What To Do If You Are Involved in an 18-Wheeler Accident

Experienced Truck Accident and Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Victims of Truck Accidents in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast

18-Wheeler accidents are common throughout the country, including Louisiana. However, these accidents differ severely from the average passenger vehicle incident. When a semi-truck or 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the accident often results in catastrophic, if not fatal, injuries.

The sheer size of a semi-truck or 18-wheeler and force behind one causes devastating impacts. When the truck driver causes that incident, the driver, as well as their employer, might be held liable for the injuries and damages they cause.

The Driver and Company’s Obligation

All truck drivers are required to follow specific regulations.  Their employers must follow the same federal and state trucking regulations, along with several others. When the driver or company violates those laws, they are acting negligently.

Essential Steps to Take Immediately After an 18-Wheeler  Accident

What you do immediately after a truck accident will play a pivotal role in the outcome of a claim against a truck driver or their employer. Therefore, you must know how to act, what steps to complete, and do so quickly.

1. Contact the Police, Report the Accident

By law, you are required to report motor vehicle accidents. It is imperative that you communicate with the police and report your accident even if you think there is little or no damage. Not only are you required by law to report it, but the police report could possibly be used as evidence later or at the very least provide beneficial information to your attorney.

2. Receive Prompt Medical Attention

Accidents are peculiar in the sense that you might walk away feeling okay, but a few hours or days later have excruciating pain.

After an accident, your body’s natural response is to release adrenaline. By doing so, it masks injuries and makes you feel as though you are fine. Once the adrenaline levels decrease, your injuries manifest.

There are cases where people walk around with severe internal trauma, organ damage, or traumatic brain injuries without realizing it. By the time they do, it is too late.

Even if your injuries turn out to be minor, seek medical treatment right away. Go to your local emergency room and let them know you were involved in an accident. Most victims involved in accidents with semi-trucks, even at low speeds, will have multiple injuries.

3. Notify Your Insurer

While you were not at fault, your insurer requires that you notify them of any accidents. Give them the contact and insurance information of the truck driver or the driver’s employer, which should also be on your accident report.

4. Do Not Give an Official Statement to the Trucking Company’s Insurer

The insurance company prefers to settle, and they try to do so quickly. Often, they contact victims before they have had time to recover, assess, or even explore options with an attorney. Regardless of how convincing they might sound, do not give an official statement to the insurance company before talking with a lawyer.

Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney in New Orleans, LA

After a serious injury from a semi-truck accident, talk to an attorney from the  Shlosman Law Firm. Our New Orleans personal injury firm is here to assist you with your case. We understand the costs of recovering from a truck accident, and we know that these types of injuries are often devastating.

Speak with us today for a free case evaluation at 504-826-9427 or request your consult appointment online.