What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Indiana?

Jul 23

Following a truck accident, victims may be confused, especially in the face of urgent medical evaluations, pain, and the possibility of losing a loved one. The truck accident lawyers at Blackburn Romey emphasize the importance of staying calm and taking the right steps to protect yourself.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Indiana?

  1. Check for Injuries Evaluate yourself and others involved for any injuries. If anyone is hurt, call for medical assistance immediately. Even if you feel fine, it’s wise to seek medical attention since some injuries might not show symptoms right away.
  2. Move to a Safe Location If it’s safe, move away from the vehicles to prevent further accidents. If unable to move, remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
  3. Call 911 Notify emergency services by calling 911, which will send police and medical responders to the scene. When speaking with the police, provide factual information without admitting fault.
  4. Exchange Information Collect contact and insurance details from other drivers involved, including: Names and contact information Insurance companies and policy numbers Driver’s license numbers Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)
  5. Document the Scene Gather evidence by photographing and recording: The accident scene from multiple perspectives Vehicle damages Any visible injuries Road conditions and traffic signs Additionally, note relevant details such as weather conditions and events leading up to the accident.
  6. Locate Witnesses If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and statements. Their accounts may prove valuable for your case.

After Leaving the Scene

  1. Seek Medical Care Even if you didn’t go to the hospital immediately, visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Documenting your injuries is crucial for any potential claims.
  2. Notify Your Insurance Company Report the accident promptly to your insurance company. Provide necessary details, but avoid giving a recorded statement without consulting legal advice.
  3. Do Not Sign Anything Prematurely Avoid signing any documents or accepting settlements from insurance companies without first consulting a lawyer, as initial offers may not fully cover your expenses.
  4. Consult an Attorney Consider engaging an attorney with experience in truck accidents. They can assist with gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if needed.

If you are physically able, the first thing to do after a truck crash is to document the scene. Take photographs of the positions of vehicles, any visible damages, skid marks, and any road conditions that might have contributed to the accident. This evidence helps establish the facts and can protect you from false claims or contradictory reports. Even if you feel fine, you should seek medical assistance right away. A medical evaluation will unearth and address injuries like brain injuries that might not show up immediately due to the accident shock. Additionally, medical records provide a critical connection between the accident and your injuries, which is key for any legal claims you might pursue.

Importantly, you will need to contact a truck accident lawyer in Indiana right away. They can help gather and preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and advise you on the best course of action.

What do I Do After a Truck Accident?

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident Infographic

Deadline to File a Truck Accident Claim

Truck accident claims in Indiana are time-sensitive. The filing deadline is determined by the statute of limitations. In Indiana, you must file your truck accident lawsuit within two years of the date of injury in most circumstances (Indiana Code section 34-11-2-4). Past this deadline, your right to seek compensation through legal action significantly diminishes.

What Can a Truck Accident Attorney Do for You?

A truck accident attorney provides invaluable support during legal claims after truck accidents. Here are the various ways they can be of help:

  • Analyzing damage and reconstructing the accident
  • Negotiating settlements to secure the best possible outcome
  • Walking you through your legal rights and choices
  • Assessing the full impact of the accident on your life
  • Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached

Personal injury attorneys possess the necessary resources to manage truck accident claims to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

What Compensation Can You Receive for a Truck Accident?

When you file your claim, it is good to have a grasp of the possible compensation for the claim. The compensation recoverable from a truck accident claim may include the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium

Contact an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible

A winning truck accident case is partly a result of what you do immediately following an accident. However, your Indiana truck accident lawyers at Blackburn Romey understand your overwhelming situation and will guide you on the best course of action. Our team of truck accident lawyers in Fort Wayne also represents individuals in South Bend, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Merrillville, and Terre Haute. Our aim is to see justice prevail by leveraging the legal avenues available. Call us today at (833) 264.0903 to book a free case evaluation.

Tom Blackburn

Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.