.jpg)
The moments after a traumatizing truck accident can feel surreal. Your vehicle is damaged, you're in pain, and you're unsure what to do next. As your adrenaline spikes, it's hard to think clearly about protecting your health and legal rights. At Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey, we help Kentucky residents recover after serious truck accidents. Our Radcliff personal injury lawyer explains five essential steps you need to take to build a strong claim for compensation below.
1. Prioritize Your Medical Care
Kentucky truck accidents often cause severe injuries, including some that aren't immediately apparent. The size difference between a commercial truck and passenger vehicle means you could have serious internal injuries.
Emergency Attention
Call 911 right away and let emergency medical personnel examine you at the scene. Follow their recommendations for additional care, even if that means taking an ambulance to the hospital.
Full Medical Exam
If EMTs clear you to leave the scene, see your doctor within 24 hours for a thorough evaluation. Some injuries, like whiplash and concussions, may not show symptoms immediately but can have serious long-term effects if left untreated.
Ongoing Treatment
Stick to every aspect of your prescribed treatment plan, including medications, follow-up appointments, and physical therapy. Tell your doctor right away about any new or worsening symptoms. Missing appointments or failing to follow treatment recommendations could harm both your recovery and your legal claim.
2. Document the Truck Accident Scene If You're Able
If your injuries allow and you can do so safely, gather evidence at the truck accident scene.
Capture Visual Evidence of the Accident
Take photos and videos of everything related to the crash. Start with close-up shots showing the damage to all vehicles involved, then step back to capture wider views of the accident scene. Look for skid marks on the road and document their length and direction. Take pictures of any traffic signals, signs, or road hazards that may have played a role. Weather conditions can be crucial to your case, so photograph any rain, snow, or fog that affected visibility.
Gather Contact Information From All Parties
Write down the truck driver's full name, license number, and contact details. Get the same information from any witnesses who saw what happened, noting whether they'd be willing to provide a statement. This information becomes invaluable if memories fade or stories change.
Record Important Official Details
Document every identifying detail about the truck and trucking company. Write down the DOT number displayed on the truck's cab, the company name and logo, and the license plate numbers for both the truck and trailer. Note the names and badge numbers of responding law enforcement officers, and find out when and how to obtain a copy of the official police report.
3. Watch What You Say to Insurance Companies
The trucking company's insurance provider may contact you quickly after the accident. While they may seem helpful, their goal is to minimize what they pay for your claim.
Don't give a recorded statement or sign any documents without first consulting a truck accident lawyer. Even casual comments about feeling "okay" or saying "I'm sorry" out of politeness can be used to reduce your compensation.
4. Keep Detailed Records of Your Losses
Documenting your accident-related expenses and impacts is crucial for building a strong claim. Your Kentucky personal injury lawyer can help you secure documentation to support your case.
Track All Medical Expenses and Records
Save every piece of paper related to your medical care, including bills from the ambulance service, emergency room visit, and hospital stay. Keep records of follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, and mental health counseling. Document all prescription costs, including medical devices like crutches or braces. Ask your healthcare providers for copies of your medical records and treatment plans.
Document Income Losses and Career Impacts
Calculate all the work time you've missed due to your injuries. Include full days off, late arrivals, and early departures for medical appointments. Keep records of any vacation or sick time you've had to use. Note how your injuries affect your job performance and any missed opportunities for overtime or advancement. If you're self-employed, document cancelled appointments or contracts you couldn't fulfill.
Maintain a Recovery Journal
Start a daily log describing how your injuries affect your life. Write down your pain and suffering levels throughout the day and note activities you can no longer perform or must modify. Document changes in your sleep patterns, mood, and relationships with family members. Include entries about missed social events, hobbies you can't enjoy, and household tasks you need help completing. This personal record can powerfully illustrate how the accident has impacted your quality of life.
5. Contact Our Kentucky Personal Injury Law Firm
The sooner you involve a qualified personal injury lawyer on your side, the better protected your rights will be. Our experienced legal team can:
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Gather essential evidence before it disappears
- Calculate the full value of your current and future losses
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Meet important legal deadlines
- Negotiate for a fair settlement that accounts for all damages
- Represent your interests in court if needed
At Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey, we understand the challenges you face after a serious truck accident. Our personal injury lawyers have over five decades of experience helping Kentucky accident victims recover fair compensation for their injuries.
