Truck Accident Claim Checklist: What To Prepare For Prior To Claim Filing

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Finding yourself in an accident is never not daunting. This is even more heightened when you try to file for a legal claim against the perpetrator but are unsure of how to go about it. Through the backing of this Atlanta attorney, you can do so with confidence, and finally gain peace of mind. Your best interest will be kept in mind and your case can be moved forward, as it should.

Prior to filing a claim, below is a checklist verified by experienced truck accident attorneys, for you to be prepared for the claim and/or case proceedings.

Truck Accident Claim Checklist

1. Soon After The Accident Itself…

Do not delay in writing down the details of your accident, from estimated timelines, vehicular damages, public property damages, physical injuries incurred, how the accident may have taken place (i.e. the perpetrator made a wrong turn, drove through a red light, sped up along a blind curve, etc.).

If you are able to to take photos, jot down testimonies, etc. And if your injuries prevent you from doing so, ask the witnesses and bystanders, and/or friends and family who were at the scene of the accident to accomplish these for you.

The reason behind these actions is that they will be to the benefit of both you and your prospective legal representative. Often, when a truck accident victim is brought to the hospital, is interviewed by the appointed medical staff at hand, and is again interviewed by the police, these, along with the trauma of the accident, may dull one’s recollection of the recently occurred incident.

At the same time, these pieces of hard evidence will stand as a form of proof of liability, in the event that the driver tries to deny the claim or was in a position of non-recollection (i.e. driving under the influence).

2. Inform The Trucking Company, NOT Your Insurance Company

You can inform the trucking company that the offender works for. The only information you are to provide them is your intention to file a claim with regards to the truck accident. You may also recount to them a general description of the accident itself. Nothing more.

This sounds like a strict boundary for information dissemination but it is for your good. Trucking companies have their own legal representatives, and providing them with key pieces of information might actually assist them in winning the case over yours.

The same is true of your insurance company. Do your best not to talk to them or their representatives. And if they are adamant and unyielding, demand that they speak with your lawyer.

3. Consult A Truck Accident Lawyer

Communicate the previously recorded and collected details about the truck accident (see number 1). Your lawyer and your lawyer alone should be your confidant in the matter. Try not to communicate these details with people who were not involved in the truck accident in the first place (i.e. family, friends, etc.).

You may give your loved ones a brief overview of what happened. For instance, that you were hit by a car and you are filing a claim against them and the company they represent. That is it. Similar to our recommendation a few paragraphs before, no details.

At the same time, talk to your lawyer about how to communicate with the same truck company. He or she will be able to advise you on how to do so without doing damage to your claim against them.

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