Long Distance Road Trips: What to Do if You are Involved in a Truck Accident in Auburn
Long-distance road trips are an exciting journey. The wide scenic view and busy highways attract many road-trippers to Auburn. Whether you are visiting your family, exploring new places, or just hitting the open road, Auburn is a place to be. However, just like any other seasoned destination, road trips can be full of pitfalls and dangers, especially when you are on the same highway with giant trucks. These large vehicles, while crucial for delivering products from one end of the country to the other, may bring a degree of danger to other smaller vehicles and their occupants. A truck accident, due to the stress and confusion it entails, often leaves you wondering what to do. What you do can greatly affect your safety and the outcome of any claims. In this article, we will look at some of the key things you should do if you find yourself involved in a truck accident in Auburn on your long-distance trip.
Consult a Truck Accident Attorney
Injuries and other serious damages that you may incur after a truck accident make it necessary for you to seek the service of a truck accident attorney in Auburn to take you through the legal system and ensure that your rights are well protected. They are attorneys who specialize in accident laws and know the related law that applies to truck accidents. Hence, they can handle matters that concern your rights. They will tell you what to do and what to avoid, saving you from making costly mistakes. They'll also help in the determination of liability in case the accident involves multiple parties.
Gather Relevant Evidence
Gathering evidence following a truck accident is required to prove your claim and protect yourself under the law. The nature of the evidence you gather may mean the difference in the disposition of your case, whether against your insurance company or a direct claim against the negligent party. Document the scene of the accident well. Take clear pictures of each vehicle, including any damage and their positions. Take photographs of road conditions, obstructions, and nearby intersection signals. If possible, take a video to get a wider perspective. Next, obtain a copy of the police report: the observations of the officer, the statement of eyewitnesses, and any citations issued. Collect witness information too, as their testimony can help validate yours. Get all the medical records starting from the report from the emergency room, follow-up care, and other medical bills. They are critical elements for establishing liability.
Notify the Insurance Companies
Filing a claim after a truck accident is an integral step to getting compensation for damages and injuries. You must know that essentially, two types exist: first-party claims, which are with your insurance company, and third-party claims, which are with the insurance of the at-fault party. Inform your insurance provider immediately after the accident. Let them have accurate information regarding what happened, including whatever you have gathered from the scene. This would include the information of all parties involved coupled with evidence such as police reports, pictures, and medical records. Of course, in many instances, you would have to file a claim to the at-fault insurance company. This gets tricky as you would have to maneuver around the liability and coverage complexities. Meanwhile, during this period, the insurance companies will be researching your case and trying to make you an offer to settle for low amounts. Your attorney will guide you through this process and help you in procuring the compensation due to you.
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