Steps to Take after a Truck Accident in Ohio July 10, 2012.

It can be a stressful time after an accident. You may have suffered injuries and feel shaken up from the event. It can be difficult to think about what steps to take after such a traumatic event. This is why you need to learn exactly what you need to do after being involved in a truck accident. After the accident, you should contact a Cleveland personal injury attorney for help.

After an Ohio Truck Accident: It’s important to know what to do after an accident involving a truck because if you don’t take action quickly or take the right steps, it may affect your case against the faulted driver or trucking company.

Seek Medical Care: Big rig accidents can result in serious or fatal injuries. One of the most important things to do after an accident is protect your health. Seek emergency or medical care from your doctor immediately following the accident. If you delay medical attention, it could affect your physical health and be detrimental to your claim.

Take Pictures of the Truck Accident Scene: Pictures can tell a lot about an accident. If you are unable to snap some photos of the scene of the accident, ask someone to come to the accident to do it. Pictures of the damaged vehicles can greatly help your case.

Gather Information for Your Claim: It’s important to also get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses of the accident. Avoid having discussions with anyone, including the driver, who is at fault.

As soon as you can, start gathering documentation to use as evidence. Obtain a copy of the police report and medical records. You will also need all of your insurance paperwork, including the policy. If you have started to receive medical bills or statements, keep those in a secure place.

Collect anything pertaining to the accident or your injuries. You will need these for your attorney.

Do Not Speak to the Insurance Company: In the meantime, if you find yourself having to deal with the insurance company, the general rule is to say as little as possible. Never agree to sign any paperwork without having an attorney look at it. While you may believe you know what the insurance company wants from the case, they can make it complicated, and you may end up signing something you didn’t realize would hurt your case.

You should also never agree to provide a recorded statement. While it may appear as if they are trying to help you, the reality is that they want to pay out as little as possible.

Refrain from Speaking About the Accident: Finally, refrain from speaking about your case on social media websites. Once the investigation starts, the trucking company’s attorneys will look for ways to diminish or deny your claim. One of the ways they will do this is through comments, pictures or videos that you post. At the very least, adjust your settings so that what you post is restricted from the public.

How to File a Truck Accident Claim in Cleveland

Truck accident claims can be much more complicated than your average motor vehicle accident. In some cases, not only can the driver assume liability, but their employer may be as well. That’s because trucking companies are required to follow federal laws.

You could be entitled to compensation that addresses your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To learn what types of damages you may be able to seek, contact a personal injury attorney with experience in truck accident claims.

The Cleveland personal injury lawyer team at Mellino Law Firm LLC offers specialized medical knowledge, exceptional trial skills and superior negotiating talent in pursuit of fair compensation for clients. Contact the team at Mellino Law Firm L.L.C. today for a free consultation at (440) 333-3800.