March 16, 2024

Immediate Actions to Take After a Truck Accident in McAllen, Texas

Taking Action

In Texas, business is booming. Due to this influx of productivity comes a rise in truck fleets to support the demand of importing and exporting. This directly correlates to why Texas has the most truck accidents, with over 500 deadly accidents involving big trucks. That's more than double the number in the second-highest state.

As you could probably guess, truck accidents in general are typically worse because of how much heavier they are than regular cars. This comes with its own set of issues, causing a lot of damage and potentially affecting more people than a typical car accident.

We hope you never have to go through this, but it's important to know what to do if you're ever in a truck accident in McAllen, Texas. Knowing what to do can help you stay safe and get the help you need.

The Rose Sanders Law Firm - Actions After Truck Accident in McAllen; A yellow truck on the side of the road.

Call the Police

Immediate Police Involvement: When a truck accident happens, the first thing you should do is call the police right away. It doesn't matter if you think you or your friends in the car are hurt or not. Sometimes, you might not notice the injuries or damage to your car until later. So, it's a good idea to let the police know what happened by filing a report right at the place of the accident. This also leads to acquiring one of the most important documents you could have when filing a case, a police report.

Importance of a Police Report: A police report serves as a detailed account of the accident and constitutes critical evidence for any insurance claim. You can typically obtain a copy of the accident report within one or two days, so be sure to note the name of the responding officer for future reference. It's essential not to allow the truck driver to dissuade you from contacting the police. Your safety and the protection of your rights should always be the top priority.

Exchange License and Insurance Information

Essential Information Exchange: After you've called the police, it's essential to share important information with the truck driver. This means giving each other your license numbers, insurance details, and contact information. It helps in making sure everyone has the right information.

Maintain Composure: Maintain a calm and cordial demeanor during this process. Avoid discussing fault or details of the accident, particularly regarding injuries. Refrain from admitting fault or claiming you are unharmed, as these statements may negatively affect any future claims.

Take Photos of the Accident Scene

Immediate Documentation: Immediately after the accident is the optimal time to gather crucial information. If you have a camera or a cell phone with a camera, take photographs of the accident scene.

Photographing Key Evidence: When a truck accident happens, it's important to take pictures. These pictures should show things like how the vehicles got damaged, any traffic signals nearby, stuff on the road like debris, and marks from the tires. These pictures help figure out why the accident happened.

Also, don't forget to take pictures of the license plates of the vehicles involved. If anyone in your car got hurt, take pictures of their injuries too. Make sure you do all this before the cars are moved. It helps keep important information about the accident.

Seek a Medical Evaluation

Importance of Medical Evaluation: Whether your injuries appear severe or minor, it is essential to seek a medical evaluation promptly. Severe injuries will result in immediate transportation to a hospital trauma center. However, even seemingly minor injuries should not be underestimated. Consulting a doctor as soon as possible is vital.

Medical Evidence: Medical evaluations provide critical evidence regarding the nature of your injuries and their direct connection to the truck accident. Be sure to inform your doctor of the accident before the evaluation to ensure this information is documented. Follow your doctor's instructions diligently.

Contact Your Insurer

Timely Notification: If you've been in a truck accident, it's important to let your insurance company know within the first 24 hours. If you can't do it yourself, you can ask someone to help you with this. When you talk to them, make sure to write down what you talk about. Write down the important details, like what you discussed, the name of the person you talked to from the insurance company, and the time you had the conversation. This helps keep everything clear and organized.

Higher Liability Insurance: Trucking companies have to have more insurance because they can cause big problems. If the trucking company's insurance person talks to you, don't say yes to recording until you talk to a lawyer. Don't say yes to any offers they make without a lawyer checking it first. Usually, the first offer is much less than what you should get, so it's important to get a lawyer to make sure your rights are safe.

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer for Help

After a truck accident, it's advisable to seek legal assistance from a trusted personal injury lawyer. Here's how an experienced truck accident attorney can be of help:

Expertise

Truck accident lawyers possess an in-depth understanding of the complexities associated with such cases. They are well-versed in the unique regulations governing the trucking industry, including limitations on hours of service, maintenance requirements, and driver qualifications.

Investigation

A skilled McAllen truck accident lawyer conducts thorough investigations, leaving no stone unturned. They gather essential evidence such as police reports, witness testimonies, and black box data from the involved commercial vehicle.

Negotiation

Experienced semi-truck accident attorneys excel at negotiating settlements, ensuring clients receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the accident.

Litigation

In cases where negotiation fails or a fair settlement cannot be reached out of court, dedicated truck accident lawyers are prepared to take matters to trial if necessary.

Compensation for Victims: Truck accidents often result in substantial financial burdens for victims. You can claim compensation for:

Medical Expenses: Extensive medical treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation therapies.

Property Damage: Damage to personal vehicles and public infrastructure.

Lost Wages: Income lost due to injuries or recovery.

Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Expert Legal Support: Securing legal representation from a specialized truck accident lawyer is crucial to obtaining fair compensation. These professionals are trained to maximize the recovery of damages caused by such accidents.

Get Legal Help for Truck Accidents In McAllen, Texas

After a truck accident in McAllen, Texas, the moments right after are very important. There are a few things you should do to protect yourself. First, call the police, even if you think no one is hurt. They will make a report that can be really helpful later on.

Next, exchange information with the truck driver. This means sharing things like your driver's license and insurance details. Stay calm and don't talk about who's at fault for the accident. It's also a good idea not to say anything about your injuries at this point.

Taking pictures of the accident scene is a smart move. Use your phone or a camera to capture things like damage to the vehicles, traffic signals, debris, and any other evidence. Get pictures of both license plates and any injuries you or others might have.

If you have any injuries, it's important to see a doctor, even if they seem small. They can document your injuries, it will be important for your case.

You should also contact your insurance company within a day of the accident. Make sure to write down what you talked about and who you talked to.

It's a good idea to talk to a personal injury lawyer who knows about truck accidents. They can help you a lot with the legal procedure.

At Rose Sanders Law Firm, we're here to help. If you need expert advice and support after a truck accident, get in touch with us.

Through us, you can protect your rights and get the help you need after a truck accident in McAllen, Texas. Your well-being and legal protection are important, don't hesitate to reach out to professionals when you need help.