In 2022, more than 244,000 people were injured in Texas motor vehicle collisions. Thousands of victims were harmed in accidents involving big rigs and large commercial vehicles.
These vehicles can cause significant damage and life-changing injuries. If you are the victim of a truck accident, understanding the steps you need to take in the aftermath is vital. From seeking medical attention to contacting an experienced truck accident attorney in San Antonio.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Immediately after your accident, you need to request the help of law enforcement and medical personnel. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance. Move your vehicle to safety and activate your hazard lights if you can. This will let other people driving by know that something is happening.
Gather Information at the Scene
Once safety is ensured, gathering pertinent information at the accident scene is crucial for any subsequent legal proceedings. Exchange contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers with the truck driver and other parties involved.
Obtain contact information from eyewitnesses, as their statements may be valuable later. Additionally, take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. These visual records can serve as valuable evidence in a legal dispute.
Seek Medical Attention and Document Injuries
Even if you do not believe your injuries are severe, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not manifest immediately; a thorough medical examination can identify hidden injuries.
Document any medical treatment received, including doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medications. This documentation will be vital when pursuing a personal injury claim.
Preserve Evidence
Preserving evidence is essential for building a strong case after a truck accident. Keep all relevant documents, such as medical records, accident reports, and correspondence with insurance companies.
Preserve the damaged vehicles involved in the accident until an investigation is complete. Additionally, save any physical evidence, such as clothing or personal items damaged during the accident.
Consult with an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in San Antonio
You should consult a San Antonio personal injury lawyer with experience handling personal injury cases for truck crash victims. They can provide valuable insights into Texas state laws, assess the strength of your case, and guide you through the legal process.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can result in an array of economic and non-economic damages. It is important to take legal action to ensure you have the financial resources needed to alleviate your medical costs, lost earnings, vehicle repair expenses, and other damages you face.
When pursuing legal action, you must be able to identify the party or parties liable for the resulting damages. Unlike other vehicle collision cases, truck accidents are more complex as they tend to involve multiple parties who can be liable. These include:
- Truck Driver: The individual operating the truck may be held responsible for the accident, especially if it was caused by negligence, fatigue, or impaired driving.
- Trucking Company: The company employing the truck driver can be liable for accidents caused by factors such as inadequate training, poor maintenance of the truck, or unrealistic schedules that lead to driver fatigue.
- Truck Owner: If the truck is owned by a party separate from the trucking company, the owner may bear responsibility for negligence related to maintenance and overall vehicle upkeep.
- Truck Manufacturer: Should the accident stem from a flaw in the truck’s design or manufacturing, the manufacturer could be held responsible for any resulting damages.
- Maintenance Contractors: Companies responsible for truck maintenance and repairs may be liable if an accident occurs due to improper maintenance or repairs.
- Cargo Loaders: Individuals in charge of loading and ensuring the safety of the cargo on the truck may be held accountable in the event of an accident resulting from inadequately loaded or unsecured cargo.
- Government Entities: If the accident is due to poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage, the government entity responsible for road maintenance might be liable.
- Third-Party Contractors: If a third-party contractor, such as an independent driver or maintenance provider, is involved and their actions contribute to the accident, they may be held responsible.
- Vehicle Parts Manufacturers: If a specific part of the truck, such as brakes or tires, is found to be defective and causes the accident, the manufacturer of that part might be liable.
Working with a San Antonio personal injury lawyer can help you properly identify who is liable for your injuries and damages and pursue legal action against them.
Let Our San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer Help
When facing a personal injury case, the last thing you need is to be kept in the dark by your lawyer. At Patterson Law Group, we believe in being there for our clients every step of the way and providing personalized guidance for each situation.
Our team works tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the best possible outcome for their cases. If you are dealing with a personal injury issue, contact our truck accident attorney in San Antonio for a free consultation today.
