All road accidents are traumatic, but a truck mishap can be devastating. The sheer size and weight of the vehicle can compound your injuries. The fatality rates are also high for these accidents. Being a victim, you will probably find yourself dealing with painful injuries and life-changing disabilities. You definitely deserve compensation for your pain and suffering, and you should not give up on it.
But the process may be daunting as you face a trucking company rather than an individual. Moreover, the legal team of their insurance company will do their best to counter your claim because it is likely to be a hefty one. But following some good advice can help you get the value you deserve and regain control over your finances and life. Here is the best advice to follow after a truck mishap.
Get immediate medical aid
Truck accidents often entail severe injuries like spinal cord damage and brain injuries, so getting medical aid should be a priority for victims. You must seek immediate diagnosis and treatment even if nothing seems amiss. Problems like internal bleeding and whiplash may show up after some time. Overlooking them can lead to dire complications down the line. Timely treatment is also crucial from a legal perspective. You must get medical records and documents after the accident to establish the severity and cost of damages. These serve as key evidence for your injury claim down the line. If you fail to get immediate help, the trucking company will try to prove that you were not injured at all, or that the aftermath was not serious.
Avoid statements and speculation
Mishaps leave you shocked and confused, even more, if you sustain severe injuries. You may find yourself struggling with emotions like anger, grief, and hopelessness. It is easy to lose control and make inappropriate statements in such a situation. But anything you say may land you in trouble. For example, stating that you are sorry for the mishap may go as your negligence on police records. Likewise, steer clear of speculating about the cause of the accident. Let the officers do their job and gather the vital details about the mishap. You can do your bit by getting evidence such as vehicle details, road conditions, photographs of the scene, and witness contacts.
Bring a specialist lawyer on-board
Dealing with a trucking company is not easy, even though their employee is responsible for negligence. Handling negotiations with their insurance team may be more daunting as they will try to settle the claim for less. You must look for a reputed law firm for your truck accident compensation, whether you go by the negotiation route or approach the court. Having a legal professional on board ensures a strong position while dealing with the insurance team and trucking company. Your chances of getting the compensation you deserve are far better with an expert on your side.
Focus on mental healing
Medical treatments get you on the road to recovery, and personal injury compensation brings your finances on track. But you must also focus on mental healing because road mishaps can affect your emotional well-being. Most victims encounter dire implications like PTSD and depression. Some may never want to get behind the wheel again because the accident shatters their confidence. Emotional self-care is essential as it resets your mental balance and confidence, regardless of the severity of the injuries. Talk about your fears with your loved ones. Do not skimp on counseling support, as you may absolutely need it. The good thing is that you can claim compensation for emotional suffering and therapy as well.
Your physical health also benefits significantly from self-care. Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting sufficient sleep are all fundamental aspects of self-care that enhance your physical and mental health. When the body is well taken care of, it has more energy and a stronger immune system, which can help ward off illness and improve overall quality of life. Additionally, self-care activities that promote relaxation, such as taking baths, practicing yoga, booking in for a swedish massage in Bellevue, WA (or elsewhere) or spending time doing your hobbies can help you to mentally and physically recover following an accident.
Return to work
Life may never be the same after a truck accident, specifically if you sustain severe injuries and mental anguish. But returning to work may be a significant step toward resuming normalcy physically, emotionally, and financially. Consider alternative arrangements like working from home or freelancing to rejoin work after a disability affects your mobility. You can discuss the options with your employer or start on your own. Resuming work keeps you busy and improves your finances, so you must do it as soon as possible.
A truck mishap is often a life-changing event because injuries tend to be more severe for victims. But you can regain control with proper medical treatment and mental self-care. Most importantly, you must seek compensation for your injuries and damages because the negligent driver and their employer must pay for your suffering. The sooner you get a specialist lawyer on your team, the better your chances of claiming the rightful value.
