7 Immediate Steps to Take after a Truck Wreck in Nebraska – Advice from an Omaha Injury Attorney
Truck accidents often end with catastrophic injuries. In 2014, passenger vehicle occupants accounted for 68 percent of truck-related fatalities in the United States, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
People who are lucky enough to survive truck collisions often need expensive surgeries and long-term rehabilitation. Some cannot return to work, and their families face insurmountable debt.
If you or a loved one was injured in truck wreck in Nebraska, contact Rensch & Rensch Law. A truck accident lawyer in Omaha can evaluate the collision to determine if you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages.
Our attorneys have litigated more than 100 jury trials. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, read on to learn seven steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a truck crash:
- See if anybody was injured.
If you are physically able, evaluate other people for injuries. However, do not move a person who appears to have a back injury. Instead, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles recommends that you call emergency services.
You should seek medical attention after any crash. Even if you do not notice symptoms, you may have suffered an injury that takes several hours or days to manifest. A doctor’s report can tie your injury to the crash, which may be helpful if you make a claim.
- Take photographs of the accident scene.
Photographs can help your truck accident lawyer prove liability and negligence. They can show the extent of property damage and injuries.
Be sure to take wide-angle pictures that show the positions of vehicles. You should also take close-up photos of injuries and property damage.
- Inform your insurance agent or company.
Your insurance provider will need to conduct an investigation. If possible, contact an injury attorney first so you do not make mistakes during correspondence with the insurance company.
- Ask witnesses for their contact details.
Your injury attorney may use witness testimonies to strengthen your claim. They can be particularly helpful if the at-fault driver denies liability.
- Consult a truck accident lawyer.
A personal-injury lawyer can protect your interests and help you avoid mistakes during the claims process. He or she can handle correspondence with insurance adjusters so you do not unknowingly admit fault. Your attorney can also calculate your damages and fight for the maximum settlement.
- Identify and quantify your damages.
As an accident victim, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. When you consult an injury attorney, be sure to bring medical bills, documentation of time off work, and records of other expenses related to the crash.
- Identify the liable parties.
The driver of the vehicle that caused the crash is not always the liable party. This is particularly common in commercial truck accidents. The fleet manager, company owner, mechanic or another party may be liable for damages.
If you were injured in a crash that another driver caused, contact Rensch & Rensch Law. A Nebraska truck accident attorney can help you navigate the claims process.
Our attorneys have more than 45 years of combined legal experience. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a consultation.
