Accidents with semi-trucks are a fairly common sight on roads and highways. The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles estimates that more than 6,000 accidents involved a large truck. Because of the large number of commercial trucks on the road and their sheer size, these accidents typically involve serious injuries and medical expenses.
If you have been in an accident with a semi-truck consult with an attorney immediately.
After being hit by a commercial truck, some drivers may decide to deal with the insurance companies on their own. There is significant risk to this approach, as many insurance companies may try to settle the case for as low as possible. Contact an attorney before speaking with the insurance company or trucking company representative.
What steps can help get a fair accident settlement?
After an accident with a semi-truck, drivers can take steps that increases their chance for a fair settlement:
- Leave the car where it stops (unless it is unsafe to do so).
- Contact the police as soon as it is safe.
- Remain in the vehicle until the police officer arrives (unless it is unsafe to do so).
- Do not make any statements to anyone (bystanders or the other driver) about the accident.
- Ask the other driver for their name, address, car license plate number, contact information, and insurance company and policy information.
- If it is safe, take pictures of the accident scene and landmarks around it.
- Try to collect the contact information of everyone who saw the accident.
- Always seek medical attention for injuries after the accident (immediately after and days after). Some accident injuries take a few days before symptoms occur.
- Take pictures of any injuries related the accident.
- Avoid talking to other insurance companies until after consulting a lawyer.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer if there is property damage and medical expenses related to the accident.
What expenses can be covered by compensation?
After an accident with a semi-truck, drivers can be compensated for accident-related expenses, such as (but not limited to):
- property damage,
- medical expenses,
- pain and suffering,
- future lost income
- lost wages
To receive a fair accident settlement, drivers should try to keep all paperwork related to the accident and give it to their personal injury lawyer. All documentation can be helpful, such as (but not limited to):
- Police report
- Trucking company name and address (this may be included in the accident report)
- Medical bills
- Photographs
- Citations arising from the accident
- Insurance documents and contact information (from both drivers)