What To Do If You’re Hit By A Commercial Truck Or Big Rig

Commercial trucks and big rigs are some of the largest vehicles on the road, weighing up to 80,000 pounds or more. Unfortunately, accidents involving these massive vehicles can have devastating consequences for drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles.

If you’re ever in a collision with a commercial truck or big rig, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

From staying calm and calling for help to collecting evidence and contacting an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer, we’ll cover everything you need to know to protect yourself after an accident. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident with a commercial truck or big rig, don’t wait to take action. Contact Jett Legal today to schedule a free case review with an experienced personal injury attorney and learn how we can help you get the justice you deserve.

Stay Calm And Call For Help

If you’re ever in an accident involving a commercial truck or big rig, it’s important to stay calm and call for help as soon as possible. While it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed or panicked in such a situation, staying calm can help you make better decisions and protect yourself and others from further harm.

The first thing you should do after a truck accident is to call 911 and report the incident. Explain the location of the accident, any injuries or damage to vehicles, and whether any hazardous materials were involved. If you or anyone else is injured, request an ambulance as well.

While you wait for help to arrive, make sure to move your vehicle to a safe location if possible. If the accident is blocking traffic or creating a hazard, use your hazard lights, cones, or flares to warn other drivers and prevent further collisions.

Seek Medical Attention

After being involved in a truck accident, seeking medical attention should be a top priority. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, but can still be serious and require treatment.

Some common injuries that can result from a truck accident include whiplash, head injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. These injuries can have serious long-term consequences if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Seeking medical attention also creates a record of your injuries, which can be important for insurance and legal purposes later on.

Remember, delaying medical treatment can not only worsen your injuries but can also harm your chances of receiving fair compensation later on. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious if you didn’t seek medical attention right away.

Collect Evidence

Collecting evidence after a truck accident is crucial to protecting your rights and building a strong case for compensation. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to prove liability and damages.

Here are some key pieces of evidence to collect after a truck accident:

• Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles and any injuries
• Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident
• Request the truck driver’s contact information, company name, and insurance information
• Get a copy of the police report
• Keep records of all car accident medical bills, receipts, and other expenses related to the accident

Do Not Admit Fault

It’s important to not admit fault after a truck accident, even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident. Admitting fault or apologizing can be used against you later on in the legal process.

It’s best to wait for the police and insurance companies to investigate the accident and determine who is at fault. It’s also important to be honest when providing information about the accident, but avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate these complex legal issues and protect your rights.

Contact An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re involved in a truck accident, it’s important to contact a St. Louis truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our truck accident lawyers will:

• Investigate the accident. An attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to determine the cause of the accident and establish fault in a car accident injury case.
• Communicate with insurance companies. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other damages.
• Represent you in court. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can represent you in court and fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
• Provide legal advice. A truck accident lawyer can answer your questions, explain the legal process, and advise you on your case’s best course of action.

Contact Jett Legal today to schedule a free case review and learn how we can help you get the justice you deserve.

Author Bio

Matt Jett is the CEO and Managing Partner of Jett Legal, a Missouri personal injury law firm. With more than 10 years of
experience in personal injury, he has zealously represented clients in various legal matters, including car and truck
accidents, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, and other cases.

Matt received his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law and is a member of the Missouri
Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Rising Stars distinction by Super Lawyers 2019-2022.