- April 18, 2023
Have you been hurt in a truck accident? The damages can be serious in this situation – medical bills and property damage costs alone can put you back a couple of grand. Don’t fret though – even if it feels as if your life has been turned upside down in an instant.
Truck accidents can be devastating because the damage can be severe, and the aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming.
But, what is done is done – now you need to stay calm and make a couple of smart decisions.
You must determine who is to blame for the accident – the driver, the trucking company, or the trucking manufacturer. If you live in Buffalo, New York, and have been involved in a truck accident, you must immediately contact a qualified Buffalo auto accident attorney.
Our Buffalo truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal system, determine fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let a truck accident bankrupt you or leave you with life-changing injuries – we are here for you!
For now, let’s understand the extent of the damage caused by trucking accidents.
You May Sustain Injuries in a Truck Accident
A truck’s weight and size can cause extensive damage to a smaller passenger car, resulting in serious injuries or even death.
Minor cuts and bruises to severe spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries are all possible (and much worse can also happen). These injuries can take months or even years to heal, and the medical bills can quickly mount.
In severe cases, people may sustain lethal injuries or face permanent disability (amputation, paralysis, etc.)
Emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, can hit one on top of these physical injuries.
Who Will Be Liable for the Damages?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the driver, trucking company, or manufacturer may be at fault. For example, if the driver was intoxicated, speeding, or distracted at the time of the accident, they will be deemed at fault.
The trucking company may be at fault if they failed to train or supervise their drivers properly, or if they put pressure on drivers to disregard safety regulations to meet tight deadlines.
If a technical problem caused the truck accident (i.e., issues with the braking system), the manufacturer could be held liable for the damages.
Determining fault in a truck accident can be complicated, so consulting with an experienced Buffalo truck accident attorney is critical.
5 Things You Must Do After Your Car Is Hit By a Truck
Here are a couple of things you must do immediately after your car is hit by a truck.
Assess Your Situation
If your car is hit by a truck, you must first see if you and your passengers are safe. Because of the size and weight of the truck, collisions can result in severe damage and injury. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
If anyone is hurt, contact emergency services right away. If you are not injured, determine whether it is safe to exit your vehicle and move it to the side of the road.
To warn other drivers, turn on your hazard lights and use reflective triangles or flares. Remember that your safety is paramount; you must take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your passengers.
Gather Information
Next up, gather as much information as possible about the accident and the parties involved. This can include the truck driver’s contact information, i.e., their name, number, insurance information, and employer details.
You should also photograph the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle and the truck. This documentation can be used as evidence in any legal or insurance claims. Additionally, gather the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
This information will help you when establishing fault and proving your case.
Collecting all necessary information ensures that you can adequately document the accident and protect your legal rights.
Call the Police & Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you do not feel injured immediately after the truck accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be noticed for hours or even days after the accident.
Contact the police or emergency services as soon as possible to report the accident and ask for on-site assistance. It’s best to call 911 right away. Medical personnel and law enforcement dispatched to the scene will assess the situation and provide medical treatment.
Provide the reporting officer with as much information about the truck accident as possible, including the location, number of people involved, and severity of any injuries.
After an on-site checkup (if needed), you must seek further medical attention as soon as possible to ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
Seeking medical attention also creates a record of your injuries, which can be useful evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Next up, reach out to your insurance company to get a gist of the claims process and your coverage options. Your insurance provider may request information about the truck accident, such as the location, date, and time of the occurrence, as well as the damages to your vehicle and any injuries you sustained.
To reach an agreement, your insurance company may contact the truck driver’s insurance company. Keep in mind that while New York is a no-fault state, if you were seriously injured in the accident, you can sue the liable party for damages.
Provide accurate information to your insurance company and keep detailed records of all communications with them.
Determine Fault
You must figure out who was at fault for the truck accident because it will affect your ability to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
If you’re not sure who was at fault, speak with a qualified lawyer to learn more about your legal options. By determining fault, you can take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Seriously injured accident victims, such as in the case of a truck accident, can sue the liable party despite New York being a “no-fault” state.
Consult With a Buffalo Truck Accident Attorney to Explore Your Options
Let our Buffalo auto accident attorneys help you deal with the aftermath of a truck accident. Our experienced lawyers can help you navigate the complex claim process. We can also help you gather evidence, determine liability, and negotiate with insurance companies.
If necessary, we’ll also sue the liable party and represent you in court. We will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer from our firm!
