First Steps to Take After a New Jersey Truck Accident
No matter where you live, truck accidents can be devastating. In New Jersey, there are several places where truck accidents can be most severe, including the I-95 corridor and the New Jersey Turnpike. Quick action can preserve your health, as well as evidence you can use to secure your legal rights.
Truck accidents can create physical, emotional, and financial issues. If you are an injury victim, knowing the first steps to take after a New Jersey truck accident is critical. Our truck crash attorneys are ready to support your claim.
Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first step after a truck accident in New Jersey is to move to safety as soon as possible. An exception can be made if it would aggravate injuries to move. Next, call emergency services to report the accident and seek police and medical response. Even if injuries seem minor, some injuries do not show symptoms right away.
Gather and Preserve Evidence
While still at the scene of the accident, injury victims should take photos of their injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions. It is also not a bad idea to take photos of signage, skid marks, and any other elements of scenery that could help build a case. For truck accidents, injury victims should gather the Department of Transportation number and license plate of the commercial vehicle.
At this time, it is also important to request and obtain the police report. The New Jersey State Police or local law enforcement may have the crash report, but you can also request documents online. These reports often contain observations made by the officer, diagrams, and potential citations. These can help create a foundation for building a personal injury case. It is also a good idea to keep a daily journal recording symptoms, treatments, appointments, missed workdays, and pain levels. This document can substantiate claims for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.
Notify the Insurance Company
The next step is to promptly inform an insurance company of the New Jersey truck collision, but to be cautious while doing so. Avoid admitting fault or giving any recorded statements before speaking with an attorney. An attorney could provide advice regarding how to respond to an insurance company to avoid making statements that could damage a claim.
At this point, the trucking company or its insurer may also reach out via phone. Commercial insurers notoriously attempt early settlement offers, but these are often valued at far less than the case is worth. It is important not to sign any releases or accept offers without legal advice.
Consult a New Jersey Attorney About the Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Navigating a legal case after a truck accident can be complex, especially taking into account laws regarding comparative negligence and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. A lawyer will take the time to investigate every element of the case, from black box data to truck maintenance records.
Acting quickly after a truck accident is crucial. After all, accident victims have just two years from the date of an accident to file a claim. Calling a lawyer is one of the most important first steps to take after a New Jersey truck accident. Set up a consultation to see how you can get help.
