Being involved in a truck accident is a complex process. You have serious injuries, and there is likely more than one party at fault for them. Yet, much of the time, insurance companies are not willing to work with you or treat you fairly. By knowing what steps to take following a truck accident on the PA Turnpike, you protect your case and ensure your safety throughout the process.
At Kwartler Manus, our PA Turnpike truck accident lawyer provides you with the resources you need to fight for full and fair compensation. If you were injured in a truck accident, now is the ideal time to contact our legal team for guidance. Follow these steps now to protect your case.
Call 911
Immediately after the accident occurs, move yourself out of harm’s way. If possible, drive your vehicle to the side of the road. Then, call 911. Follow the dispatcher’s directions for taking care of your immediate injuries. If it is possible for you to do so safely, check on others involved, including the truck driver.
No matter where the accident occurs, you can call 911 for help. The closest police and medical teams will arrive, whether they are from communities like Plymouth Township or Downingtown. The PA Turnpike also has troopers who may respond to offer help. Do not leave the scene of the accident until help arrives.
Talk to the Truck Driver
You will need to exchange information with the truck driver. Legally, this means providing your name and insurance information even if you know you did not cause the accident to occur. You also need to get the name and insurance information from the truck driver. When possible, also find out which company they work for.
While speaking to the truck driver, remember the following:
- Never admit fault. Avoid saying you are sorry for the accident or that you did not see the truck merging. These put you at fault.
- Always be pleasant and avoid any form of aggression. It can be terrifying to be in a truck accident, but anger can cause you to make mistakes that cost you later.
- Do not feel you have to answer any questions. Your only duty is to be honest and open to the police regarding what happened. Avoid saying anything that is speculative or not true.
When speaking with the truck driver, try to gather the details of what happened. They may claim that they were tired or that they were adjusting the truck’s navigation. These small details may help you build your case.
Capture Details from the Accident
It is not your job to solve the case of what happened, but by taking photos of the surrounding area, you prepare your PA Turnpike truck accident lawyer to do so. Take photos of the following areas:
- Damage to your car and the truck
- Debris in the roadway
- Damage to surrounding structures
- Your injuries
Then, take a video of the surrounding area, showing the condition of the road and the layout of the area. By doing this, you help to pinpoint exactly where the accident happened. Since much of the PA Turnpike is surrounded by wooded areas, rolling hills, and concrete walls, these details help to provide important context to the claims you make.
Get Medical Care Right Away
As you take the time to document what happened, you also need to get help for your medical injuries. Be aggressive about getting medical care right after the accident. There are numerous hospitals throughout Chester and Montgomery County that are within a short drive of the PA Turnpike. Ambulances will take you there quickly.
Even if you feel okay, go to the hospital if the medical teams tell you to do so. That demonstrates that you are doing everything you can to protect your health. It also allows you to get a full examination right after the accident. That makes it difficult for the insurance company to deny your claim that your injuries stem from the accident.
Once you get medical care, follow up. Complete the treatment recommended and stay in the hospital as long as you need to do so. Do not go back to work until you receive the okay to do so. Document all of the work and life activities you missed out on because of your injuries.
Contact a Trusted and Skilled Lawyer
Having helped with visits throughout the region, Kwartler Manus is readily available to help you with your PA Turnpike accident. We represent you by handling all negotiations and conversations between you and the insurance company. We also help you build your claim to maximize the compensation you recover. You can also expect our legal team to be aggressive in representing you in court if it becomes necessary to do so.
Set up a free consultation with our PA Turnpike truck accident lawyer. Let us help you determine who is liable for your losses and maximize your ability to recover them. We do not charge you anything for our services until we win your case.