Steps to Take After a Truck Crash in Indiana
Updated September 27, 2024 | By Wilson Kehoe Winingham staff
A truck crash in Indiana can be a traumatic experience, and it can be hard to know what to do next. Our injury lawyers have compiled a list of simple steps to follow in the hours and days after a truck accident, helping victims protect their health and right to compensation.
What to Do Immediately After a Truck Crash in Indiana
What you should do after an accident will vary on the circumstances and severity of the crash, but here is a general guide on the actions to take right after a truck crash occurs:
Get Yourself and Others to Safety
Your first priority at the scene of an accident should always be ensuring your safety. Get yourself and others out of traffic and move your car off the road if possible. The only exception to this is if moving someone who is severely injured could worsen their condition. Move on to the next steps only after you and others are safe.
Call the Police and Stay Put
Call the police to the scene and ask them to send an ambulance for any medical emergencies. Stay and cooperate with the officer(s) if you are able. You will want to have an official police accident report filed, so make the details you give as accurate as possible. Do not apologize to the officer or suggest that you were at fault—it could be misinterpreted as liability for the truck accident.
Document the Scene
While waiting for the police, document the crash with photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and the layout of the area. Consider also taking videos if they’ll help explain the circumstances of the wreck.
Collect Contact Information
Get the truck driver’s information and details on the parent trucking company. Exchange contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with other drivers and witnesses.
Seek Medical Care
Even if you feel okay immediately following the accident, you should get checked out by a medical professional. You’ll want a medical evaluation on file in case your condition worsens in the future.
Steps to Take 48 Hours After a Truck Crash in Indiana
As the shock wears off and you realize the full extent of the damage, you must concentrate on protecting your case. To do this, you need to:
Speak With a Truck Wreck Attorney
Our truck accident lawyers can help you obtain and interpret the police report and ensure that it accurately reflects the circumstances of the accident. We work on contingency fees and provide free consultations, so it costs you nothing to learn your options.
File Your Insurance Claim
If you haven’t already done so, you must file an insurance claim to pay your medical and property damages. Contact your insurance company with the basic facts of the accident, but be careful about admitting fault or taking blame. If you report the incident online, keep your answers short and factual. Our lawyers can manage the insurance claim process on your behalf, ensuring that all paperwork is correctly completed and submitted on time.
Collect Evidence Quickly
Some truck companies work quickly to clean up accident scenes and repair damaged vehicles, making it more difficult for crash victims to prove their case. We can examine the photos and videos you have and help collect and preserve more evidence to strengthen your case. We can also hire expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, to testify in support of your version of events.
Steps to Take in the Weeks After a Truck Crash in Indiana
If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair sum for your losses, our legal team will continue preparing the case for court. Important procedures for this phase include:
Attending Medical Appointments
Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all medical appointments. Your health is paramount, and proper treatment can prevent long-term issues. We can help ensure that all treatments are properly documented so you receive compensation for current and future medical expenses.
Declining Recorded Statements (and Staying Off Social Media)
Now is not the time to be shouting around town—or online—about what happened. Anything you say or do now could be held against you later. It is optimal to only communicate with your truck accident lawyer following the crash. They will know what to convey—and what not to convey—to insurance adjustors and other parties regarding details of the accident.
Negotiations and Settlement
We can handle communications with insurers and negotiate on your behalf, preventing you from accepting a low settlement. If necessary, we will file a lawsuit and represent you in legal proceedings to get you fair compensation for your losses.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today
The Indianapolis truck accident attorneys at WKW will investigate and analyze every part of your claim to help restore your life. Call us today at (317) 920-6400 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
Contact Us
Let WKW put our experience to work for you. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
Or, call us today at (317) 920-6400
