How Do You Seek Compensation for a Commercial Truck Accident?

Bisected by both I-70 and I-71, Columbus sees more than its fair share of commercial truck accidents. While many of these accidents happen on the highway, serious collisions involving commercial trucks often occur on local roads as well. If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed, you will need to hire an experienced Columbus truck accident lawyer to help you seek just compensation.

Steps to Take After a Commercial Truck Accident in Columbus

In addition to contacting a local lawyer, there are some other important steps you should try to take as well. Here are five important steps to take after a commercial truck accident in the Columbus area:

1. Report the Accident to the Police

Hopefully, someone called 911 from the scene of the accident. But, if for any reason the accident has not been reported, you should report it promptly. You can either contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol or the local police precinct in the area where the accident happened.

2. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

You should also report the accident to your insurance company. Even if the trucking company (or some other company) is ultimately held responsible, you may still have an obligation to report the accident under the terms of your policy. Additionally, if you have opted to purchase medical payments (MedPay) coverage, you can use this to help cover your expenses while your truck accident claim is pending.

3. Seek Medical Treatment

After being involved in a commercial truck accident, it is important to seek medical treatment right away. If you have not done so already, you should go to the hospital or your doctor’s office to obtain a thorough diagnosis. If you don’t have a vehicle available or your injuries make it difficult or unsafe to drive, ask a friend or family member to take you—they will almost certainly be more than happy to help.

4. Write Down Everything You Can Remember

While your Columbus truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, it will also be important for you to write down everything you can remember. No detail is too small. When you speak with your lawyer, providing as much information as possible can help streamline the process of seeking just compensation.

5. Avoid Talking about the Accident

Aside from your lawyer, you should avoid talking about the accident with anyone else. This includes not only people like investigators and claims adjusters but also your neighbors, co-workers and loved ones. At this point, you should also avoid posting on social media, as the trucking company and its defense lawyers will be looking for anything they might be able to use against you.

Speak with a Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer 24/7

If you need to seek financial compensation for a serious or fatal truck accident, we encourage you to contact us right away. Our Columbus truck accident lawyer is available 24/7. To speak with an attorney for free, call 888-444-7440 or send us your contact information online now.