You're driving along I-64 in St. Louis when a semi-truck suddenly swerves into your lane, causing a horrific collision. After the crash, you wonder how you’ll pay for your medical bills and the damage to your car.
The experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyers at Finney Injury Law understand the overwhelming confusion and stress that follows a serious crash. We're here to guide you through the steps that can protect your health and your legal right to compensation.
Prioritize Your Health and Safety
In the moments after a truck accident, your primary focus should be to ensure your immediate well-being and that of your passengers.
- Move to a safe location, if possible. Pull over to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot if your vehicle is drivable. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you can't move your car, remain inside with your seat belt fastened until help arrives.
- Check for injuries. Assess yourself and your passengers for any apparent injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, you’ll need a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Conditions like whiplash or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent.
- Contact law enforcement. Missouri law requires you to report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage over $500. When the police arrive, provide a factual statement about what happened, but avoid admitting fault. The police report can be valuable evidence in your truck accident claim.
Document the Accident Scene
Collecting evidence at the scene can significantly strengthen your case. If you can do so safely:
- Take photos and videos. Use your smartphone to capture images of the damage to all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, skid marks, and the surrounding area. Photograph the truck from multiple angles, including company logos or DOT numbers.
- Gather witness information. If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements can provide valuable third-party perspectives on what happened.
- Exchange information with the truck driver. Get the truck driver's name, contact information, driver's license number, and insurance details. Also note the trucking company's name and any identifying information on the truck. However, avoid discussing fault or apologizing for the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Most auto insurance policies require you to report accidents promptly.
- Contact your insurer. Let them know you've been in a collision with a commercial truck.
- Stick to the facts. Provide where and when the accident occurred, the parties involved, and a brief description of the damage.
- Do not assign blame or accept fault. Anything you say becomes part of the record, even if you misspeak.
Be Cautious When Dealing With the Trucking Company's Insurer
After a truck accident, the trucking company's insurance adjuster may contact you. Remember, their goal is to minimize the company's financial liability, not to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Do not give a recorded statement. The adjuster may pressure you to provide a recorded account of the accident. Politely refuse. Anything you say could potentially be used against you later.
- Avoid discussing your injuries. The adjuster may ask about your medical condition, but it's best not to go into detail. Injuries can take time to manifest fully, and you don't want to downplay their severity inadvertently.
- Don't accept a quick settlement offer. If the trucking company's insurer offers you a fast settlement, it's likely far less than your case is worth. Once you accept an offer, you'll forfeit your right to seek additional compensation later.
How a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Commercial truck accident cases are more complex than typical car crash claims. You're not just dealing with another driver, but with a trucking company, its insurer, and potentially multiple liable parties. A knowledgeable St. Louis truck accident lawyer can help you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Finney Injury Law, we have extensive experience handling truck accident claims in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. We understand the challenges of these cases and the tactics trucking companies use to avoid liability. We'll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and work to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.