How To Protect Your Rights As an Injury Victim Of a Truck Accident

Being involved in an accident on the roads is awful, whatever the situation. Unfortunately, accidents involving trucks are far more dangerous due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. We sincerely hope that everyone reading this never needs this information. But, if somehow you unfortunately do, then let us discuss how to protect your rights if you do become an injury victim of a truck accident.

Defining a Trucking Accident

Obviously, there are a few vehicles we refer to as trucks. In this scenario, we’d like to focus on large, corporate vehicles such as 18-wheelers and other large transportation vehicles rather than pickups, as explained by this Houston truck accident law firm. It’s also important to note that you are only the victim of a trucking accident if the incident was caused by the trucker. If you caused the accident, it’s your fault, and therefore you are unlikely to receive any kind of settlement.

What Are Your Rights?

As a party injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault you have many rights. Firstly, the right to a proper police investigation into the cause of the accident. This should happen immediately without any hitches, but you may sometimes have to keep nudging the police for more help and information. You also have the right to medical treatment and a fair trial, should it come to that.  The case of Craig, Kelly & Faultless is a good example of right to medical treatment and a fair trial.

Gathering Evidence Is Key

To protect these rights and help you take a case to trial if needed, you should gather as much evidence as possible yourself. If you have injuries, get them treated and record all details from your doctor or surgeon. If your car is damaged make sure it is claimed on insurance with every receipt and communication recorded. You should also take as many pictures as possible yourself, these should be of the accident scene, your injuries, your vehicle, and anything else you may think could be of interest to a court. It is important to know that more than two parties may be liable in a truck accident case. 

Proving The Truck Drivers Negligence

When it comes to trying to receive a settlement or win a court case against a truck driver, you will need to prove their negligence. Basically, you need to prove to a court, lawyer, or judge that the trucker was at fault and therefore caused your injuries. To do this, you may have to access local CCTV, which you should also have a right to, or be able to look into the truck driver’s logbooks to make sure they were driving within legal limits.

Lawyers Will Help

Of course, the police will help you to an extent, but if you really want to protect your rights, prove your case and win at trial, you’ll need a lawyer. Most lawyers will help you for free, at least at first. Take up their offer and meet with a lawyer for a free truck claim consultation. If they believe you have a strong case they’ll take it on for you. It is most common that you won’t need to pay your attorney a thing until the case is over, where they will take their fee from your winnings or the other party’s costs.

So, gather evidence, find a lawyer, and protect your rights. Get all the help you can and make sure that the negligence of other drivers doesn’t go unpunished.