With around two million large trucks traveling US roadways every day, accidents are bound to happen. Unfortunately, the size and weight of these vehicles mean that trucking accidents often lead to devastating injuries.

If you were involved in a collision with a large commercial truck, your medical bills might be piling up. You might be feeling overwhelmed with an inability to work and earn a living. It’s not easy for an injured motorist to go up against a commercial vehicle company and its insurance carrier to request reimbursement for trucking injuries. An experienced truck accident attorney can help level the playing field. Garrison Law can help you recover accident-related expenses such as medical bills and lost wages.

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for Michigan residents and their loved ones who were seriously injured or died due to a truck driver’s negligence. Consultations are always free. After reviewing your case and helping you understand your legal options, we will set up a plan of action for pursuing your claim.

We understand that the time after a trucking accident can be overwhelming. Here are six crucial steps you should take:

1. Call Emergency Responders
Call 911. Calling 911 will protect the safety of all motorists because the police will set up a barrier and divert traffic around the incident site. Officers on the scene should document the accident, note important details, and take measurements. Paramedics will arrive to provide medical treatment to those who are injured.

2. Get Medical Treatment
If you are injured, get medical treatment. If you or a loved one is injured in a trucking accident, waiting to see your primary care physician can have devastating consequences for your health and a claim for damages. Insurance companies often use even a short delay in medical treatment or diagnosis as evidence that you were not actually injured in the trucking accident. Your first priority after a truck crash should be to get medical treatment for yourself and any other injured passengers.

Common injuries suffered in trucking accidents:

● Traumatic brain injuries
● Radiculopathy (nerve damage)
● Spinal cord compression and fractured vertebrae
● Broken bones
● Internal injuries
● Concussions
● Herniated discs
● Whiplash

Remember to save all medical bills and invoices from your hospital and doctor visits. Keep receipts even if your medical treatment continues for months or years.

3. Exchange Insurance Information
Exchange insurance information with the truck driver and others involved in the accident. Take photographs of the truck driver’s insurance information and commercial driver’s license. Make sure that the police receive copies of all relevant documents, including the name of the trucking company that employs the truck driver. Your potential claim will likely target the trucking company and its insurance carrier so pay careful attention to collecting their names and contact information.

4. Gather Evidence
If you don’t require immediate medical treatment, begin collecting evidence at the at the scene of the accident. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle, the truck, and the surroundings including the roadway. Make a video recording of the accident cite, and take notes of any environmental elements such as lighting and signage that might have contributed to the collision. Note the time of day and weather conditions. If you need medical treatment, ask someone else to note these details and take photographs for you.

As soon as you are able, write down everything you remember that occurred just before and during the accident. When the adrenaline rush caused by this traumatic event fades, it may be difficult to remember these crucial details.

5. Do Not Speak with the Trucking Company or its Insurance Carrier
The truck driver’s insurance company will probably want to speak with you while you’re still shaken from the accident. Don’t do it. Instead, give yourself time to think through the events of the accident so your statements won’t be misinterpreted. Don’t give a rushed account to the insurance company or anyone else while you are under stress. Speak first with an experienced truck accident attorney before communicating the truck driver’s company or its insurance adjuster.

6. Talk to a Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer
You may not consider suing the commercial trucking company right away. After all, accidents happen. However, if the truck driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries have impacted your ability to lead a normal life, then the truck driver’s insurance company may be liable for the cost of your recovery.

It’s difficult to remember all the details involved in filing an insurance claim, especially when you’re focused on putting your life back together after a trucking accident. The experienced trucking accident attorneys at our firm can maximize your recovery by negotiating with the truck driver’s insurance company. Our team will evaluate your claim and collect, calculate, and organize your damages, fighting for the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law. Damages you may be entitled to recover as a result of the accident include:

● Ambulance and hospital expenses
● Prescription and over-the-counter medications
● Rehabilitation and physical therapy bills
● Money expended for mental health treatment
● Compensation pain and suffering
● Money damages for the loss of love and companionship for a family member
● Recoupment of lost wages and employment opportunities
● Other costs unique to your situation

At Garrison Law we are committed to helping victims of trucking accidents and have recovered millions of dollars for clients who have been seriously injured. If you want a dedicated team fighting for you, contact us today for a free consultation.