Truck accidents can be devastating, often resulting in serious injuries, extensive property damage, and long-term consequences for victims. In the chaos following a truck accident, knowing the steps to take can be critical in protecting your legal rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Truck accident cases are more complex than regular car accidents due to the multiple parties involved and the various laws governing the trucking industry.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Kansas City, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do next.
1. Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
The first priority after any truck accident is ensuring your safety and the safety of others. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic, and check for injuries. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving them often result in severe injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not be apparent right away but could become life-threatening if left untreated. Additionally, seeking medical care creates a record of your injuries, which will be essential if you decide to file a personal injury claim. Make sure to follow all recommended treatments and keep copies of your medical records and bills.
2. Call Law Enforcement
After ensuring that everyone is safe, the next step is to call law enforcement. In Missouri, it’s required to report accidents involving significant property damage, injuries, or fatalities. The police will come to the scene, assess the situation, and create an accident report. This report will be a key piece of evidence in your claim, as it includes details about the crash, statements from both parties, and any traffic violations observed.
Make sure to cooperate with the officers and provide a factual account of what happened. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the accident’s cause, as this could be used against you later.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, try to gather as much evidence as possible. If you’re physically able, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence can provide important context when it comes to determining liability.
In addition to photos, get the contact information of the truck driver, any witnesses, and the trucking company. Collect the truck driver’s license, insurance information, and details about the truck, including its license plate number and the name of the company it belongs to. Gathering this information early can help ensure no critical details are lost later.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
After leaving the accident scene, you should notify your insurance company about the crash as soon as possible. When speaking with your insurance company, provide the facts of the accident but avoid making any statements about fault. Insurance adjusters often look for ways to minimize payouts, and any statements you make could be misinterpreted or used to reduce your claim’s value.
At this stage, it’s important to consult with a Kansas City truck accident lawyer before making any official statements to the insurance companies, especially if you are contacted by the trucking company’s insurance provider. A lawyer can help protect your interests and ensure you don’t unintentionally hurt your case.
5. Contact a Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than car accident cases, as they often involve multiple parties—such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the vehicle manufacturer. Additionally, the trucking industry is governed by federal regulations, including rules about driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and load limits. Violations of these regulations can play a crucial role in determining liability.
For these reasons, it’s essential to consult with a Kansas City truck accident lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case, gather critical evidence (such as driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data), and build a strong case for compensation.
Your attorney will handle communications with the insurance companies and trucking company on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries. They will also help ensure you meet Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is generally five years from the date of the accident.
6. Preserve Evidence
Preserving evidence is key to maximizing your compensation after a truck accident. In addition to the photos, videos, and contact information you gathered at the scene, keep copies of your medical records, repair bills, and any communication related to the accident. Your lawyer will also work to obtain additional evidence, such as surveillance footage, black box data from the truck, and any records that may show regulatory violations.
7. Track Your Expenses and Damages
In addition to medical bills, you may face other costs related to the accident, such as lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and vehicle repair or replacement expenses. Keep a detailed record of all these expenses, as they will form the basis of your claim for compensation. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, can also be factored into your claim.
A Kansas City truck accident lawyer can help you accurately calculate your damages to ensure you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, both physically and financially. Knowing what to do after a truck accident in Kansas City can help protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The most important steps to take include seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, contacting law enforcement, and consulting with a Kansas City truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
By taking these steps and working with an experienced attorney, you can focus on your recovery while ensuring that your legal claim is handled effectively.
