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How To Protect Yourself In A Truck Accident

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

How To Protect Yourself In A Truck Accident

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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On August 30 of this year, a JAG Transportation Inc. semitrailer ran into a Greyhound bus. There were roughly 50 people on the bus when tragedy struck. Eight people were killed. Many were injured.  

Who Was At Fault?

Accidents happen, but because there are things that can be done to help prevent them from happening, there are two lawsuits that have already been filed against the truck company. The reason? The truck lost control and ran into the bus due to losing tread on its left front tire. Now that lawsuits have been filed, the truck company attorneys are going to need to prove that this didn’t happen due to maintenance issues. It is possible that they may try to settle outside of court.

How to Protect Yourself Against The Big Truck Companies

When people go up against a truck company, it is important for them to keep in mind that these companies are used to legal claims made against them, and in fact, they typically have a team of lawyers at their disposal. Sadly, even if someone is killed or severely injured,  their legal experts are ready to push the blame back onto the victim. This is even more reason why no one should try to stand up against a truck company without an experienced truck accident attorney of their own.

Never Do These Things

    • If insurance for a trucking company contacts you to make a statement in any way, refuse. This includes any forms they may send you.  Always consult your personal injury lawyer first.
    • Get out of the car after the accident unless it is dangerous to stay in your car. Police will assist you with getting necessary contact information after they arrive.
    • Move the vehicle unless is it absolutely necessary. Wait for police.
  • Be careful of what you say to the driver. Anything that could be seen as an admission of guilt will be used against you. You do not need to say anything to the driver.

Alway Do These Things

    • Turn on your hazard lights
    • Call 911, even if damages are minimal
    • If injured, get medical care
    • Remain at the scene of the accident; leaving could harm your case later
    • Make sure you get the name, phone number, and address of the other driver AND of any witnesses. As stated previously, the police will likely help you gather this information, but if not, be sure to get it.
    • Get the name and badge number of the police officer that was at the scene.  If there was more than one officer, get the other offices’ information as well.
    • Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident AND of any injuries.
  • Contact your car insurance company as soon as possible to let them know that you were just in an accident.

The only people that you are required to give a statement to is the police and your insurance agent/representative. It is wise to avoid talking to others in detail about your accident until after things are resolved.

Find a Lawyer

When going up against a truck company, you should know that you will greatly increase your chances for a successful outcome if you contact a law firm with lawyers that focus on personal injury. A personal injury attorney will likely be very knowledgeable about various legal tactics that are commonly used by trucking companies. They will be able to help you to know your options and develop a sound legal strategy.  Find a qualified truck accident lawyer in your area now.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/2018/09/05/three-remaining-victims-new-mexico-bus-crash-identified/1201799002/

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