THE ROLE OF EXPERT WITNESSES IN MEDICAL MALPRACTICE TRIALS. Contact William S. Wojcik , your Chicago Law Firm serving Chicago, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Bridgeview, Burbank & Chicagoland's Southwest Suburbs.
Accidents involving commercial trucks can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. If you've been involved in a trucking accident, pursuing a personal injury claim is essential to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, navigating the legal process is not an easy process on your own and can be very complex. There are common mistakes that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Let's take a look at some of these pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately
One of the most critical mistakes you can make after a trucking accident is failing to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, some injuries may not show symptoms until later. Delaying medical treatment not only jeopardizes your health but also weakens your personal injury case. Insurance companies often use gaps in medical treatment as a reason to deny or devalue claims.
Always prioritize your health and well-being after an accident. Seek medical attention promptly, and follow your doctor's recommendations. Document all medical visits, treatments, and prescribed medications. This documentation will serve as crucial evidence in your case.
Mistake 2: Not Contacting Law Enforcement
Another mistake that a lot of people make is failing to contact law enforcement after a trucking accident. While some accidents may seem minor, having a police report can be invaluable in determining liability and establishing the facts of the incident.
Regardless of the severity of the accident, call the police and file a report. Provide a detailed account of the accident to the responding officers. This report will help clarify the events leading up to the accident, contributing to a stronger case.
Mistake 3: Admitting Fault at the Scene
Following an accident, it is completely normal and natural to feel shocked or disoriented. However, admitting fault at the scene will harm your case significantly. Avoid making any statements that imply you are responsible for the accident, even if you feel as though you may have contributed to it.
Stick to the facts when discussing the accident with others involved. Exchange contact and insurance information, but avoid apologizing or admitting guilt. Leave liability determination to the professionals, such as insurance adjusters and attorneys.
Mistake 4: Not Collecting Evidence
Effective evidence collection is vital in building a strong case. Failing to gather evidence at the accident scene can hinder your ability to prove liability and damages. Remember, the first thing you need to do is seek immediate medical help; however, if you can, gather as much evidence as possible. Take the following steps to collect evidence:
Photographs: Use your smartphone or a camera to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
Witness Statements: Obtain contact information from witnesses and ask them to provide statements regarding what they saw.
Truck Information: Record the truck's license plate number, company name, and driver's information.
Police Report: Obtain a copy of the police report, as it will contain valuable information about the accident.
Mistake 5: Communicating with the Trucking Company's Insurance Adjuster
After a trucking accident, you may receive a call from the trucking company's insurance adjuster. While they may seem friendly and concerned about your well-being, their primary goal is to minimize the company's liability and payout.
Politely decline to speak with the insurance adjuster until you've consulted with an attorney. Your lawyer can help protect your interests and ensure that you don't inadvertently say anything that could harm your case.
Mistake 6: Neglecting to Hire an Experienced Attorney
Perhaps one of the most significant mistakes you can make is attempting to handle your trucking accident case without legal representation. Trucking accidents involve complex legal and insurance issues, and the trucking industry has its own set of regulations.
Hire an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in trucking accident cases. They will have the expertise and resources to investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue legal action if necessary.
Mistake 7: Signing Settlement Agreements Prematurely
Insurance companies may offer quick settlement agreements in the hope of closing the case for less than it's worth. Accepting a settlement before fully understanding the extent of your injuries and damages can be a costly mistake.
Consult with your attorney before accepting any settlement offers. Your lawyer will evaluate the offer's fairness and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive adequate compensation for your losses.
Mistake 8: Ignoring the Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations, which is the time limit within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline can result in the dismissal of your case. In Illinois, if you have been injured in a car accident, you must file your case before two years have passed. We understand you may be in a battle to improve your physical and mental state following an accident and may not be up to start your legal fight right away. However, it is essential that you contact an attorney as soon as possible so that you have the best chance of getting compensation.
Mistake 10: Neglecting the Long-Term Impact
Don't focus solely on immediate medical expenses and vehicle damage. Trucking accidents can result in long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Failing to consider these long-term impacts can leave you undercompensated.
Work with your attorney to assess the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering. Ensure that your claim accounts for all current and future costs.
Have You Been Involved in a Trucking Accident? Avoid Making a Mistake and Contact Wojcik Law
If you have been involved in an accident, we completely understand the stress and worry you are feeling. Our services are tailored to ensure that you get all of the help, advice, and compensation that you deserve. Our priority is assisting you throughout the entire process. So, if you have been involved in a trucking accident, avoid mistakes and get the compensation you deserve with Wojcik Law. Schedule a meeting with us today.
When a massive commercial truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic. Trucking accidents often result in agonizing injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. Determining liability in these cases can be complex, as multiple factors come into play. This is where expert witnesses become invaluable. If you have been involved in a trucking accident and are wondering how to navigate the process, keep on reading because we are going to explore the crucial role of an expert witness in trucking accident cases.
Understanding the Complexity of Trucking Accident Cases
Trucking accidents are not like normal car-on-car accidents. They involve a wide array of factors that have the potential to significantly impact the outcome of a case. These factors may include:
Federal Regulations: The trucking industry is heavily regulated by federal agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of any of these regulations can be a critical factor in determining liability.
Vehicle Maintenance: It's the truckers and the trucking companies' responsibility to ensure that their truck is up to date on maintenance. A poorly maintained truck is like a ticking time bomb. One small thing goes wrong, and disaster occurs. Expert witnesses can assess whether the truck involved in the accident was maintained correctly and whether any maintenance-related issues contributed to the crash.
Driver Training and Behavior: Truck drivers must undergo rigorous training and adhere to specific safety protocols before heading out on the road. Determining whether the driver's actions or lack of training played a role in the accident can be a crucial aspect of a case.
Accident Reconstruction: Understanding how the accident occurred often requires the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists. These experts use scientific methods to recreate the accident scene and provide insights into who was at fault.
Mechanical Failures: Sometimes, accidents occur due to mechanical failures in the truck's components, such as brakes or tires. Experts can inspect the wreckage and identify any mechanical issues that contributed to the accident.
Given the complexity of these cases, it's clear why expert witnesses are indispensable.
The Role of Expert Witnesses
When many hear the word witnesses when regarding an accident, they often think of someone who was there when it occurred. However, expert witnesses are a bit different. They are individuals who hold specialties. Knowledge and experience in a particular field relevant to the case. In trucking accident cases, various types of expert witnesses can provide invaluable insights:
Accident Reconstruction Experts
These "detectives of the trucking accident world" meticulously examine the accident scene, analyze physical evidence, review witness statements, and use advanced software to recreate the events leading up to the crash. Their testimony will clearly show how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Mechanical Engineers
They can identify whether faulty brakes, defective tires, or other mechanical issues played a role in the accident. Their expertise can help establish liability on the part of the trucking company or manufacturer.
Truck Safety Experts
Truck safety experts are well-versed in federal regulations governing the trucking industry. They can evaluate whether the trucking company and its drivers complied with these regulations.
Medical Experts
In cases involving severe injuries, medical experts can provide critical testimony. They can explain the extent of the victim's injuries, the medical treatment required, and the long-term impact on the victim's life. This information is essential in showing the court the various reasons you need the compensation that you are seeking.
Why Expert Witnesses Are Crucial
Now that we have a clearer understanding of the various types of expert witnesses that can become involved in trucking accident cases. Let's look into why their testimonials are so essential, especially if your case ends up going to court.
1. Credibility
Expert witnesses are seen as impartial professionals who do not benefit from whatever the outcome may be. This credibility can be crucial when trying to convince a jury and or a judge of the validity of your argument. Their testimony will back up what you have been saying all along; that you were physically, mentally, and emotionally harmed due to the negligence of a truck driver and their company.
2. Simplify Complex Information
Trucking accident cases often involve complex technical details, some of which may not be able to be completely understood by others in court. These experts take the complex information and ensure to simplify it, making sure that everyone who hears it, like jurors, can truly grasp the seriousness of the accident. Their clear and concise explanations can help everyone in the courtroom understand the critical issues at hand.
3. Strengthen Your Case
The spoken word of yourself, any passengers in the vehicle, or any standby witnesses about what happened can only go so far. Expert witnesses will provide both evidence and analysis that will strengthen your claims and overall case. One of the best examples of this is when accident reconstruction experts recreate the accident and how it occurred, leaving almost no room for any doubt.
4. They Counter the Opposition's Experts
In many cases, the opposing side will also present expert witnesses. Your expert witnesses can counter their testimony, providing a well-rounded perspective and ensuring that the judge and jury have access to all the relevant information.
5. They Assist in Settlement Negotiations
Expert witnesses can play a crucial role in settlement negotiations. When the other party sees that you have strong expert testimony on your side, they may be more inclined to settle the case rather than risk a trial.
Have You Been Involved in a Trucking Accident? Contact Wojcik Law Today
Trucking accident cases are complex and multifaceted, and determining liability can be challenging. Expert witnesses are an indispensable part of the legal process in such cases. They bring specialized knowledge and experience, providing critical insights that can make or break a case. At Wojcik Law, our main priority is ensuring you get compensation for all of the suffering you have endured and all of the pain you are going to have to navigate going forward. We will assist in contracting expert witnesses to build your case and ensure the negligent party is held accountable. Schedule an appointment with us today.
INJURIES FROM TRUCKING ACCIDENTS: COMMON TYPES AND LONG-TERM IMPACTS
Due to the nature of their size, accidents involving trucks can be devastating. They tend to lead to more severe injuries, property damage, and even loss of life. When these horrible accidents occur, a thorough investigation must be conducted to determine the cause and establish who is liable for it. Gathering and analyzing evidence plays a critical role in building a solid case for trucking accident victims. We will review the vital pieces of evidence our firm looks for in trucking accidents and how we utilize them to construct a compelling legal argument and case.
The Importance of Prompt Investigation
Trucking accidents often result in considerable damage and are highly complex because so many different parties are involved. Those who are involved in trucking accidents often include:
Truck driver
Trucking company
Third-party vehicles
If you have been involved in a trucking accident, time is of the essence. Conducting a prompt investigation is crucial to ensure that all evidence is preserved before it's lost, destroyed, or can no longer be examined. Critical evidence can disappear or become compromised with each passing day. So, to ensure that your legal team can build the strongest case for you, contact a lawyer immediately following an accident, and they will get straight to work.
Evidence in Trucking Accident Investigations
Accident Scene Examination
Investigating officers and accident reconstruction experts thoroughly examine the accident scene to gather vital information. This includes taking photographs, measurements, and sketches to document the conditions, road markings, debris patterns, and other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Vehicle Inspection
Detailed inspection of the involved vehicles is essential to identify any mechanical failures, defects, or maintenance issues. Legal investigators will examine the trucks:
Brakes
Tires
Lights
Steering components
Other relevant parts
Gathering data from the truck's onboard electronic systems, such as the event data recorder (EDR) or electronic control module (ECM), provides valuable insights into the truck's speed, braking, and other operational parameters before the accident.
Driver Records and Interviews
Investigators thoroughly examine the truck driver's records, including their driving history, hours of service logs, and compliance with federal regulations. Interviews with the driver and witnesses are conducted to gather additional information and testimonies about the events leading up to the accident. This step is generally to determine whether or not driver fatigue was the cause of the accident.
Company Policies and Practices
Investigators analyze the trucking company's policies and practices to determine if they adhere to industry standards and federal regulations. This includes evaluating hiring procedures, training protocols, vehicle maintenance records, and compliance with hours-of-service laws. Any negligence or non-compliance discovered can significantly impact the trucking company's liability.
Building a Strong Case
At Wojcik Law, we are dedicated to our clients and ensure we do whatever it takes to get victims of trucking accidents the compensations that they deserve! Once we have all the evidence we need collected, we will utilize it to effectively build a strong case. Here is how we use the evidence that we gather:
Establishing Liability
We utilize this evidence to establish who was at fault by demonstrating negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or any other parties involved. We aim to present evidence of the following:
Speeding
Driver fatigue
Distracted driving
Inadequate maintenance
Unsafe driving conditions
Among other violations of regulations or industry standards
Demonstrating Damages
Gathering evidence also is extremely crucial for the fact that we need to demonstrate the extent of damages that the victims have suffered. This includes medical records, expert opinions on injuries, the probability of long-term care following the accident, and any other documentation that helps represent the accident's physical, emotional, and financial impact on the victims' lives.
Negotiation and Litigation
By gathering evidence, we will strengthen the position that we are in to negotiate and provide a robust basis for reaching a settlement. Many insurance companies want to do whatever they can to pay the absolute minimum. Sometimes, a fair settlement cannot be reached; in those cases, the evidence will serve as the foundation for litigation in a courtroom. The proof will then be presented in court, supporting the victims' claims, which in turn helps them in seeking justice and compensation for the at-fault party's negligence.
Expert Testimony
One of the most vital parts of any compensation claim is by providing expert testimony from professionals. These may include:
Accident reconstruction experts
Medical professionals
Industry specialists
Providing testimony based on their expertise helps the court and jury understand the technical aspects and impact of the accident.
Building a Persuasive Narrative
Our legal team will combine the evidence and the expert analysis, allowing us to craft a compelling narrative to present to the court or jury. Our narrative will connect all of the dots, showing how negligence, non-compliance, and other factors led to the accident and the damages that the victim has endured. All of this will craft a compelling argument for the victims, providing a strong case.
What Should You Do If You Were The Victim of a Trucking Accident?
If you were the unfortunate victim of a trucking accident, the first thing you should do is get immediate medical attention. Due to the seriousness of these types of accidents, you may have sustained great injuries. If you can, collect photos, witness testimonies, and police reports. Contact an expert law firm like Wojcik Law as soon as you can. Our legal team will do everything in our power to collect evidence and build a winnable case, getting you the compensation you deserve.
One important note is to avoid negligent parties, insurance companies, or legal teams. They aim to pay as little as possible and make the whole problem go away with minimal impact on them. Speak with your lawyer and legal team for expert advice and for help negotiating a settlement that provides you with compensation that covers all current and future medical costs, property damage, and negative emotional effects. If you have been the victim of a trucking accident, contact Wojcik Law immediately!
Discover the hidden truth behind trucking accidents. It's not just about individual drivers; trucking company negligence can be a major factor. Explore liability and the risks involved in our blog post. Buckle up for insights on trucking company responsibility!
Discover the Long-Term Impacts of Trucking Accidents: Seeking Compensation for Injuries, Losses, and Future Damages
William S. Wojcik, LTD., is a premier law firm that has achieved numerous million and multi-million dollar settlements on behalf of our clients. We are proud of our proven track record of success in handling complex legal cases across various practice areas, including personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Take a closer look at some of our most notable settlements that showcase our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Medical Malpractice Settlements
Medical malpractice refers to professional negligence or misconduct by healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, or hospitals, that results in harm or injury to a patient. This can include failure to diagnose or treat a condition, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and failure to obtain informed consent from a patient, among others. Here are notable medical malpractice settlements our clients have received:
$3.775 MILLION DOLLARS
For multiple female plaintiffs whose ob/gyn doctor allegedly performed unnecessary biopsies on them in his office.
$1.5 MILLION DOLLARS
$1,500,000.00 settlement with a laboratory in a suit brought by female plaintiffs. Alleged a novel theory that led to recovery, namely, that the laboratory breached its ethical duty to inform women of the lab's concern that their physician was performing unnecessary surgeries on them and that the specimens sent to the lab did not correlate to the body parts their doctor allegedly removed. This case was the first case in the U.S.A. to assert that theory.
$1.495 MILLION DOLLARS
An elderly patient entered a hospital for knee replacement. Surgical errors caused vascular injury and required nursing home stay, which resulted in negligent wound care.
$1.2 MILLION DOLLARS
$1.2 million settlement on behalf of a newborn baby. The baby was infected perinatally with Hepatitis B. Hospital, and the doctor allegedly failed to administer the Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis B Immune Globulin at birth or during the hospital stay, resulting in a chronic form of Hepatitis infection.
Personal Injury Settlements
Personal injury refers to any physical or emotional harm caused to an individual as a result of another person's negligence or intentional actions. Common examples of personal injury cases include car accidents, slip and fall accidents, defective products, and workplace accidents.
$2.1 MILLION DOLLARS
$2,100,000.00 million settlement for a 34-year-old Lemont pipefitter who was injured when he tripped and fell on stairs at a newly opened commercial office building in Western Springs received $2.1 million in a settlement approved by a Cook County judge. Steven Brocken suffered an ankle sprain which required surgery, and developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in his left foot and ankle, according to his attorney, William S. Wojcik of Oak Lawn. The fall was unwitnessed. Mr. Brocken alleged that his fall was caused by a high stair riser in a rear stairwell at the building. The settlement ended a lawsuit that had been filed in 2006 against the building's owner, 800 Hillgrove LLC., its general contractor, Everett Builders, and several sub-contractors.
$1.13 MILLION DOLLARS
Dram Shop $1.13 Settlement for a 42-year-old female who was injured by an alleged intoxicated person (AIP). Plaintiff alleged that she was struck by a female AIP's motor vehicle after she threatened her outside of the front doors of the well-known Merrionette Park tavern complex. Plaintiff alleged that in addition to contributing to the intoxication of the AIP, the tavern failed to take appropriate security measures to protect its patron from foreseeable harm arising from AIP's verbal threats directed toward Plaintiff.
$1 MILLION DOLLARS
$1,000,000.00 settlement for a laborer who was pinned under a lattice boom crane, which collapsed while he was dismantling. Plaintiff suffered multiple fractures.
Automobile Accidents Settlements
$3.37 MILLION DOLLARS
Deft tractor-trailer driver Gary Sucku made a left turn from northbound Archer into the Dolphin Cartage truck yard near Knox. Deft Jason Kondys, driving a Pontiac 70 mph in rainy conditions, struck the rear tandem wheels of Sucku's trailer, causing the F-16 backseat passenger to sustain torn descending aorta requiring a Hemashield graft, epidural hematoma, closed head injury causing ongoing headaches, and traumatic Bell's Palsy which has resolved ($235,000 medl. expense). Pltf is currently seeking her GED and plans to attend college. Confidential insurers paid $3,350,000 for Sucku and a $20,000 policy limit for Kondys.
$1.5 MILLION Dollars
$1,500,000.00 settlement to a 56-year-old male who alleged a neck injury when rear-ended in a low-speed collision in Chicago, IL. Defendant disputed the causation, nature, and extent of plaintiff's injuries.
$710,000
$710,000 settlement to sisters F-13 and F-14, who were traveling in a van owned and operated by a deft transportation company on October 30, 2012. Near the intersection of Joliet and LaGrange (Countryside), the driver allegedly collided with two vehicles and then rear-ended a stopped garbage truck. The 13-year-old suffered a fractured femur (ORIF required), and the 14-year-old suffered a pelvic rami fracture ($78,828 medical expenses total for both pltf). The confidential insurer paid $345,000 to F-13 and $365,00 to F-14.
$700,000
Female, 49 injured when the shuttle bus she was being transported in struck a pedestrian. Plaintiff walked off the bus but later felt back pain and consulted an Orthopedic Surgeon a month after the accident.
$515,000
Deft Durley, waived on by stopped drivers in two of three lanes of traffic on southbound Cicero, made a left turn onto westbound 78th St. Deft Talavera, driving a Custom Staffing Inc. (CSI) club wagon van (15-seats), switched to the open lane to bypass traffic and swerved onto 78th St. when he saw Durley and broadsided pltfs' vehicle as they waited at a stop sign. F-51 sustained C6-C7 herniations with fusion ($53,000 medl., $26,000 LT as a computer tech for IRS), and M-5I had two broken ribs ($7,000 medical. expense). Pltf brought a willful and wanton entrustment count against CSI based on Talavera's poor driving record and alleged illegal alien status. Joint settlement paid $40,000 by Affirmative for Durley and $475,000 by Progressive for CSI.
$500,000.00
$500,000.00 settlement to a 39-year-old female who was rear-ended in a 3-car collision on I-290, sustaining a hip injury requiring arthroscopic surgery seven (7) months later. No ambulance arrived at the scene and no emergency room visit.
These are a few of the high-end settlements that our clients have received with our legal services; click here to see a full list of settlements we have achieved for our clients
In Need of Legal Services? Contact William S. Wojcik, LTD.
At William S. Wojcik, LTD., we are committed to providing our clients with top-quality legal services that are tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the law, our skilled attorneys are equipped to handle a wide range of legal matters. Whether you need representation in court, guidance through a complex legal process, or advice on a legal matter, we are here to help. Get in contact with us today.
Being involved in a truck accident is a traumatic physical and emotional experience. However, the financial aftermath can also be devastating, particularly if you were not at fault for the accident. The financial impact of a truck accident can be significant, from medical bills and vehicle repairs to lost wages and other expenses. Navigating this aftermath can be overwhelming, especially if you're not sure where to start.
At Wojcik Law, we strive to ensure all of our client's knowledge about what to do and who to contact after being the victim of an accident. That is why we want to provide you with tips and advice on navigating the financial aftermath of a truck accident. We'll cover important steps after an accident, how to communicate with insurance companies, and how to seek legal guidance if needed. Understanding the financial implications of a truck accident and taking proactive steps to address them can help protect your financial well-being and move forward after this difficult experience.
What To Do After Being the Victim of a Truck Accident
If you have been the victim of a truck accident, you should first prioritize your health and safety. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't think you've been seriously injured. Some injuries, such as concussions and internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent and can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Once you have addressed any immediate medical needs, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your legal rights:
Document the Accident: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to your vehicle and any injuries you've sustained. Make sure to also obtain contact information from any witnesses.
Contact the Police: Call the police at the accident scene and give them a detailed account of what happened.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing them with any relevant information, such as the police report and photos.
Seek Legal Guidance: Consult with an experienced truck accident attorney, like Wojcik Law. We will advise you on your legal rights and options.
It's important to remember that truck accidents can have serious financial and legal implications. Taking these steps can help protect your health, safety, and legal rights after a truck accident.
Keep Records of Everything Following Your Accident
Truck accidents are no small ordeal. They often involve serious emotional, physical, and property damage and can lead to a pretty hefty bill for several things. That is why it is essential to keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages. These records will be important when seeking compensation for damages.
By keeping a record of your current, ongoing, and future expenses, your lawyer can make a stronger case to ensure that you are fully compensated for all damages. Leaving out any expenses will force you, the victim, to have to pay for them, which is the last thing that should be happening. Ask family and friends to help you manage records to ensure that no stone is left unturned and you are left with only one focus, recovering from the tragedy you have endured.
How To Communicate With Insurance Companies After a Trucking Accident
Being the victim of a trucking accident is extremely serious. One of the main things the at-fault insurance company will immediately try to do is make the situation go away fast. It will often result in a quick offer of compensation. However, contacting your lawyer before discussing anything or accepting any offer from any insurance company representing the at-fault property is highly recommended. We at Wojcik Law will assist you in preparing for any discussions and advising you on further steps in gaining compensation for damages.
Why it's Financially Important to Contact a Lawyer Immediately After Being a Victim of a Truck Accident
Going through the legal process alone after a truck accident is extraneous and difficult. That is why if you've been the victim of a truck accident, it's important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Here are some reasons why:
Protecting Your Legal Rights: Truck accidents can involve complex legal issues, and it's important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can protect your legal rights and help you navigate the legal system.
Gathering Evidence: An attorney can help gather evidence to support your case, such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records. This evidence can be critical in establishing liability and demonstrating the extent of your damages.
Communicating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be a frustrating and stressful experience. An attorney can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Maximizing Compensation: An attorney can help you understand the full extent of your damages and work to ensure that you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Time is Limited: In many cases, there are time limits for filing a truck accident claim. By contacting an attorney immediately after the accident, you can ensure that you meet these deadlines and protect your legal rights.
Contact Wojcik Law After Being Involved in a Trucking Accident
If you have been involved in a trucking accident, it's important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. At Wojcik Law, we understand the serious physical, emotional, and financial toll trucking accidents can have on victims and their families. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting your legal rights and maximizing your compensation.
We deeply understand the complex legal and regulatory issues involved in trucking accidents. We can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the legal system. We will handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf, gather evidence to support your case, and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get your life back on track after a trucking accident.
Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, no matter how careful of a driver you are. For victims of an accident involving a truck, the aftermath can be substantially worse compared to a car-on-car collision. Therefore, if you are the victim of a truck accident causing bodily injury, you need to know exactly what to do and who to call to ensure you are taken care of both medically and legally.
Below are some straightforward tips every truck accident victim needs to take from Wojcik Law's highly experienced personal injury lawyers and legal staff. They have helped hundreds of people successfully navigate the legal issues that are caused by truck accidents and assist victims and their families in receiving compensation for the mental and physical anguish they experienced. Keep reading to find out more.
Stay at the Scene and Get to Safety
It is essential to stay at the scene of the collision, even if you are the victim. Attempting to drive away after an accident is a serious offense and diminishes your chances of receiving compensation. If at all possible, pull your vehicle off the road to a safe area; if your automobile is too damaged, you can safely exit it and get to a safe place without causing further damage to yourself. If you have been injured, do so.
Take a Moment and Check for Injuries
Following an accident, you will most likely have a lot of adrenaline pumping through your body; this can affect the decisions that you may make in the next moments. Take a second to pull yourself together and try to calm down; it will allow you to get your thoughts together. Once you have taken a second, ensure you immediately check for injuries. Even if you have only minor injuries that are visible, it is crucial that you still move very carefully. The high amounts of adrenaline can mask certain external and internal injuries.
Don't Move if You're Injured
If you suspect that your head or spine has been injured, do not move unless you are in immediate danger. Wait for paramedics to arrive to stabilize you or anyone in the vehicle with you that has been injured. Driving with an injured head or spin opens you up to the possibility of causing serious, life-altering, and potentially fatal complications. Wait for the professionals to come and assist you.
Contact Emergency Services
If you or anyone has been injured, you suspect the negligence of another party caused the accident, the road is blocked, or the property has been damaged, call 9-11 immediately. You need to report all truck accidents, no matter how serious, to the police so that you have an official report recorded. In Illinois, each driver involved in an Illinois traffic crash must file a crash report if the collision caused a death, bodily injury, or more than $1,500 of property damage when all drivers are insured.
What Should You Do if You've Been Involved in a Hit and Run Truck Accident?
When involved in a hit-and-run accident, the instinct for many victims is to try and stop the fleeing truck. While you may have this impulse, don't do it. Chasing the negligent party has the potential to create further damage to bystanders, motorists, and yourself. You will also be guilty of fleeing the scene of the accident. If you were the victim of a hit and run and can safely do so, obtain the following:
The make and model of the truck
Any colors, logos, or names on the body of the truck
The trucks license number
Any information you can provide to identify the fleeing truck can be beneficial for police reports, in turn helping your lawyer build a strong case. The best way to initiate the search for the fleeing truck is to immediately contact 911 to obtain help for you and anyone else who has been injured and start the search for the car and driver.
You may be a bit disoriented after the accident and unable to obtain any visual information about the negligent party; therefore, if you can safely do so, speak with any witnesses of the accident. Others may have noticed details that you have missed that can be extremely beneficial in bringing the truck driver to justice.
Collect Data
When it comes to a truck accident causing bodily harm, information is king. You want to collect as much information as possible while you're still on the scene of the accident. The information you gather will help your case substantially while uncovering who is to blame for the accident. Data you should collect includes:
The Other Driver Involved in the Accident
Insurance details
Full name and address
Phone number
Driving license number
In the case of a commercial vehicle, make a note of the company details
If the driver is not the registered owner, get the owner's details
Driving Conditions
Is it raining
Are the roads icy or slushy
Missing road signs
Damaged road
Take Photos
Take photos of the accident area from various angles
Photograph any damage to your vehicle and others involved
Take pictures of damaged personal belongings
Witness Information
Make a note of their names and numbers
Ask if they would be willing to be a witness for you
Listen to any information they can provide from their point of view of the accident
Never Admit Liability or Accept Any Offers from Insurance Reps
After an accident, you will have a lot going through your head, debilitating your ability to think clearly. Ensure that you keep to the facts you know and do not admit responsibility or apologize for the accident. Acknowledging responsibility can diminish your case for compensation and open you up to a world of future legal problems. Instead, only discuss the accident details with emergency services and legal advisors to help limit liability.
Additionally, following an accident, the negligent party's legal teams or insurance providers will get straight to work to get ahead of everything and minimize the damages they have to compensate for. These sharks will dive in and take advantage of the fact you were just involved in an accident to offer you a lowball offer to "make everything go away." Do not agree to anything before talking with your legal representative.
Contact Wojcik Law: A Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicagoland
The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer to file your claim, the better. While the statute of limitations in Illinois for filing a personal injury claim is two years, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chance of winning maximum compensation and moving on from the incident.
Wojcik Law has the team, resources, and experience to get down to the facts, build a strong case, and get you the compensation you and your loved ones deserve. So if you have been involved in a truck accident causing bodily injury, don't hesitate to contact the respected, knowledgeable, and professional personal injury lawyers at Wojcik Law.