Anyone who has ever witnessed a truck accident knows how overwhelming and chaotic the immediate aftermath can be, especially for anyone involved in the collision. What should you look for? Who should you call? What information do you need to write down? Hopefully you will never end up in this situation. But if you ever find yourself wondering what to do if I am in a truck accident in Maryland, then read through our helpful guide below. We’ll explain what to do, who to contact, and how to seek fair compensation for damages.
Assess Your Injuries
Before you do anything else, gauge the extent of your own injuries. If you suspect that you may have been injured, stay in the car and wait for emergency medical personnel to arrive. Once you have established your own safety, move your vehicle to a secure location nearby and return to the scene. If possible, try to determine if anyone else has been injured. Remember not to leave the scene of the accident until you have spoken to the police, especially if someone may have been injured or killed. According to Maryland truck accident law, fleeing the scene is a criminal offence.
Gather Information At The Scene
Every attorney knows that the key to building a successful case is documentation, so be sure to gather as much credible information about the accident as possible. Here are some key pieces of information that can help your case:
- Be sure to carefully write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every driver and passenger involved in the accident. After a truck accident, it is also important to take down the contact details of both the driver and their employing company. Take pictures of all of the other driver’s licenses and insurance cards.
- Speak to any potential witnesses, such as uninvolved drivers or passengers, pedestrians, and even nearby residents. They may be able to corroborate your story, or even offer valuable new information. Take down their name, address, and phone number.
- Document the make, model, and license plate number of every vehicle involved in the accident.
- Take down the company name, phone number, and policy number for every insurance companies that covers the involved drivers.
- After emergency services arrive, ask for a copy of the police report, as well as the individual officers’ names, phone numbers, and badge numbers.
If you have access to a camera or smartphone, take as many photos of the incident as you can. Collecting these crucial pieces of information will help you and your attorney obtain official documentation and evidence about the accident after emergency services have cleared the scene. Understanding what actually happened on the day of the accident will help you build a strong case later. In your discussions with other drivers and the police, do not admit culpability or responsibility for the accident.
If you feel like you need some legal help, contact our Truck Accident Law attorney to schedule a free case evaluation today.
FREE CASE EVALUATIONDocument Medical Treatments And Damage
As you seek medical care and attention for your injuries, be sure to keep comprehensive records of any treatment you receive. Write down the names of your doctors, specialists, surgeons, or physical therapists that you visit. Ask them for itemized documentation of every procedure and treatment, along with copies of your medical reports and billing statements.
After a truck accident, you won’t be the only one that needs attention. Your insurance company will send a representative to inspect your vehicle and compile a damage valuation document, but you should also seek independent corroboration from trusted repair shops and car dealerships. If you aren’t satisfied with your own insurance company’s estimate, an experienced Maryland truck accident attorney can also help you negotiate with them.
Although it is easy to establish how much money you spent after the accident, conveying the pain and suffering you experienced is much more difficult. Keep a journal of your recovery, being sure to note down any missed work days, emotional struggles, and day-to-day tasks that your injuries have made difficult.
Don’t Talk To The Insurance Company
If you get a phone call from the truck driver’s or trucking company’s insurance provider, politely inform them that they can contact your attorney to discuss the incident. The company’s representative will likely offer you a settlement as soon as they can. Though the offer may seem generous, it is actually a strategy designed to minimize their costs if the truck driver was at fault and to prevent you from filing a personal injury claim after the full extent of your injuries is known. If you accept this payment now, you could miss out on a more comprehensive settlement later.
Contact Our Team
Hopefully we have answered your question about what to do if you are in a truck accident in Maryland—but if you have any more questions, please contact us. The most important thing to do after a truck accident in Maryland is to contact a skilled, experienced truck accident attorney. At Zirkin and Schmerling Law, we understand the complexities of truck accident law. We’ll advocate for your rights in court and pursue fair compensation for your suffering. Our knowledgeable approach and fierce dedication to our clients have earned us a reputation as the leading truck accident attorneys in Maryland. Call 410-753-4611 to speak with our experienced team today!