Any car accident is a stressful and disorienting event, but even more so when a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, fuel tanker, 18-wheeler, or other massive truck hits your vehicle. It is more complicated dealing with a commercial trucking company’s insurance than if a passenger car has hit your vehicle. A personal injury attorney can greatly help you navigate the entire process. With our assistance, we will make sure you have access to the best medical care, have an advocate to fight for your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.

Call our California accident lawyers for a free consultation at 1-800-235-6801– don’t delay!

Make Sure a Police Report Gets Filed

Making sure a police report was filed will save you from added stress. If the police give you the truck driver's insurance information, send it to your attorney. Never assume responsibility for the accident to the police this early in the process Sure, you may feel liable for the collision, but you may also find out down the road that the little old lady you actually hit you because she wasn't wearing her glasses; however, you'll have problems if you've already given a police statement admitting the accident was your fault.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

As soon as possible after the truck accident, see a doctor. Waiting to see a doctor can complicate your case and possibly make it harder prove your injuries resulted from the accident. You may feel fine while you're giving the police a statement―you may even feel fine at work the next day―but it's not uncommon for injuries resulting from a motor vehicle-related accident to surface days, or even weeks, later. If you are not at fault, your bills will be paid for by the other driver's liability coverage. If you live in a no-fault state, however, you can seek payment from your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to get your bills without the delay of negotiation between companies. Our firm can help you find the best injury doctors in California, and even help pay the up-front costs to get you better. Your well-being and recovery is our priority. Without it, the monetary compensation we recover for you is meaningless.

Notify the DMV of Accident

If you are involved in a vehicle accident that occurred in California, you must report it to DMV if:
  • There was property damage of more than $1,000 ($750 for accidents prior to January 1, 2017) or
  • Anyone was injured (no matter how minor) or
  • Anyone was killed.

Each driver must make a report to DMV within 10 days, whether you caused the accident or not and even if the accident occurred on private property. Complete a DMV Report of Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) form here.

Report the Truck Accident to Your Insurance

First, only provide information to your own insurance company. If you are uncomfortable with any questions, refer them to your personal injury attorney. Lastly, don't sign anything without speaking to your attorney first.

Don't Speak to the Other Insurance Company

Insurance companies will probably contact you about the accident. Do not speak to the trucking company's insurance representatives or their claims adjuster. Don't answer any of their questions or sign anything either. Only give them your attorney's phone number. If you don't have one yet, tell them you will be retaining an attorney, and that your attorney will be in touch with them.

Take Photos and Have Your Vehicle Inspected

Take photos of your vehicle right away. If you can, photograph the entire accident scene including the truck. Our law firm can hire a photographer on your behalf to take pictures if necessary. Forward the photographs, information regarding witnesses, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved to your attorney. Your vehicle should be inspected and photographed prior to any repairs being done. Ask your insurance company about the proper steps to take in the repair process. They may have certain steps they want you to follow.

Retain a Personal Injury Attorney

Due to the complex nature of truck accidents, you will need to hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The truck companies have teams of lawyers working for them, and you will need someone on your side. Johnson Attorneys Group is legal advocates who will fight for your rights and obtain maximum compensation for you. We will immediately begin working on your case if you hire us.
 
Advantages of hiring a personal injury attorney include:
  • Having someone who knows the ins and outs of personal injury court claims on your side.
    • They will be able to do most of the paperwork and investigation for you.
  • NOT having to pay attorney fees unless they win your case.
  • NOT having to personally argue in court against other experienced lawyers.
  • Having an attorney who knows how to negotiate settlements will help determine if you're getting a fair deal.

Our focus is on your health and protecting your rights. Money alone cannot make up for your loss, however, we strive to seek justice for you so you can move on with your life. If you would like to discuss your truck accident case, contact Johnson Attorneys Group for a free consultation at 1-800-208-3538