The sheer size and weight of a commercial truck often result in severe damage and injuries. Feeling distressed and unsure of what steps to take next is completely normal.
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Seek immediate medical attention, then contact an experienced Arkansas truck accident lawyer to help guide you through the legal process.
A truck accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Remember, you have rights. Taking action is the first step toward justice and recovery.
Reporting the Accident
After a collision with a commercial truck in Arkansas, report the accident and protect your rights.
File a Police Report
One of the first things you should do after a truck accident is to file a police report. Arkansas requires you to report accidents that involve injuries or significant property damage.
By filing a police report, you create an official record of the accident, which you need for insurance and legal purposes.
Ensure you provide the police officer with accurate and detailed information about the accident. It includes the incident’s location, date, and time and any injuries or property damage incurred. The police report may also contain valuable witness contact information.
Once police file the report, your lawyer can request a copy, which they will need when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings.
Notify Your Insurance Company
In addition to filing a police report, promptly notify your insurance company about the accident. This initiates the claims process and ensures that you receive the necessary coverage for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
When contacting your insurance company, provide accurate details about the accident and any injuries sustained. They will ask you to provide the police report number and other relevant documentation supporting your claim.
Cooperating with your insurance company throughout the claims process can ensure a smooth resolution.
Seeking Medical Attention
After a collision with a commercial truck, seeking appropriate medical attention is paramount. Even if you do not immediately feel any visible injuries, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Immediate Medical Evaluation
The impact of a commercial truck collision can lead to various injuries, some of which may not immediately manifest. Seek prompt medical care to address any potential injuries or underlying health issues that may have resulted from the accident.
Even if you feel fine initially, certain injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not present symptoms right away. Seeking immediate medical evaluation can help identify hidden injuries and adequately document them.
Follow-Up Care
In some cases, injuries sustained from a truck accident may require ongoing medical treatment and follow-up care. Adhere to all recommended appointments, therapies, and treatments your healthcare providers prescribe.
Follow-up care is necessary for monitoring your progress and identifying any long-term effects that may result from the accident. By diligently attending these appointments, you demonstrate your commitment to recovery and strengthen your case.
Maintain Medical Records
To support your claim and establish the extent of your injuries, keep detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and related expenses. This documentation can prove your injuries and their financial impact on your life.
Keep track of all medical bills, receipts, and reports from healthcare providers. These records will assist in negotiating with insurance companies and provide a clear picture of the extent of your injuries if your case goes to court.
What NOT to Do After a Truck Accident in Arkansas
While you must know what to do after a crash, you must understand what NOT to do. Certain mistakes can jeopardize your personal injury claim and reduce your compensation. After a truck accident in Arkansas, here are key mistakes to avoid:
Do NOT Provide a Recorded Statement to Insurance Adjusters
One of the first things an insurance adjuster may do after a truck accident is request a recorded statement.
They may seem friendly and concerned about your well-being, but their job is to protect the trucking company and its insurer—not you.
- Why It’s a Mistake: Anything you say in a recorded statement can minimize your claim. You may unintentionally admit fault, downplay your injuries, or make a statement that conflicts with medical records.
- What to Do Instead: Politely decline to provide a recorded statement and refer them to your Arkansas truck accident lawyer. Your attorney will handle all communication to protect your legal rights.
Do NOT Accept a Quick Settlement Offer
After a truck accident, the trucking company’s insurance may offer you a fast settlement—sometimes within days of the crash.
While this may seem tempting, it is rarely in your best interest.
- Why It’s a Mistake: Early settlement offers are usually lowball amounts that do not cover future medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, or long-term rehabilitation costs. Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to seek additional compensation.
- What to do Instead: Before accepting any settlement, consult an Arkansas truck accident attorney who can evaluate the full value of your claim and negotiate for fair compensation.
Do NOT Post About the Accident on Social Media
In today’s digital world, sharing experiences on social media is common.
However, posting about your truck accident can seriously harm your claim.
- Why It’s a Mistake: Insurance companies monitor claimants’ social media accounts to find any evidence that can be used to discredit their injuries or claims. For example, if you post a picture of yourself smiling at a social event, they may argue that you are not seriously injured and that you feel fine.
- What to Do Instead: Avoid discussing your accident, injuries, or recovery on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any social platform. Set your accounts to private, and do not accept friend requests from unknown individuals, even if you have mutual contacts.
Do NOT Admit Fault or Apologize
Many accident victims feel the urge to say, “I’m sorry,” even if they were not at fault.
While this may seem polite, it can look like an admission of liability.
- Why It’s a Mistake: Under Arkansas personal injury laws, compensation can decrease if you are partially at fault. If you say anything that suggests you contributed to the accident, the trucking company’s insurer will use it to limit their payout.
- What to Do Instead: Stick to factual statements when speaking with police or other drivers. Do not speculate on fault—let the evidence and your truck accident lawyer determine liability.
Do NOT Sign Any Documents Without Legal Advice
Trucking companies and their insurers may pressure you to sign the paperwork, including settlement agreements, medical releases, or statements about the accident.
- Why It’s a Mistake: Signing any document without legal review can mean you are giving up important rights, such as the ability to pursue additional compensation for ongoing medical care or lost income.
- What to Do Instead: Always consult an Arkansas truck accident attorney before signing anything. They will review the documents and ensure that your best interests are protected.
Legal Considerations
Understanding the legal aspects of a truck accident in Arkansas will help protect your rights while you pursue the appropriate compensation by:
Determining Liability
After a truck accident, you must determine liability. Liability in a truck accident can extend beyond just the truck driver. Other potentially liable parties may include the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or maintenance providers.
Identifying all responsible parties can significantly improve your ability to recover the compensation for your injuries. An Arkansas truck accident attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine fault.
Preservation of Evidence
You must preserve evidence in any truck accident claim. Relevant evidence can build a strong case and establish liability.
Important evidence to collect includes driver logs, maintenance records, police reports, eyewitness statements, and any available electronic data from the truck. Such evidence can provide valuable insights into the cause of the accident and support your compensation claim.
Statute of Limitations
You need a lawyer to comply with the statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits in Arkansas. The statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing a claim, and failing to meet this deadline can end your case.
Arkansas’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the accident date. However, consult an attorney to ensure you understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case. The sooner you reach out to a qualified Arkansas truck accident attorney near you, the less likely you are to miss the deadline in your case.
Benefits of Hiring an Arkansas Truck Accident Lawyer
Hiring a seasoned Arkansas truck accident lawyer can provide several key benefits.
Experience in Trucking Regulations
Trucking regulations can be complex, with federal and state laws governing the industry. A well-versed truck accident lawyer understands these regulations and can navigate their intricacies on your behalf.
By enlisting a knowledgeable lawyer, you can ensure that your case adheres to all applicable laws, increasing your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
Comprehensive Investigation
Truck accident cases often require thorough investigations.
A skilled Arkansas truck accident attorney can conduct in-depth investigations to gather evidence, reconstruct the accident, and identify any contributing factors. Through a comprehensive investigation, your lawyer can build a strong case on your behalf, establishing liability and pursuing full and fair compensation.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting task, especially when they are looking to minimize their payouts. An Arkansas truck accident attorney can advocate for your rights and negotiate with insurance companies.
By having legal representation, you have a professional who understands the tactics used by insurance companies and can fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Litigation Support
While many personal injury cases can be resolved through negotiation, some may require litigation. Having a lawyer by your side is imperative if your case goes to court.
Your truck accident lawyer will represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge and jury and fighting for your rights. Their courtroom skills and experience can significantly impact your case’s outcome.
Were You Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact an Arkansas Truck Accident Lawyer Today
A collision with a commercial truck in Arkansas can have severe consequences. Taking immediate and subsequent steps is imperative to ensure you protect your rights and can pursue compensation.
Seek prompt medical attention, report the accident, and consult a knowledgeable Arkansas personal injury lawyer.
By following these guidelines and securing reliable legal representation, individuals involved in commercial truck accidents in Arkansas can manage the aftermath more effectively and work towards obtaining the compensation they deserve.
Remember, you don’t have to face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Contact an attorney to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Taking action now can make a significant difference in your recovery and future well-being.