What to Do if You Were Hurt in a Truck Accident

If you were hurt in a truck accident in Arkansas, you may be entitled to financial compensation. While truck accidents can have many causes, negligent truck driving, negligent truck maintenance, and other truck-related issues are frequently to blame. If you have a claim against the trucking company (or any other party), you will need to be careful to protect your legal rights, and this means that there are several steps you should try to take as soon as possible. 

7 Steps to Take if You Were Hurt in a Truck Accident in Arkansas 

What do you need to do if you were hurt in a truck accident in Arkansas? To protect your legal rights, you should: 

1. See a Doctor Right Away

Your first priority after being hurt in a truck accident should be getting the medical attention you need. Truck accidents often leave victims with serious injuries, and prompt treatment can help mitigate the risk of long-term complications in some (but not all) cases. If you have already seen a doctor, you should make sure you understand your diagnosis, and you should follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations—unless you believe a second opinion is necessary. 

2. Keep as Much Evidence and Information as Possible 

After a truck accident, you should keep as much evidence and information as possible. For example, if you have any of the following, you should keep these to share with your lawyer:

• A copy of the police report from your truck accident 
• The truck driver’s insurance information 
• The truck’s license plate number and registration state
• Any vehicle debris or damaged personal items 
• Any photos or videos you took at the scene of the accident

You should also take detailed notes about your truck accident. Do your best to write down everything you can remember. This will help ensure that you are able to provide your lawyer with as much information as possible during your free consultation. 

3. Schedule a Free Consultation with a Truck Accident Lawyer 

Speaking of your free consultation, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you have a claim for your truck accident, you will need experienced legal representation to seek the financial compensation you deserve. It costs nothing to learn about your legal rights; and, with contingency-fee representation, you pay nothing at all unless you win. 

4. Avoid Discussing the Accident with Anyone But Your Lawyer

While it is important that you speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible, it is also important that you do not discuss the accident with anyone else at this time. This means that you should not post about your truck accident on social media. If you accidentally say (or post) something the trucking company or its insurer can use against you, this could prevent you from recovering the financial compensation you deserve. 

5. Document the Accident’s Financial and Non-Financial Costs

As you may be learning already, the costs of a serious truck accident can add up very quickly. You should keep track of these costs as best you can. While your lawyer will work to ensure that he or she is taking all of your costs into account, any documentation you can provide will assist your lawyer with providing a preliminary assessment of your claim. 

6. Continue to Follow Your Doctor’s (and Lawyer’s) Advice 

As you work to move on from your truck accident, you should continue to follow your doctor’s advice. Not only will this help maximize your chances of a successful recovery, but it will also help protect your truck accident claim. You should follow your lawyer’s advice as well—as failing to do so could potentially jeopardize your legal rights. 

7. Work with Your Lawyer to Seek the Compensation You Deserve 

When you hire a truck accident lawyer to represent you, you can rely on your lawyer to handle most aspects of your claim on your behalf. But, there will be times when your lawyer needs your help. As you move forward, you should work closely with your lawyer to build your claim, make informed decisions, and maximize every opportunity to obtain a favorable settlement without the need to go to court. 

Talk to an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer at Oliver Law Firm in Rogers, AR

Truck accident claims are rarely straightforward—especially when major carriers and insurance companies are involved. If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler crash in Arkansas, don’t wait to get the legal insight you need. The team at Oliver Law Firm knows how to take on powerful trucking interests and win. Reach out today and let us put our experience to work for you.

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.