Tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and oftentimes take up an entire lane on roads and highways.
As such, if truck drivers do not dedicate their full attention to steering and checking for others on the roadway, they can sometimes drift into adjacent lanes and sideswipe your vehicle.
Due to the vast difference in size between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, sideswipe collisions can result in enormous devastation, causing life-changing injuries to those involved.
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Since collisions involving commercial trucks have the potential to result in such incredible destruction, trucking companies are required to carry high amounts of liability insurance and often have multiple policies and lawyers at the ready to protect their interests.
Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to strengthen your case and maximize your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
If you have been sideswiped by a commercial truck:
- Seek medical attention: If you did not require emergency medical attention, see a doctor and have a full medical evaluation after your collision. While many truck accident victims require hospitalization, others may feel more or less okay afterwards and not experience symptoms for days or weeks after their accident. Delaying medical treatment can not only potentially worsen your injuries, but it could also compromise your personal injury claim by allowing the trucking company’s insurance company to question whether or not your injuries were caused by the collision. Be sure to see a doctor promptly.
- Report the collision: Call the police at the scene and inform your insurance company of the crash as soon as you can. The police will create a report which contains the facts of the crash and any potential indicators of fault, such as tire tracks, witness testimonies, or records of any traffic citations issued at the scene. It is important to refrain from making any statements to the trucking company’s insurance company.
- Do not sign any medical authorizations: An insurance adjuster representing the truck driver or trucking company may ask you to sign a medical authorization form so they can access your medical records related to the crash. While this may sound reasonable, what they will not tell you is that this form will give them the ability to sift through your entire history in search of some sort of evidence that can be used to falsely claim that your injuries were due to a preexisting condition. Likewise, they may pressure you to settle quickly. These offers are usually far less than what you actually deserve. Do not sign any authorizations or settlement offers without first reviewing them with your attorney.
- Hire an attorney: A lawyer who is knowledgeable about trucking accidents can review the specifics of your situation and help you understand your legal options. From negotiating with the involved insurance companies to examining logbooks, maintenance records, and police reports, an attorney can handle the legal heavy lifting on your behalf and maximize your potential compensation.
Contact William R. Hall, P.A. Today
The last thing you need after being injured in a sideswipe trucking accident is to be stonewalled by an uncooperative insurance company.
Having served as a Salisbury personal injury lawyer for more than 20 years, I, Attorney William R. Hall, can provide the powerful representation you need to ensure your interests are protected. As shown by my 10.0 “Superb” Avvo Rating and inclusion on the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 list, I have what it takes to help you pursue every penny’s worth of your entitled compensation.
Call (410) 205-1684 or contact my firm online today to review your case.