Taking the Right Actions after Suffering a Truck Accident Injury
If you or someone you love has suffered harm in a motor vehicle accident involving a commercial truck or vehicle, such as a semi, big rig, 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer, there are specific steps you need to take to protect both your health and your financial interests. One of the most critical is to retain an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal process so that you don’t make simple mistakes that forfeit some of your rights.
At the office of Michael J. Hood, LLC, we bring more than three decades of experience to people in Delaware who have suffered personal injury, including people hurt in truck accidents. Our clients appreciate our straightforward approach. We understand the impact that a personal injury can have on every aspect of your life and the uncertainty you can experience when you can’t work and don’t know how you will meet your obligations. We will take all the time necessary to learn the details of your case so that we can give you a realistic assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses, what you can reasonably expect to recover and your likelihood of success.
Contact our office online or call us at (302) 777-1000 to schedule a free initial consultation.
The Steps to Take after a Truck Accident
The first thing you need to do after a truck accident is get the medical care you need. If you are able to leave the scene under your own power, go immediately to a hospital or emergency clinic, or schedule an appointment with your doctor. This is not the time, however, to be brave. If you have any concerns about your ability to get up and move, don’t do it. Let someone call emergency medical technicians who can evaluate you on the scene and determine whether you need to be transported to a hospital by ambulance. If you have neck, head or back trauma, you should always defer to emergency medical professionals.
When you seek medical treatment, be certain to report anything unusual, anything that hurts at all, and any part of your body that suffered any type of trauma, no matter how large or small. A broken leg may be obvious, but serious injuries to your neck, back or spine may not be as apparent and may take time to fully manifest. Don’t ignore the potential injuries to your back by talking to medical professionals only about your leg. Also, to the extent possible, make certain that everything you report is documented in writing.
Obtain contact information from all parties involved in the accident, as well as any potential witnesses. This should include name, address, phone number and e-mail address, if possible. Ask all other drivers for contact information for their insurance carriers.
If possible, get pictures of the scene of the accident and of the vehicles involved in the crash, as well as any skid marks or other indications of the accident.
Make certain your attorney requests copies of all maintenance and driver’s logs from the operator of the truck.
Contact Attorney Michael J. Hood
For a private meeting to discuss your truck accident injury, contact us online or call our office at (302) 777-1000. There is no charge for your first visit. Our office is open Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., but we will meet with you evenings or weekends upon request. We will travel to your home or the hospital if necessary.
Michael J. Hood represents injured people across Delaware including Wilmington, Newark, Middleton, Seaford, Laurel, Milford, Brookside, Claymont, Pike Creek, Wilmington Manor, Elsmere, Edgemoor, New Castle, Chester, Springfield, West Chester and Broomall. Also serving New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County in Delaware.
