Injured in a Crash with an 18-Wheeler? Longview Accident Lawyer Recommends Taking These 9 Steps

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]Few experiences can match the power of a crash with an 18-wheeler. Due to their size and weight, at least 67 percent of all truck-related fatalities occur to occupants of regular-sized vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. These victims often face expensive medical bills, and some cannot return to work. This is where an accident lawyer may be able to help.

If you were injured in a crash with a semi-truck in Texas, then contact the Cooper Law Firm to discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit. As a Longview truck accident attorney, N. Eric Cooper can gather evidence, talk to witnesses, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations. He can also help you avoid mistakes such as admitting fault or settling for a low offer.

To schedule a consultation, call our office today at 903-297-0037. Until then, read on to learn nine steps to take immediately after a big rig accident in Texas:

1. Seek Medical Attention

After any crash, your first priority should be seeking medical attention. Even if you feel fine, the adrenaline may be masking symptoms of a serious injury.

2. Gather Evidence

If possible, photograph the accident scene. Take broad photos to show the positions of vehicles, and capture close-ups of injuries and property damage. You should also take pictures that show the weather conditions at the time of the crash.

3. Inform Your Insurance Provider

Insurance companies conduct their own investigations, and it is critical that you call your provider as soon as possible. Delaying could hurt your chances of recovering compensation.

4. Collect Information

You should gather the contact information of every witness, including their phone numbers, names and email addresses. Their testimonies may prove invaluable if your case goes to trial.

5. Do Not Implicate Yourself

Although you should never lie about an accident, you should only answer questions when necessary. Do not admit fault or apologize.

6. Hire a Truck Accident Attorney

Personal-injury lawyers know how to investigate an accident’s cause, identify liability, compile evidence and structure a convincing argument. Trucking companies often have legal teams to fight injury claims, so not having legal counsel may put you at a disadvantage.

7. Be Honest with Your Accident Lawyer

If you hire an accident lawyer, then it is vital that you are honest with him or her about the details. Your attorney will need to know the facts to structure your case.

8. Establish Possible Damages

According to Cornell University Law School, your lawyer will calculate the damages based on several factors, including your health-care bills, lost income and future medical expenses. The value and type of damages will depend on the nature of your case and financial circumstances.

9. Identify Liability

Because 18-wheelers are typically commercial vehicles, several parties may be liable. These include the driver, truck owner, fleet manager or even a mechanic.

If you were injured in a commercial vehicle wreck in Texas, then contact a Longview accident lawyer from the Cooper Law Firm. Call 903-297-0037 to discuss your legal options. You can also visit www.accident.usattorneys.com/texas/ to learn more about personal-injury lawsuits in Texas.

 

 

 

 

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