Victims of a truck accident in Albany can suffer some of the most devastating crash injuries. There has been an increase in the incidence of truck accidents since 2009 by 52%. If another driver or entity was responsible for the crash, victims should be fairly compensated. Unfortunately, many lose out because they make critical mistakes following the incident. Getting involved in an accident is always a shock and it can be difficult to think clearly.
However, victims need to stay as calm as possible and protect their right to claim compensation. As a driver or even a passenger involved in a truck accident in Albany, you need to know what to do in the event that you get involved in an accident. Let’s look at some of the steps you should take.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
It’s often immediately clear if a truck accident in Albany is serious and usually, someone will call an ambulance. When paramedics arrive on the scene, you need to let them treat you and transport you to the hospital if they deem it necessary. Even if you don’t need to go to the emergency room, you should still go to the doctor as soon as possible.
You may have injuries that you’re not aware of because of shock or high adrenaline levels. Going to the doctor will help to ensure early diagnosis and prompt treatment. It also helps to prove that you actually suffered injuries in the crash. If you wait too late to see a doctor, the insurance company is likely to challenge your claim.
Collect Evidence at the Scene If You Can
If you’re physically able after the accident, you should try to collect some early evidence. While your lawyer will play a major role in building your case, they won’t be on the scene immediately after the crash. Take pictures of your vehicle and the truck involved in the crash, making sure you capture the damage clearly.
You should also get photos or video footage of the road conditions and any relevant road markings. Getting the names and contact details of any eyewitnesses can also prove to be helpful later. At the first opportunity, you get, write down everything you remember about the truck accident in Albany and the events leading up to it.
Call an Experienced Attorney Albany Truck Accident Lawyer
You will need legal advice following a truck accident in Albany involving a commercial vehicle. Without help from a skilled Albany truck accident lawyer, you may find it impossible to get fair compensation. It may not be easy to prove that someone else was responsible for your injuries. Even then, simply submitting a claim to the trucking company’s insurer is unlikely to result in the recovery of all your damages. Also, you may not know about all the damages you’re eligible to get if you don’t talk to a lawyer.
Your attorney will look into the truck accident in Albany and gather evidence to prove that the other party was at fault. They’ll also assist you with totaling all your losses and presenting a strong claim to the insurance company. In some cases, there may be multiple responsible parties and multiple insurers involved. Your lawyer will make sense of it all and guide you through the system.
One of the most important things your attorney will do is review any requests or offers made by the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are looking out for their employers, not victims such as yourself. That’s why you shouldn’t sign any statements or release any medical records or bills until you talk to a lawyer.
Potential Defendants in a Truck Crash
Truck accidents in Albany are often due to the actions of drivers. Truckers may speed, drive while fatigued, run red lights, or make any of the mistakes other drivers do. However, not every truck crash is the truck driver’s fault. Sometimes, they may share responsibility with another entity such as the company that employed them, a cargo company, or even a repair shop.
Some employers ask drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines or allow them to get behind the wheel of poorly maintained trucks. Cargo companies may overload vehicles or load them incorrectly while repair shops may do substandard work or use defective parts.
Regardless of which individual or entity caused the crash, you should be able to claim a variety of damages including:
- Property repair or replacement costs
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Contact the Calvin Smith Law Firm Today
Get in touch with one of our Albany truck accident attorneys at Calvin Smith Law and schedule a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. Your losses are likely to be significant so you will need help in getting back on your feet. Let us help you ensure you get fair compensation.
