Accidents with delivery trucks come with unique complications. However, there are steps you can take, even right at the scene, to protect yourself and your potential case after you are hit by a delivery truck in Los Angeles. A skilled Los Angeles truck accident lawyer from Ernst Law Group can navigate the insurance and other legal complications should you need to file an injury claim.
Should I get medical attention?
For severe injuries, you may need surgery or other urgent care and will be transported to a hospital from the scene. Even if you do not require emergency intervention, you should still seek prompt medical attention within a few hours or a day after the accident. This is for both your health and safety and your injury claim.
The effects of some injuries can take time to show. Surges of adrenaline can mask pain, or the chaos of the accident’s aftermath may distract you, preventing you from taking stock of how your body feels. Even more concerning are “hidden” injuries whose effects can be deadly if not treated promptly. The impact of traumatic brain injuries may not be immediately apparent. Yet, any delay in diagnosis and treatment can worsen the injury and its long-term consequences–perhaps even fatal.
Having your injury documented and diagnosed right away also helps your injury claim. At-fault parties may use your decision to delay care against you, saying your injuries really couldn’t have been that bad or that your condition only worsened because you waited to seek treatment.
What should I do at the scene?
If it is safe and you can do so, try to gather evidence. Take photos of each vehicle, documenting the damage. Capture details from the scene overall as well. Road conditions, traffic signals or signage, and other factors could have contributed to the accident. Snap pictures of your injuries, too.
Collect contact information from witnesses and ask if they have any photos or videos they can share. If you are near businesses with security cameras, ask them to save the footage.
Call the police. Even if the accident seems minor, you may not immediately recognize the full extent of the damage to you or your vehicle. Law enforcement will create an official accident report that will help if you proceed with an injury claim.
Should I report the accident to my insurance?
Report the accident, but choose your words carefully. Don’t say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Keep your comments brief and factual, and do not minimize your injuries or damage to your car. You can provide more information, as needed, after speaking with a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer from Ernst Law Group.
When should I call a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer?
Connect with Ernst Law Group as soon as possible after the incident. We offer free consultations, so getting a professional assessment of your claim comes at no financial risk to you. With fast access to your case, your personal injury attorney can:
- Carry out a thorough investigation while evidence is still accessible and witnesses’ memories are still fresh.
- Determine the cause of the accident, identify the at-fault party, and file a personal injury claim well within California’s two-year statute of limitations, the legal deadline for filing injury claims.
- Handle all communication with insurance companies.
- Negotiate a settlement demand to cover your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
- Represent you at trial if the at-fault party refuses to offer a fair settlement out of court.
California operates under a pure comparative fault system for personal injury claims. Victims can hold at-fault parties at fault for their (the victims’) injuries, even if they are 99% responsible for causing the accident. However, compensation the victim may collect is reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. It is in the at-fault party’s representatives’ best interests to put as much blame for the accident on you as they can.
By securing legal representation right away, you do not have to engage in discussions with the at-fault party’s representatives or worry about “saying the wrong thing.” Your attorney will keep your best interests front and center and protect you from false blame and unfair settlement reductions.
At Ernst Law Group, we protect victims’ rights
Ernst Law Group is dedicated to protecting injury victims’ rights. We want you to get justice for the damages you have sustained, and we will put our knowledge, experience, and resources into making that happen. Call (805) 541-0300 or message to schedule your free consultation. A compassionate, experienced Los Angeles truck accident from our team is ready to get to work for you.
