Commercial trucks pose a significant threat in Indiana’s interstates and highways. Due to the size and weight of these motor vehicles, most traffic collisions between trucks and cars are often catastrophic.
If you or your loved one has suffered serious injuries because of the accident, it is crucial to take proactive measures that can help you land fair compensation for your damages. Here are four steps you can take to file your truck accident claim in Indiana:
1. Seek medical help
After the accident, stay alert and evaluate yourself for any signs of cuts or bruises. Once you finish assessing yourself and/or your passengers, dial 911 to seek for emergency medical assistance. It is important to remember that not all injuries are physically visible, which is why it is vital to get checked by a healthcare professional after the crash.
2. Notify the police
While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, look for key witnesses in the vicinity and call the local police to report your truck accident. In Indiana, drivers are legally required to report accidents to law enforcement if they cause property damage, injury or death.
The police report will help create an official record of the crash, including key information such as the location, time, date and identity of the other party involved. This evidence can be used to support your insurance claim as well as provide evidence for a personal injury claim.
3. Gather documentation
Once you get treated for your injuries, return to the scene to collect more evidence from the accident. This can include photo and video recordings of the crash site, your car and the other truck, witness statements, police report, your medical report and full hospital treatment billing.
By gathering these types of evidence, you and/or a truck accident lawyer can help establish who was at fault and how much compensation you might receive for the damages.
4. Inform your insurance provider
Call your auto insurer to inform them about the accident, but stick to the basic facts only. Even if they act concerned towards you, remember that their job is to pay as little as possible. Avoid providing recorded statements about your injuries or who was at fault.
You have the right to fair compensation
Recovering from your injury while also thinking about your medical bills can feel overwhelming to go through on your own. By seeking the guidance of legal counsel, they can help protect your rights, handle the filing of your personal injury claim efficiently and inform you of your options for claiming the compensation that you deserve.