Suffering an accident involving an 18-wheeler truck in the Dallas, Texas area can be devastating. Victims often face severe injuries, property damage, overwhelming medical bills, and a complex legal process that requires prompt and informed action. In such situations, it is crucial to know how to proceed before contacting attorneys experienced in 18-wheeler truck accidents.
Making the right decisions from the start can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Documenting the scene, taking care of your health, avoiding common mistakes, and gathering key information are essential steps that will help your attorneys work more efficiently and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
What to Do Before Hiring an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Attorney?
Before filing a claim or seeking legal representation, it is essential to take certain actions that can directly impact the strength of your case. These measures help preserve evidence, protect your health, and facilitate the work of the 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys who will later take on your case.
- Document the Scene as Soon as Possible
Collecting evidence at the accident site is one of the most crucial steps to support any future claim. Whenever conditions allow, it is advisable to take clear photos of the 18-wheeler truck, the vehicles involved, the road conditions, signage, surrounding traffic, and any visible damage. It is also helpful to note the time, weather, and names of potential witnesses.
All this information can be vital when 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys analyze liability and the extent of the damages. In these types of accidents, even the smallest detail can be essential in proving negligence on the part of the driver, the trucking company, or the insurance provider involved.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After an accident involving an 18-wheeler truck, the most important step is to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor or nonexistent. Some conditions, such as internal trauma or neck injuries, may take hours or even days to become apparent, and waiting too long for a diagnosis can complicate both your recovery and the legal process that follows.
Having a detailed medical report issued shortly after the accident helps 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys establish a clear link between the personal injuries sustained and the incident. Additionally, early medical records serve as crucial evidence in determining the appropriate compensation for expenses, pain, and potential long-term effects.
- Avoid Dealing Directly with the Trucking Insurance Company or Signing Documents Without Legal Advice
Trucking insurance companies have specialized teams whose purpose is to minimize claim payouts. In 18-wheeler truck accidents, policies are often substantial, and every word, signature, or statement can significantly affect the enforcement of victims’ rights.
For this reason, any release, settlement, or statement should be reviewed in advance by 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys, who can assess its impact and protect the interests of those affected.
- Gather Key Information About the Truck and Driver
Whenever possible, it is important to collect specific details related to the truck and its driver. These include the driver’s name, commercial driver’s license (CDL) number, the name of the trucking company, the trailer’s license plate, the condition of the cargo, and, if available, the vehicle’s maintenance history.
Texas records one of the highest rates of large truck accidents in the country, according to the Department of Transportation. This context underscores the importance of having accurate information. 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys review these details to identify potential irregularities, such as excessive driving hours, mechanical deficiencies, or improper cargo distribution.
- Keep a Record of Your Correspondence
It is very important to keep copies of all correspondence related to the accident. This includes emails, text messages, medical bills, police reports, and any communication you have had with insurance companies or third parties. Maintaining a complete and well-organized file makes the work of 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys much easier, as it allows them to quickly access the information needed to support your claim.
- Take Care of Your Emotional and Financial Well-Being
Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks can have a profound impact—physically, emotionally, and financially. Hospitalizations, therapies, temporary or permanent disabilities, and the expenses that arise from these situations often disrupt the routines and financial stability of victims and their families.
It is crucial to keep a record of medical expenses, therapies, transportation costs, and any other financial burdens, and to document how these events affect daily life. This information is vital for 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys to accurately calculate damages and build a strong claim that accounts for both immediate costs and long-term consequences.
- Avoid Waiting Too Long to Contact an Attorney
Time is a critical factor in 18-wheeler truck accidents. In Texas, data —such as that provided by the Department of Transportation— is continuously updated, and physical evidence or records can deteriorate or be lost over time. Additionally, witnesses’ memories tend to fade, which can affect the accuracy of their testimonies.
For these reasons, it is important to contact 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys as soon as possible, as doing so greatly increases the chances of preserving the evidence necessary to support your case and strengthen your claim.
Most Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks can cause severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Some of the most frequent injuries include:
- Fractures and bone injuries may require surgery and long periods of rehabilitation.
- Head trauma includes concussions and more severe injuries that can affect cognitive and motor functions.
- Spinal injuries may result in partial or total paralysis, significantly impacting quality of life.
- Whiplash and musculoskeletal injuries often cause prolonged pain and mobility limitations.
- Internal contusions require immediate diagnosis, as they are not always externally visible.
- Burns and impact injuries frequently require specialized treatment and ongoing medical follow-up.
Documenting these injuries from the outset is crucial, as 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys use medical evidence to establish a direct link between the accident and the damages sustained. Detailed information about each injury allows for accurate calculation of medical costs, the impact on daily life, and the corresponding compensation.
Damages That Can Be Claimed in a Compensation Claim
In 18-wheeler truck accidents, victims may be entitled to receive compensation for various types of damages. The most common include:
- Current and Future Medical Expenses: Hospital care, surgeries, rehabilitation therapies, and medications necessary for recovery.
- Loss of Income: Wages or earnings lost due to temporary or permanent inability to work.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of vehicles and personal belongings affected by the motor vehicle accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional impact resulting from the injuries.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact: Stress, anxiety, depression, or any psychological condition recognized by a specialist.
- Permanent Disability Compensation: In cases where injuries significantly limit the ability to perform normal or work-related activities.
Having detailed and up-to-date documentation of these damages is essential for 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys to accurately calculate compensation and present a strong case to insurance companies or in court. This information ensures that all aspects of the accident’s impact on the victim’s life are considered.
18-Wheeler truck accidents in Dallas can have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Victims face serious injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and psychological effects that impact daily life. Making the right decisions from the very beginning is essential to securing fair compensation. An experienced attorney plays a key role in this process by ensuring that every detail is considered in the claim.
If you or a family member has been affected by an accident, it is advisable to contact 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys immediately. Professional guidance allows you to evaluate the case, preserve evidence, and receive advice on the most effective legal actions. Reach out to Javier Perez, Our Champion Attorney, who can provide the necessary guidance to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.