What to Do After Being Injured in an Alaska Truck Accident

 

Truck accidents may make up just a small percentage of all motor vehicle collisions in the US, but it is disturbing to learn that they are on the rise. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicates that fatal truck crashes have increased by 48% since 2009, and injury-causing accidents spiked 62% from 2009 to 2015. Additional statistics reveal that there are around 176,000 people injured in a total of 121,000 crashes involving semis, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other large commercial vehicles every year.

Chaos and confusion abound after a truck accident, so it can be difficult to know what to do under the circumstances. Your Anchorage, AK truck accidents attorney will take over to protect your legal rights, but there are a few things to keep in mind in the immediate aftermath.

 

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Your first priority is your health and getting on the path to recovery after a truck collision, so go to the emergency room, an urgent care facility, or your primary care physician. In addition, seeking proper treatment is essential for preserving your legal rights. If you delay, you send the message that you were not hurt badly, which impacts your monetary damages.

 

Do Not Get Too Chatty with the Truck Driver

You are required to exchange contact details and other information, but avoid getting into a conversation with the truck operator. You could make statements that affect your truck accident claim, especially facts related to who was at fault in causing the collision.

 

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, try to collect important information from the scene of the truck crash. Use your cell phone to take pictures of:

  • The intersection or stretch of roadway;
  • Any traffic signage or signals;
  • Skid marks or other evidence of the impact;
  • Weather and road conditions;
  • Buildings and businesses in the vicinity;
  • Damage to your vehicle; and,
  • Other relevant details.

In addition, you should try to talk to any witnesses who may have observed the collision. Fault is an important element of a truck accident claim, so having a neutral bystander’s input is powerful evidence.

 

Do Not Discuss Details With the Truck Insurance Company

 You may be contacted by the operator’s insurer before consulting with an attorney, but avoid discussing details about the crash. Beyond confirming your name and contact information, do not answer any other questions or provide statements. It is best to wait until you have hired an attorney to provide the claims adjuster with any recorded statement. Never agree to sign any documents – particularly a release, without fully reviewing the documents and understanding their impact on your claim.

 

Call Our Alaska Trucking Accident Lawyer Right Away

If you can handle these important steps after an Alaska truck accident, you can count on our team at Power & Power Law to handle the remaining tasks. To learn more about filing a claim, settlement negotiations, and other aspects of the legal process, please contact our offices in Anchorage. We can schedule a free case evaluation to review your circumstances and get started on strategy.