Shreveport Auto Accident Attorneys: What Should I Do After a Tractor-Trailer Truck Accident?

If you or someone you love has been injured -- or killed -- in a Shreveport auto accident or a Shreveport tractor-trailer accident, Louisiana law entitles you and/or your loved one to full compensation for the injuries and property damage. The size and mass of 18-wheeler and tractor-trailer trucks on Louisiana roads and highways magnify the chances of severe injuries and fatalities. This is particularly true when the accident involves a passenger vehicle. 

Louisiana big rig trucks are massive compared to passenger vehicles. They also can be difficult to manage and maneuver, have large blind spots and, because of their mass, commercial trucks need significant road space to effectively brake in the event of an emergency.

After a Louisiana auto or big rig truck accident, there are two general things that should be done. Seek medical care/treatment, and take steps to improve the chances of success in your insurance claim and Louisiana traffic accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

In terms of seeking medical care/treatment, if you are able, the first step is to call 911 for emergency assistance. The 911 call brings the police and ambulance services (and the fire department if the situation involves a fire or a danger of fire exists).

Next, do not leave the scene of the accident and wait for the paramedics to arrive. Allow the paramedics to examine you AND go to the emergency room. This is important. Sometimes, there are no obvious injuries. For example, you may not be bleeding or have any significant pain. 

However, it has been demonstrated in thousands of cases that some injuries are latent after an accident and will not manifest until the next day or even days later. Getting immediate medical attention is important for your health and for your potential insurance claim/lawsuit. A medical report is needed, for example, as part of your proof of injury for your insurance claim against the truck driver and the trucking company.

Collecting various types of evidence will help you prove your case. Many suggest that you take photos at the accident scene. To be honest, an injured victim must concentrate on obtaining medical care and treatment and, typically, does not have the wherewithal to take photos. Moreover, the police and others will likely take photos. That being said, since nearly every phone is a camera, if you or a friend can take some photos of the vehicles and the scene of the accident, then do so.

What might be more important is photos of your injuries. There is more time to take such photos after the initial visit to the emergency room and preliminary medical care has been obtained. Take photos of cuts, bruises, and other visible signs of your injuries. Lately, these photos can be used as evidence for the insurance adjusters and for the judge/jury.

Another useful way to gather evidence is to begin keeping a diary or journal related to your injuries, treatment, and recovery. A few notes each day are probably sufficient and can also be used as an aid to memory as your case progresses.

Further, as soon as you are able, begin collecting the medical bills and other documents related to your damages. These documents will include other bills or repair estimates and will also include evidence of lost time from work and other lost income.

One other key to potentially maximizing your chances of success is to refrain from talking to the insurance company representatives. You may benefit from first talking to an accident lawyer prior to any insurance company contact. 

Contact A Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney Today

For more information, contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams. If you have been injured in a Louisiana accident, our Louisiana personal injury lawyers can help you recover the full compensation you are entitled to according to Louisiana law. To contact us, complete our "Contact Us" page here. You may significantly benefit by having an attorney with legal competence and experience assist you with your Louisiana personal injury case. We have offices in Shreveport and handle personal injury cases throughout all of Louisiana. Thank you for reading this blog and visiting our website.

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