Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident
Following a truck accident in Georgetown, your immediate steps are key in protecting your rights. This is especially true if you plan to pursue a claim for damages. The steps you take have the potential to affect your recovery physically, financially, and legally. With guidance from a personal injury lawyer at Oxner & Stacy Law Firm LLC, you can avoid mistakes and boost your chances of securing fair compensation.
Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a truck accident in Georgetown, SC.
Contact the Police
In South Carolina, the law requires that within 15 days of an accident causing injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must report the crash to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (South Carolina Law 56-5-1270). The only easy way to fulfill this requirement is to file a police report.
When officers arrive, they will document the scene, interview witnesses, and file an official accident report. This report is a key reference to unbiased facts of the crash if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Seek Medical Treatment
Sometimes, the hours following an accident may be characterized by shock which may mask injuries. Therefore, whether you feel injured or not, visiting a medical doctor for assessment is necessary.
Seeking medical treatment promptly can prevent minor injuries from becoming serious and ensure that any injuries are thoroughly documented. Also, medical records from your treatment make admissible evidence of the injuries caused by the accident. If you delay getting medical help, insurance companies may deny claims on the argument that your injuries are not as serious as alleged or didn’t result from the truck accident.
Gather Evidence
If you’re able to do so safely, collect as much evidence from the accident scene as possible. This may involve documenting visible injuries, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and anything else relevant. Also, obtain contact information from witnesses, as their testimonies can be instrumental if there are disputes about how the accident occurred.
Your Georgetown personal injury lawyer can help you organize and present this evidence, which can make a significant difference in proving fault and securing the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Sign Anything Yet
One common mistake accident victims make is agreeing to early settlement offers from insurance companies. Insurers often try to quickly propose settlement offers for as little money as possible, sometimes before the full extent of your injuries is known. Accepting an early settlement could prevent you from pursuing further compensation if additional medical treatments or lost wages arise in the future.
Therefore, decline to sign anything or agree to any offer without consulting your attorney first. A truck accident lawyer understands the tactics insurers use and can help you figure out if a settlement offer is fair or if you should go for more compensation.
Call Your Georgetown Personal Injury Lawyer Now
The physical and emotional pain of a truck accident can be overwhelming, not to mention cases where the crash leads to wrongful death. It is therefore necessary to quickly consult a personal injury lawyer to keep you informed about your rights and options. Your attorney can handle communication and negotiations with the at-fault insurance companies. With their professional advice, you can avoid unnecessary missteps in your claim.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Georgetown, SC, request a free consultation today and let us help you pursue justice for your losses.