What Should You Do After a Truck Accident in Illinois?

 Posted on June 30, 2023 in Truck Accidents

What you do after a collision can impact the outcome of your truck accident lawsuit. This can mean notifying the police, receiving proper medical treatment, and building your case with hard facts.

A truck accident attorney can help you navigate the complex process by familiarizing you with the legal framework. Their assistance and support can help you prepare to testify before a judge if needed. The following are some of the steps you can take.

Step 1: Call 911 for Assistance

Law enforcement and first responders are there to support you and safeguard your rights to file a truck accident case if needed. The best idea is to contact them right after the collision. Their presence can ensure that the guilty truck driver does not hit and run or share false details when you ask for insurance information.

Plus, getting the police involved means you have an official report to file with your lawsuit according to the state law dictated in “Sec. 11-401 for Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injuries.”

If a truck driver fails to share legitimate information or complete details, do not worry. You can retrieve records about the truck, driver, and company by sending a request to government organizations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Most agencies share relevant details if you send an application during the discovery stage of your lawsuit. An attorney can draft the necessary paperwork to start the legal proceedings.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Whether it is a minor or severe injury, consult a doctor right after the truck accident. A medical professional will assess your vitals, visible signs of trauma, and hidden ones. You can use their initial diagnosis and subsequent treatment as evidence for your personal injury lawsuit.

It also gives you an estimated idea of how much money you need in a settlement to cover medical costs after sustaining an injury from a truck accident.

Later, you can ask your primary healthcare provider and other medical practitioners to testify if someone objects to your side of the story.

Step 3: Collect Evidence to Build Your Case

You only have two years before the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Lake County, Illinois. It is imperative that you take action immediately and gather relevant information to support your claims before filing a lawsuit.

After the collision and a proper medical checkup, start collecting tangible evidence.

This can include:

• Collecting witness statements and following up on police reports.
• Photographing vehicle damage and the scene of the collision.
• Maintaining a photographic and written record of physical injuries sustained during the incident.
• Getting your vehicle appraised to assess the damage.

Every detail can count in your favor. Collecting all the details possible to build a strong case is essential. Also, work with a truck accident lawyer that genuinely cares for your well-being and strongly advocates for your rights.

Contact a Lake County Truck Accident Attorney

A dedicated Lake County truck accident attorney from Salvi & Maher LLP can provide legal guidance regarding semi-truck and truck accidents. We will answer your queries and clear your concerns before you file a lawsuit. Contact us at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers today.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/semi-truck-accident-lawsuit-guide/

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401