Checklist for Trucking Accident Claims in Alabama
You have just been in an accident with a truck. Your car is totaled and you are recovering from your injuries. What next? Below is a checklist of do’s and don’ts that may help you during this time of frustration and uncertainty.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the truck driver’s insurance company before consulting an attorney. The adjuster will call you and attempt to ask you questions about the accident. Ideally, it would be best for them if fault can be placed on you. It is best to review the accident report and gather your thoughts, preferably with an attorney’s guidance, before answering any questions.
- Complete your medical treatment. Never ever consider signing a release until you have reached maximum medical improvement (mmi). You may have asymptomatic (latent) conditions that may surface later, such as a bulging or herniated disc.
- Review your own insurance policy. It should provide med-pay benefits, uninsured coverage, collision coverage, etc., in the event the truck driver does not have insurance.
- Request an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Standard radiographs (x-rays) are ineffective in showing common spinal injuries such as bulging discs, annular tears, etc.
- Consult with an attorney! It may very well be that you will not need legal counsel for your trucking accident. However, if you do need representation, it is better to start off with legal guidance sooner than later.
- Keep copies of all your bills and medical reports. Although our legal staff will order all your medical records and bills, we can assist you with bill collectors.
- Document your property damage. Keep all estimates and repair invoice as well. Make sure you take photographs of any damage to your automobile in order to overcome any argument by the adjuster that it was a minimal impact.
For a free consultation with a trucking accident attorney, call Drake Law Firm at 866-779-9690.
