What To Do When You Get Hit By an 18-Wheeler

If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in Arkansas, you should have two priorities: getting the treatment you need and protecting your legal rights. These are equally important, and they are also closely related—as your medical records will be key evidence in your claim for just compensation.

With this in mind, there are several steps you should take as soon after your 18-wheeler accident as possible. These steps include: 

Step #1: Preserve as Much Evidence and Information as Possible 

You should do your best to preserve as much evidence and information as possible—keeping in mind that you will also need to hire a lawyer to conduct a comprehensive investigation. You should take detailed notes, be sure to save any photos and videos you have on your phone, and keep your copy of the police report in a safe place. 

Step #2: See a Doctor as Soon as Possible 

If you have not done so already, you should see a doctor right away. As we mentioned above, this is important for protecting your health and your legal rights. In fact, after being hit by an 18-wheeler, taking care of your medical needs is one of the most important steps you can take to maximize your chances of recovering compensation. 

Step #3: Make Sure Understand (and Follow) Your Doctor’s Advice 

Once you’ve seen a doctor after being hit by an 18-wheeler, you should make sure you understand your doctor’s advice. If you don’t understand your doctor’s advice, don’t hesitate to ask questions. You should be sure to carefully follow your doctor’s advice as well. This includes staying home from work if your doctor tells you to do so. 

Step #4: Start an Accident File 

Now is a good time to start an accident file. This is where you will keep all of the documents you receive that are related to your experience of being hit by an 18-wheeler. Your copy of the police report, your medical records, your bills and receipts, and your notes should all go into your file—which you will eventually share with your lawyer. 

Step #5: Talk to an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer 

Recovering fair compensation for your 18-wheeler accident will require experienced legal representation. To maximize your chances of recovery, you should talk to an 18-wheeler accident lawyer as soon as possible. The first step is to schedule a free consultation.  

Step #6: Rely on Your Lawyer’s Advice to Protect Your Legal Rights 

Once you hire a lawyer, you will want to rely on your lawyer’s advice to protect your legal rights. There is a lot you need to know after an 18-wheeler accident, and there are also a lot of mistakes you need to avoid. Relying on your lawyer’s advice will be key to protecting your claim for damages. 

Step #7: Let Your Lawyer Take Action While You Focus on Your Health 

While your lawyer focuses on recovering the financial compensation, you should focus on your health. For many accident victims who were hit by an 18-wheeler, recovering from their injuries is a years-long, if not life-long, process. Focusing on your health now will give you the best chance of recovering as fully and quickly as possible.

Step #8: Respond to Your Lawyer’s Questions Promptly 

As your 18-wheeler accident claim progresses, your lawyer will need to speak with you from time to time. When your lawyer contacts you, you should respond promptly. If your lawyer is waiting to hear from you, your lawyer won’t be able to fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Step #9: Continue to Document Your Accident-Related Losses

From your medical expenses to your loss of earnings, and from your physical pain and suffering to your loss of enjoyment of life, you should continue to document your accident-related losses while your claim is pending. This documentation will be critical for ensuring that you are seeking the maximum compensation that is available to you under Arkansas law. 

Step #10: Make Smart Decisions About How and When to Resolve Your Claim 

Finally, you should work with your lawyer to make smart decisions about how and when to resolve your claim. While most successful claims settle (and we have secured many favorable 18-wheeler accident settlements for our clients), it is important to know when it is in your best interests to go to court. 

Hit by an 18-Wheeler? Talk to a Lawyer for FREE

If you were hit by an 18-wheeler, you need a law firm you can trust on your side. The experienced truck accident lawyers at Oliver Law Firm have extensive experience handling truck accident cases throughout Arkansas and across the nation. We understand the complexities of these difficult cases and we know how to build strong cases for our clients.

Trucking companies–and their insurers–take these accidents very seriously. If you were hit by an 18-wheeler, they may already be building a case against you. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can begin to take steps to protect your rights and best interests.

Don’t delay.  Contact Oliver Law Firm today online or at 479-202-5200 for a FREE case evaluation. We serve clients throughout Arkansas and throughout the United States from our office in Rogers, AR.