Semi-Trailer Accident Lawyers
What To Do If You're Involved In A
Semi-Tractor-Trailer Accident
Here is some helpful information of the steps to take if you have been involved in a truck accident involving an 18-wheeler or semi-tractor-trailer:
- First and foremost, get medical help for yourself and all victims! Your health and safety are of primary importance.
- If you or someone with you is able to, here are the next steps:
Write down all the details of the Semi-Tractor-Trailer accident.- Get the Semi-Tractor-Trailer driver's name, the semi company name, contact information and license numbers as well as the name and contact information of anyone riding with the tractor trailer driver.
- Get the name of the tractor trailer company and tractor trailer owners, their contact information and their insurance information
- Write down anything the Semi-Tractor-Trailer driver says to you that might be important later (I'm so sorry; I didn't see you; I must have fallen asleep for a moment, etc.)
- Get the names and numbers of any witnesses to the semi-tractor- trailer accident
- Take photos of the tractor trailer accident if you have a camera available
- Ask the semi driver if he or she has a driver's log and a maintenance record. Ask to see them. Get copies if possible.
- Do not speak to any insurance people or investigators who show up. Sophisticated trucking companies will send investigators and adjustors to the scene as soon as possible. They may act helpful towards you, but they are NOT ON YOUR SIDE. They are there to protect their client. Do not engage in any conversations with them.
- Make a list of all your injuries and all the injuries of any others in your vehicle. Many times, an injury will not show up until days or weeks later; be sure to write them down as they occur.
- Keep a list of all your doctor and hospital visits and all other medical expenses. Write down the dates, the name of the doctor and the nature of the visit.
- If you receive a call from anyone associated with the Semi-Tractor-Trailer company or its insurance agents offering you a settlement, DO NOT AGREE TO ANYTHING or ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY OR ANY TYPE OF SETTLEMENT - in fact, do not even talk to them -- without talking to an experienced truck accident attorney first.
- Absolutely DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING as you may be waiving important legal rights and the right to recover damages.
It is also advisable to hire an experienced 18-wheeler or semi-trailer experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Over the years, our firm has had the opportunity to assist in truck accident cases nationwide. Throughout Florida, our practice encompasses Pensacola, Santa Rosa County, Panama City, Escambia, Calhoun, Gulf, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington Bay, Jackson, and Tallahassee, FL, and our work extends to Mobile, Alabama and other communities in the southeastern United States. There are few truck accident attorneys in the country who are better prepared to help people injured in semi, tractor trailer or truck accidents and get the claim they deserve.
