Being involved in a motor vehicle accident of any kind can be a traumatizing experience. But when a semi-truck is involved in the crash, the consequences can be even more devastating.
The sheer size of a semi-truck often leads to extensive damage and injuries. Thus, it is crucial to hire an experienced Kentucky semi-truck accident attorney to fight for your rights. Doing so can be the first step toward receiving the settlement you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a semi-truck crash in KY, contact Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers today.
Our semi-truck accident lawyers have the expertise necessary to hold negligent semi-truck drivers accountable and get the compensation you need to help you recover.
What Should I Do After a Semi-Truck Crash to Maximize My Potential Settlement?
The moments after a car crash can be confusing and stressful. However, the minutes and hours immediately following an accident are sometimes the most vital.
Thus, it is imperative that you take certain actions after a semi-truck accident in KY to help maximize your potential settlement moving forward.
Get Medical Treatment
The most important thing for the protection of your health and documentation of your case is to obtain medical treatment if you injured immediately following a semi-truck collision.
Someone on your behalf should immediately call for an ambulance if you are seriously injured or are having difficulty responding or moving without pain. At our law firm, we will guide you through choices you will have in obtaining medical treatment which will be based on your injuries as you recover from your collision.
Evaluation of an eventual recovery in a semi-truck collision is, in large part based on how injured you are. This is determined by your medical records from your treating physicians. Our law firm works hard to maximize your injury claim by referring you to excellent physicians if this is needed in your case.
Contact the Authorities
Naturally, you must call the police immediately following a collision. In addition, as soon as practical you should contact an experienced commercial truck attorney so they can immediately get an accident reconstructionist at the scene to document the evidence.
Most cases with semi-truck and commercial vehicle collisions will have their own experts at the scene immediately.
The evidence may be lost so skid marks and photographs of the accident scene are vital in preserving the evidence.
Having an accident report can be a great asset to your case.
The accident report will have important information about the accident and can sometimes be used to help prove who was at fault.
Contacting the authorities may also be a legal requirement.
Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes section 189.635, motorists must notify law enforcement in the aftermath of an accident resulting in:
- Fatality,
- Personal injury, or
- Vehicle damage rendering the vehicle inoperable.
Additionally, even if none of the above results, a motorist who has sustained property damage in excess of $500 in an accident where no law enforcement investigation was conducted should also file a written accident report with the Department of Kentucky State Police. This must be done within 10 days of the accident.
Gather Evidence at the scene of the Accident
Anything present at the scene that provides information about the semi-truck accident is important to note. Examples of evidence and information you may be able to collect at the scene might include:
- Photos of skid marks on the roadway;
- Descriptions or photos of any existing road conditions;
- Contact, employer, and insurance information of the semi-truck driver; and
- Statements of any eyewitnesses to the accident.
The more information you have to support your case, the greater chances you will have to maximize your settlement. Thus, even if the authorities create a formal accident report, it is still a good idea to gather available evidence and information at the scene if you are physically able to do so.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Soon after your accident, you should have your attorney file an insurance claim with your no-fault insurance carrier or PIP carrier who will be the insurance company for the vehicle in which you are in at the accident.
If there is no insurance in the vehicle you are in during the collision and this is not your vehicle then you should be able to file a claim for no-fault or PIP benefits with your own insurance carrier in your household or on your vehicle.
Flora Templeton Stuart Injury Accident Attorneys will also reserve your PIP benefits for wages and your own physicians treating you since these benefits are often limited to $10,000.00.
Generally, your own insurance company will work with you in obtaining your benefits since they will be paid back by the insurance company for the person that was at fault in the collision after those benefits have been paid.
In addition, the insurance adjusters for the person that was at fault and caused the wreck may also attempt to contact you after the collision.
You need to consult immediately with your attorney before you discuss your case with them and generally, you would only want to work with them on property damage and not on your injury claim which should only be handled by your lawyer.
Contact an Experienced Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
Lastly, one of the best things you can do to maximize your semi-truck accident settlement is to contact a personal injury attorney.
An experienced semi-truck accident lawyer can assist you in taking action quickly to begin forming the strongest case possible. Additionally, an attorney can help you:
- Gather relevant evidence to support your case;
- Analyze your case to determine what compensation you may be entitled to recover;
- Negotiate with insurance carriers and opposing parties regarding your claims; and
- Prepare to take your case to trial where a settlement may not be feasible.
In short, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the aftermath of your commercial trucking accident and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Questions? Flora Templeton Stuart Is Here to Help
The aftermath of a semi-truck crash in KY can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate this process alone.
If you have sustained property damage or injuries in a semi-truck accident in KY, Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers is here to help.
We have 45 years of experience representing injured victims in need and a success rate of over 90% in our personal injury cases. We are confident that we have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you too.
Contact our team today for your free case evaluation and see what Flora Templeton Stuart can do for you.
