Wrecks involving trucks can cause a lot of damage to both a vehicle and the person inside, much more so than from smaller vehicles. With so many semis and flatbeds on California roads, the likelihood of a truck accident is increased.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a big rig, contact a Carlsbad truck accident lawyer to discuss your claim. A lawyer can help to guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit so you can receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
What to Do After a California Truck Accident
The most obvious thing to do after a truck accident is to seek medical attention. This is important even if you didn’t immediately feel any aches and pains after the crash. Many injuries caused by truck accidents don’t make themselves known until hours or sometimes days later, such as whiplash. If you intend to file a lawsuit, any delay in seeking treatment could hurt your case.
After seeking medical treatment, the very next thing you need to do is hire a California personal injury attorney. To seek justice and compensation, you’ll need to have an experienced legal team working for you. The California personal injury lawsuit statute of limitations is 2 years, so hiring a lawyer early on is key.
Tips for Filing a Successful Truck Accident Lawsuit in California
To file a successful truck accident lawsuit you’ll want to do everything by the letter of the law to ensure you’re compensated for all of your damages. The process can be quite time-consuming, but it’s the way that things are done. Getting all of your ducks in a row is crucial to your success.
Hire a Lawyer
As stated above, hiring an experienced attorney is by far the most important part of the process. Even if you’ve been offered a settlement before speaking with an attorney, it’s most likely nowhere near the amount that you deserve. If you’ve been offered a quick settlement, it’s a sign that you have a strong case. Speaking with a lawyer before accepting any amount is key to receiving the maximum compensation. Don’t be lured to sign on the dotted line.
Gather Evidence
You’ll need to prove that the truck driver was negligent and caused your injuries to win a personal injury lawsuit. Your lawyer can assist you with gathering everything required to prove guilt. This evidence can include:
- Police accident reports
- Photos or video from the scene of the accident
- Dashcam footage
- Eyewitness statements
Retain Copies of Medical Treatment and Bills
Other than proving that the truck driver acted negligently and caused you harm, you’ll also be required to prove that you have been injured. No matter how obvious your injuries are, you’ll need copies of your medical treatment to prove they exist. Required medical documents can include:
- Emergency room intake and discharge papers
- Attending physician's notes
- Test and lab results
- Medical images such as X-rays, MRIs, and CAT scans
- Medical bills
- Other documentation that proves medical treatment or physical therapy
Avoid Posting on Social Media
Social media posts can be the easiest way to destroy your credibility. Although it can be incredibly difficult to not post or document your truck accident on your socials, it’s important to be very careful about doing so. To file a personal injury lawsuit, you’ll need to prove that you’ve sustained severe injuries that have reduced your quality of life. Posting photos of your injuries may be okay, however, you should consider how the defendant’s legal team will perceive everything you make public.
Consult with your lawyer about how to handle your social media posts to not damage your case. If the defendant’s lawyer feels you’re injuries aren’t as severe as you claim, they could use your social media posts to prove this.
Continue Medical Treatment
It’s very important to keep up with your medical treatment. Failure to do so is an easy way for the defendant’s legal team to doubt your injuries. Follow your doctor’s orders and don’t miss any appointments or physical therapy treatments. It can be helpful to keep an injury journal to ensure that appointments aren’t missed and that you’re doing everything recommended to treat your injuries.
Tips to Filing a Successful California Truck Accident Explained
Key to any personal injury lawsuit is hiring an experienced and savvy lawyer who can guide you through the sometimes complex process of proving your case. To receive maximum compensation for your injuries, you’ll need to not only prove negligence but also that your injuries have caused you damage. Without proper legal representation, you won’t have the best outcome, even if offered a quick settlement.
