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10 Steps to Take after a Commercial Truck Crash – Advice from a Greenville Accident Attorney

January 22, 2016

It is no secret that a commercial truck crash can cause serious injuries or worse. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , 67 percent of truck fatalities happen to occupants of smaller vehicles. Because of the weight and size of a big rig, survivors often face a long road to recovery. Medical bills can add up quickly, leading to overwhelming debt. This is where a truck accident attorney may be able to assist.

If you were injured in an accident in Greenville, South Carolina, then contact the Churdar Law Firm. Doug Churdar is an accident attorney who can assess your case to determine if you have a legitimate claim. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, then call 864-233-0203. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about truck accident lawsuits in South Carolina.

Read on to learn 10 steps to take after a crash with a commercial truck:

1. Get Medical Help

Your top priority after any accident should be seeking medical attention. Call 911 immediately after a big rig crash. Always allow emergency responders to evaluate your health – even if you do not feel injured.

2. Collect Evidence

You should collect as much evidence at the scene as you can. Take photographs of the vehicles’ positions, as well as any injuries or property damage. Also, take pictures of traffic signs. These may help you prove that the other driver ran a stop sign or broke another law, thus establishing liability.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

The sooner you call your insurance company, the sooner it can begin its own investigation into the accident. Contact your agent as soon after the wreck as possible.

4. Exchange Information with Drivers and Witnesses

If there were witnesses, then collect all of their contact details. Witness testimonies may help support your claim. You should also record the name, address, phone number and insurance information of all drivers involved.

5. Watch Your Words

Be mindful of what you say to people at the scene. If you apologize, then others may assume that you are liable. Stick to the facts, and try to say as little as possible.

6. Hire an Accident Attorney

A lawyer can investigate the crash, identify the responsible parties, gather evidence, structure your claim and negotiate on your behalf. You may be at a disadvantage if you pursue compensation without the help of a personal-injury lawyer.

7. Be Honest with Your Personal-Injury Lawyer

If you decide to hire an accident attorney, then be sure to communicate with him or her honestly. Your attorney needs all the details, even if you were the at-fault driver.

8. Conduct a Personal Investigation

In many cases, the cause of the crash only becomes evident after police, insurance companies and legal teams investigate it. Conduct your own investigation. Your lawyer can help with this.

9. Calculate the Damages

As an accident victim, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and future health-care expenses. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages. Your accident attorney can help you calculate these damages.

10. Identify Liability

18-wheelers operate commercially. For this reason, there may be several parties who were liable for the crash, including the driver, employer and manufacturer. Your lawyer can help you identify the liable party.

Injured in an Accident in Greenville, South Carolina?

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident in Greenville, South Carolina, then contact the Churdar Law Firm. Doug Churdar has achieved successful outcomes in injury cases involving auto accidents, truck crashes, brain trauma and other types of injury. Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation.

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