What you need to KNOW:
Trucking accidents are different than other vehicle accidents. Not only can a truck potentially cause extensive damage due to its size and weight, but large trucking companies are prepared to respond rapidly to accidents and save their bottom line.
If you or someone you know was in a truck accident, follow this guide so that you can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and receive proper compensation.
What you need to DO NOW:
1. Call 911. Dial 9-1-1 immediately and request emergency medical services (EMS) if anyone is hurt. Explain that you were in a trucking accident but do not discuss the accident details nor fault.
2. Take photos; write notes. If possible, take photos of the damages to your vehicle and the positioning of the truck (including the other person’s license plate). Take notes on what happened, the road conditions, and vehicle condition. This information may be important to the investigative process if the vehicles are moved, or if there is a dispute about the accident or your injuries.
3. Take names. Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any individual who witnessed the accident. If you spoke to someone after the accident, get their contact information as well.
4. Talk with EMS. As soon as emergency services arrive, explain the accident to the police and any injuries to EMS/Fire Rescue. Do not discuss the accident details nor fault. Ask the police officer for the police accident report and case number.
5. Call your Attorney. Once you have left the accident scene or the Emergency Room, contact an experienced attorney such as Goldman and Daszkal, P.A. at (954) 428-9333 for a free consultation about your rights and obligations.*
6. Call your Insurance Company. Report that you were in a vehicle accident. IMPORTANT: Although you will have to discuss some details about the accident with your insurance company (individuals involved, brief accident details, brief summary of any injuries), we recommend that you only provide them with the information they need to set up the claim. Do not discuss any opinions or perceived fault nor allow them to take a recorded statement. Reputable insurance companies will walk you through the process to report an accident. They may request a police accident report. If the police didn’t provide this at the accident scene, it should be available within 7-10 days.
7. Contact the other person’s Insurance Company. Report that you were in a vehicle accident. IMPORTANT: Although you will have to discuss some details about the accident (individuals involved, brief accident details, brief summary of any injuries), we recommend that you only provide the information they need to set up the claim. Do not discuss any opinions or perceived fault nor allow them to take a recorded statement.
8. Mind your Mouth. Do not discuss the details of the accident nor fault with anyone other than the individuals listed above.
9. Screen Calls. You may receive calls and solicitations from individuals claiming to be a representative of your insurance agency or a lawyer. If the calls are not from your ACTUAL LAWYER, HANG UP. DO NOT DISCUSS ANYTHING about the ACCIDENT. They may be trying to solicit you — and soliciting accident victims is illegal!
When you meet with your attorney, bring the photos, notes, and contact information for any witnesses. Bring the case number and police accident report provided by the police officer as well as any communications you received from insurance companies. Additionally, bring any bills related to EMS, hospitals, healthcare professionals, medicines or medical treatment that you received since the accident. Finally, be sure to bring any damage estimates or receipts from vehicle repair shops.
*Find an experienced personal injury attorney to represent you and recover the lost wages and injury compensation to which you are entitled. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., a reputable Florida-based law firm specializes in trucking accidents and personal injury cases. When you contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., the firm will provide a free consultation to help you understand your rights and obligations. A firm representative can meet with you at the law office or at a convenient location for you. If you select Goldman & Daszkal, P.A.to represent you, the team will take the lead and contact all necessary individuals, allowing you to have peace of mind while you recover.
You can contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at www.goldmandaszkal.com or (954) 428-9333 anytime.
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Goldman & Daszkal, P.A.
Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury. For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at 888-504-HURT (4878).