What Your Rights Are If You Were Injured in a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can be devastating since they can cause more severe damages and injuries than other vehicle crashes. The victims of truck accidents usually suffer serious damages that include physical injuries, loss of income, property damage, pain, and suffering. Fortunately, if you found yourself in this unfortunate situation, you can hold the trucking company liable and get compensation for your injuries. To increase your chances of getting fair compensation, there are different things that you should do. 

Read on to learn what your rights are if you are injured in a truck accident. 

You are Entitled to Seek Medical Care

You have the right to seek medical treatment after the accident so that a doctor can examine your injuries and write a medical report. Even if you do not feel immediate pain after the accident, you must still visit a doctor. Some injuries manifest later, so you must visit a doctor who documents everything. Without a medical report, the other party involved in the accident can dispute your claim. You also have the responsibility of following the doctor’s instructions if you want to get fair compensation. 

You Have the Right to Contact the Police 

You must call the police and have them attend the scene of the accident so that you can get a copy of the police report. In fact, having the accident reported and documented is one of your rights as a citizen. This document is critical when you file a compensation claim with the insurance company involved. You also have a legal right to obtain contact information from the trucker and get details from the witnesses or any other person involved in the accident. 

You Have the Right to Counsel

If you are injured in a truck accident, you have the right to seek legal counsel. You need to discuss different options available with your lawyer so that you can protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Professional Jackson, MS Personal Injury Lawyers state that truck accidents are pretty common in states like Mississippi, and they are often caused by different factors such as carelessness, distracted driving, and mechanical faults. Proving liability in a truck accident can be complicated since it usually involves many parties. Therefore, it is a good idea to hire an experienced lawyer who knows how to handle similar situations.   

You are Entitled to Investigate the Accident 

Before you file a truck accident claim, you should gather evidence that you can use to support your case. Not only will this help prove your claim, but it is also one of your rights as a victim. Your attorney should conduct thorough investigations to get all the details that can help to prove liability. You should also provide documents such as crash photos, medical reports, police reports, and medical expenses related to the crash. You may also need to hire other experts with knowledge in evaluating accident crashes. 

You Have the Right to Refuse a Recorded Statement

You have a legal right not to give a recorded statement to any person apart from your lawyer, the police, or adjusters from your insurance company. You can also refuse to sign any document that you do not understand since the adjusters from the other insurance company can use it against you. Insurance companies are a business, so they often try to find any loophole to weaken your case or offer a lower settlement.  

You are Entitled to File a Compensation Claim

As the victim of a truck accident, you have the right to file a compensation claim once you have gathered the necessary evidence. Your lawyer will send a preservation letter to the trucking company, or any other party involved, stating that you have a legal claim against them. Most trucking accident claims are usually resolved by all parties involved before they go to trial. Your lawyer should lead in negotiating an insurance settlement to cover damages suffered. 

You are Entitled to File a Lawsuit

If you fail to reach a settlement with the insurance company representing the trucker, you are entitled to file a lawsuit. This option usually comes as a last resort, so you must carefully prepare your case to increase your chances of getting the compensation that you deserve. With the help of your lawyer, you can gather strong evidence that will not be disputed in a court of law. 

If you were involved in a truck accident, you are legally entitled to file a compensation claim against the party responsible for the crash. It is essential to prove liability in a truck accident claim that involves other parties. To increase your chances of getting a better settlement, you should hire an experienced accident attorney who can explain your legal rights when filing a compensation claim.