all the paperwork for you. It's easy to say something or do something that ruins your case, and the other insurance carrier is looking for any mistake to reduce your settlement. An attorney will talk to both insurance carriers for you and do any paperwork or information gathering. The best part about getting an accident attorney is most only get paid if you do because they take a percentage of your settlement.
After an accident, you need to make sure you are safe by seeking treatment. However, once you've been cleared, it's time to start seeking your fair settlement. For more information regarding auto accidents, contact a semi-truck crash attorney in your area today.
