As a daily commuter in the State of California, one of the scariest scenarios to imagine is that of being in an accident. Being involved in an accident with other vehicles can present a great deal of fright and emotional shock. Beside the emotional trauma, auto accidents can also present severe injuries. An accident involving a truck can present even greater injuries due to the immense weight of the cargo carried by these vehicles.
While every roadway-related accident can take any commuter by surprise, it is nonetheless important to be aware of a few tips that could help to protect your rights. As a victim, you have the legal right to file for a personal injury claim against the negligent driver. By following these tips , you will have the best opportunity at being successful.
Report the Accident – Immediately after the accident has transpired, contact the local emergency services by dialing 9-1-1. If it is possible for you, notify the operator of any possible injured people. They will also ask a series of questions to be able to dispatch services effectively.
Seek Medical Attention – If you suffer from injuries at the scene of the accident, accept the treatment from the emergency medical response team. However, whether or not the emergency response team treats you, it is highly important for you to receive medical attention immediately after the incident. In personal injury cases, one of the most essential parts of your claim involves the kind and extent of your injuries and medical treatment that you require as a result of someone’s negligence. This can only be established by seeking medical attention. A physician can treat you for the injuries as a result of the carelessness of the other driver and notate your medical records accordingly.
File a Police Report – If it is possible, speak to a responding officer at the scene. Filing a police report can help to corroborate your version of events in a court. When the traffic collision report is complete, you should be able to obtain a copy either in-person, by mail or online. While the opinions and conclusions of the investigating officer are not necessarily determinative of each driver’s respective fault for the accident, it is certainly helpful to pursuing your claim.
In the event that you do not have the opportunity to speak to a responding officer due to a medical emergency or the lack of a responding officer at the scene, you could go to the appropriate police station and file the report yourself. Ask if you can obtain a copy of the report for your records.
Take Detailed Photographs of the Scene – If it is possible, try to take detailed photographs of the scene. Important elements to consider is taking photographs of the following:
- The involved vehicles, including any damage as a result of the accident
- The license plate information of all vehicles
- Roadway conditions
- Weather conditions
- Posted street signs
- Traffic conditions
It is worth mentioning that due to your potential altered emotional state, you could face to recognize other hazards you could place yourself in. If the incident has occurred in a high-traffic area, do not attempt to take pictures of objects that could place you in danger.
Obtain Legal Support – Obtaining legal representation following an accident involving a big-rig can be highly beneficial for your case. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process of filing a claim and can also represent you in case matters.
The attorneys at Martinez & Schill, LLP., have extensive experience in handling accident claims. They are dedicated to helping victims obtain financial compensation for the injuries they have sustained from big-rig incidents. Personal injury claims in the State of California are time sensitive; seek the legal advice of a professional attorney as soon as possible.