What to Do After a Semi Truck Accident

Semi truck accidents often have devastating consequences. These accidents frequently leave victims facing not only significant financial losses, but also long and difficult roads to recovery. Serious truck accidents can impact victims and their families on a daily basis—and these impacts can last for decades.

The truck accident attorneys at Oliver Law Firm have built a reputation of excellence throughout Arkansas for helping injured motorists recover the compensation they deserve after a crash. If you were injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler, we want to hear your story. Our firm works on a contingency basis, which means you only pay us if we win your case. Call us now for a FREE case evaluation.

7 Steps to Take After a Semi Truck Accident in Arkansas

If you have been seriously injured in a semi truck accident, it is important that you take action to protect yourself. In the vast majority of cases, truck accidents result from negligence on the part of someone other than the victim. If a truck driver, trucking company, or any other company is responsible for your losses, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Here are the steps you need to take to give yourself the best chance of recovering the financial compensation you deserve:

1. Get the Medical Treatment You Need

After being injured in a semi truck accident, getting treatment for your injuries should be your first priority. This will help reduce the risk of complications, and it will also help ensure that you are able to recover as fully and quickly as possible. It will help with your truck accident claim as well, as your medical records should reflect the timing, cause, and severity of your injuries. This will help prevent the insurance companies from claiming that your injuries aren’t accident-related.

2. Report Your Semi Truck Accident

If you have not done so already, you should report your semi truck accident. Under Section 27-53-202 of the Arkansas Code, you must report any accident resulting in injury to the “nearest law enforcement agency” as soon after the accident as possible.

You should also report the accident to your insurance company. Even if the accident was 100% the truck driver’s or trucking company’s fault, you will still need to notify your insurer of the accident. This is a standard requirement under auto insurance policies; and, if you don’t report your accident, you could potentially lose your coverage.

3. Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer

Once you seek treatment, your next priority should be to contact a truck accident lawyer. Semi truck accident cases are complicated, so you will need an experienced lawyer on your side. An experienced lawyer will be able to conduct a thorough investigation, explain what you need to do (and avoid doing) while your case is pending, and help you make informed decisions about when (and if) to settle.

4. Follow Your Doctor’s and Lawyer’s Advice

As you work to move on from the accident, it is extremely important that you follow your doctor’s and lawyer’s advice. If you don’t, you could end up making your situation much more difficult than it needs to be. Your doctor and lawyer are on your side, and their job is to help make sure that the long-term consequences of your truck accident are no greater than necessary.

5. Track the Financial Costs of the Accident

As you work to move on from the accident, you should also get in the habit of tracking your accident-related costs. Keep your medical bills and employment records in a file that you can share with your lawyer. If you need to buy medical supplies or incur any other expenses as a result of your injuries, be sure to keep the receipts for these purchases as well.

6. Document the Non-Financial Costs of the Accident

Along with keeping track of your financial costs, you should also do your best to document the non-financial costs of the accident. These include things like your pain and suffering, any negative impacts on your relationships with your friends and family, and any other negative impacts on your day-to-day life. You are entitled to financial compensation for these costs as well; and, the more you can do to document these costs (i.e., by taking notes or recording videos), the easier it will be for your lawyer to seek just compensation on your behalf.

7. Work with Your Lawyer to Seek the Compensation You Deserve

Finally, as you move forward, you should work closely with your lawyer to seek the financial compensation you deserve. Reach out to your lawyer when you have questions, pick up the phone when your lawyer calls, and respond promptly when you receive a text or email. While there is a lot that an experienced truck accident lawyer can do for you, your lawyer will need your help. By playing an active role in the process, you will help maximize your chances of a full physical, psychological, and financial recovery.

Speak with an Arkansas Truck Accident Lawyer for FREE

Were you seriously injured in a semi truck accident in Arkansas? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly for more information. Our experienced truck accident lawyers are committed to helping the wrongfully injured move forward after a crash. We aren’t intimidated by big trucking companies or their insurers and we won’t back down from a fight.
Contact Oliver Law Firm today online or at 479-202-5200 for a FREE case evaluation. We proudly serve clients throughout the state from our office in Rogers, AR.