What Is the Claims Process for a Truck Injury in Texas?
People who are injured in collisions involving trucks are more likely to sustain severe injuries than people injured in car crashes. This is not only because trucks are larger and heavier, but because they sometimes carry cargo that can spill in the event of a crash and hurt other vehicles.
Most truck accident victims who sustain injuries want to seek compensation. They know that they are supposed to file a claim with an insurance company, but they are not familiar with the rest of the process. Knowing the whole process is important because, as you will see, a Texas truck accident attorney can be the key to receiving the most compensation possible for your injury.
The Accident
The process begins with the truck accident. Try to account for all your injuries and their severity. Remember every detail you can and write it down. The more information you have, the better you can help your attorney identify who is at fault.
Call the Police
Texas law requires you to report a vehicle collision to the police if:
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Anyone sustained injuries or fatalities
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There is property damage worth more than $1,000
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Any of the vehicles cannot be moved
Reporting the accident to law enforcement is not only required by law in the above cases, but it also provides you with more evidence for your claim.
Call Your Attorney
Call your attorney at the earliest possible opportunity after a truck accident. The sooner your attorney is brought into the process, the sooner he or she can begin to guide you and protect your rights. Importantly, your lawyer is the best weapon in your arsenal when you square off with the insurance company for a payout.
Seek Medical Treatment
Your health is the top priority, so seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Furthermore, since you will be asking the insurance company to cover your medical expenses, you need to know what they are. Make sure to save those bills and any other medical records you receive.
File a Claim
File a claim for damages with an insurance company. In most cases, you will file a claim with the truck driver’s insurance company. Your lawyer will guide you on which action to take. Once you file a claim, your attorney will deal with the insurance company directly.
Negotiation
Your attorney will negotiate a settlement for you with the insurance company. This is a crucial step because the insurance company will try to pay you as little as possible while your attorney will try to get you the highest payout possible.
Settlement or Trial
If your insurance company offers you a fair settlement and you accept it, your attorney will give you the papers to sign. Otherwise, you can sue the insurance company, the truck driver, the driver’s insurance company, and/or the trucking company in court.
Contact a Comal County, TX Truck Accident Attorney
If you are involved in a truck accident, hiring a Karnes County, TX truck accident lawyer is a crucial step toward reaching a fair settlement. At The Bettersworth Law Firm, our aggressive attorneys excel at negotiating on behalf of our clients. We have recovered millions specifically for truck accident victims and we are ready to fight for you. Call 830-606-0404 for a free consultation today.