Do you know what steps to take after a collision with an 18-wheeler? These types of accidents are very delicate, as they involve large, heavy vehicles. Because of this, victims of these accidents can experience potentially serious injuries. For example:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)– Due to the high-force impact to the head, victims can suffer from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries. Truck accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, such as fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries that can cause partial or complete paralysis.
• Orthopedic injuries. This includes fractures, soft tissue injuries (such as sprains and ligament tears), and joint injuries, such as dislocations.
• Burns. If the accident involves fires or flammable spills, victims may suffer burns of varying degrees, which may require intensive medical treatment and reconstructive surgery.
• Psychological injuries. In addition to physical injuries, victims may experience psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
• Cervical injuries. The most common is “whiplash,” which occurs when the head moves suddenly back and forth. It is common in these types of accidents and can cause injuries to the soft tissues of the neck, as well as damage to the cervical vertebrae.

Seeking immediate medical attention after a truck accident and following the proper treatment to minimize the impact of these injuries and improve the chances of recovery is one of the important steps after suffering a traffic accident. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to follow after such a crash.

It is important for you to know that you are entitled to claim compensation in the event of accidents involving large trucks. If you or a member of your family has been involved in a traffic accident involving large trucks, please call us.

Schedule your free consultation in Spanish to evaluate your legal options. You have rights, and we’ll help you obtain justice regardless of your immigration status. Call Attorney DANG to give the insurance companies a BANG!

Important tips after a crash

By following these tips, you can take steps to protect your interests and make it easier for you to receive adequate compensation for the damages and injuries suffered in a traffic accident in Austin.

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• Photographs are a crucial form of evidence after an accident, as they can help document damage to vehicles and the accident scene. However, it’s important to be selective about who you share these images with. While you can use them as evidence in your insurance claim or legal case, uploading them to social media can be counterproductive. Choose to keep them private to protect your identity and prevent them from being misinterpreted or used against you by the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Adjusters work for insurance companies, and their primary goal is to minimize claim payments. Therefore, it’s important not to provide them with information that could harm your case or accept a settlement offer without fully understanding your rights and the full value of your claims. Consult with a car accident attorney first, who can advise you on how to interact with adjusters and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
• It is critical to remember that all people have legal rights, regardless of their immigration status. If you have been involved in a car accident in Austin, you have the right to seek medical attention, file an insurance claim, and, if necessary, seek legal assistance. Don’t let the fear of potential legal repercussions prevent you from seeking the help and compensation you deserve. An 18-wheeler accident attorney can help you understand and protect your legal rights, regardless of your immigration status.

What to do after an accident involving a large vehicle?

When you find yourself in an accident with a large vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler, the situation can be especially challenging due to the size and weight of the vehicle involved. It is crucial to remain calm and take quick but careful action to ensure the safety of everyone involved and minimize damage. Below are a few tips to help you know what to do after being in a car accident:

At the time of the accident

• Prioritize safety: The first step to take after a traffic accident. Safety comes first. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location and out of the flow of traffic to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Assess the condition of those involved: Check for injuries to yourself, your vehicle’s passengers, and the occupants of the larger vehicle. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and provide details about the location and severity of the injuries.
• Stay calm and don’t admit fault: Avoid arguing about who was at fault for the accident at the scene. Stay calm and cooperate with other parties involved and with authorities who arrive at the scene.
• Take down accident details: Take photographs of the vehicles involved, the accident scene, and any relevant signage. Also exchange information with the driver of the large vehicle, including names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance policy numbers, and license plate numbers.

After the accident

• Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel serious injuries at the time, it is important to seek medical attention to evaluate any internal injuries that may have occurred.
• Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the accident and provide all the necessary information to begin the claims process. Provide accurate details and avoid admitting fault until a full investigation has been conducted.
• Stay in touch with authorities and your insurance company: Follow any instructions given by authorities and cooperate fully with your insurance company during the claim process. Provide any additional documentation that is required.

The support of a lawyer who knows how to proceed after an accident

Having the support of an Austin car accident lawyer is essential to ensure that the victim’s rights are protected and that they can obtain adequate compensation for the damages suffered. In addition, they will provide you with instructions for after a crash, always putting your safety first. Here are some ways that a lawyer can help an Austin accident victim:

• Expert legal advice. An experienced Austin car accident attorney can provide expert legal advice from the outset. They can assess the accident situation, determine the liability of the parties involved, and offer guidance on the next steps.
• Thorough investigation. Attorneys have the resources and experience necessary to conduct a thorough accident investigation. This may include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and reconstructing the accident scene to determine cause and liability.
• Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny legitimate claims. An attorney can negotiate on behalf of the victim with insurance companies to ensure that they receive fair compensation for the damages they suffered, including medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
• Representation in litigation. If necessary, an attorney can represent the victim in legal litigation. This may include filing a civil lawsuit on behalf of the victim to seek damages in a court of law.
• Contact with medical professionals. Car accident lawyers often have contacts with medical professionals and specialists who can provide appropriate medical treatment and injury assessments to support the victim’s case.

Attorney Dang – Accident Attorneys, your trusted legal team

Now that you know the steps to take after an 18-wheeler collision, you know how to protect your rights and how to pursue the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been in this type of accident, you have rights. Call us and schedule your free initial consultation with our expert team. Remember: at DANG, we give insurance companies a BANG.

Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.