Driving on Florida’s highways and byways can be frightening, especially if you’ve been involved in a Florida truck accident. Injuries from a truck accident could range from broken bones and damaged organs to permanent spinal cord or brain injuries. In the most severe cases, death can occur.
What you do after a truck accident could have an effect on a settlement offer or compensation in a Florida personal injury claim.
Immediately after a Florida Truck Accident
The first thing to do is remain calm. Naturally, you will be shaken up and confused, but if you’re able, you need to check on the safety of yourself and your passengers.
Next, call 911. You and your passengers need to be examined, whether or not you think you were injured. Some injuries may be asymptomatic after an accident, but may flare up days or weeks later.
If you do decide to seek compensation, a police report and medical records are crucial. You will need them should you hire a Palm Beach truck accident lawyer to build a strong Florida personal injury claim.
You can also protect your potential Florida truck accident claim by:
- taking photos of damage to the vehicles;
- getting the names and contact information of witnesses;
- taking photos of skid marks, debris or potholes; and
- writing your version of what happened while your memory is fresh.
Also, be careful of what you say at the scene of a Florida truck accident. Don’t converse extensively with anyone.
For example, after a truck accident you should never:
- say anything that could be considered an apology;
- admit fault;
- tell the other driver that you are covered under your employer; or
- say things such as “He was in my blind spot.”
What you say to the other driver can be used against you later, which is why it is better to remain silent and not accept or place blame until all the facts surrounding your Florida truck accident are known. Rather than speculate, you should wait until accident reports are filed and the extent of your injuries is realized.
Then you’ll want to contact a Palm Beach truck accident lawyer who can explain your rights and determine if you are eligible to file a Florida personal injury claim.
Keep a Journal of Medical Care and Pain
You should also keep track of all medical care and bills. A journal can also be a very effective way to detail your injuries and how they affect you on a daily basis. Be sure to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10 and keep track of time off from work or school. Include anything that your injuries have prevented you from doing, such as playing with your grandchildren or going to church.
Next, it would be in your best interest to consult with an experienced Palm Beach truck accident lawyer. It‘s important for your lawyer to understand your injuries and begin work on your truck accident case as soon as possible after the accident.
Contact a Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer
A trucking company’s liability for a truck accident in Florida can include many factors. If the trucking company is at fault for the accident, there is a lot at stake.
Your Palm Beach truck accident lawyer may work to prove the trucking company’s negligence in one of the following areas, including:
- insufficient hiring or training process for the truck driver;
- failure to maintain proper licenses and certifications; and
- failure to properly maintain the truck or equipment.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Florida, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced Palm Beach truck accident lawyer who will protect your rights and work to get you the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Florida has a statute of limitations that may prohibit you from filing a lawsuit if too much time has passed. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.