Key Steps to Take Right After an 18 Wheeler Accident in Alabama

As experience and successful personal injury lawyer in Alabama, Stephen Thompson understands just how devastating a car accident involving an 18 wheeler can be. Such accidents are not only extremely dangerous, but they also come with a lot of complexities when seeking compensation. This article provides a guide on the crucial steps to take immediately after an 18 Wheeler accident in Alabama.

1. Ensure Safety and Call for Medical Help

The first thing you should do after a car accident is to ensure your safety and that of any other persons involved. If possible, get yourself and your bike off the road to a safe place, and switch on your hazard lights. Immediately get medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent after an accident, like internal injuries or concussions. Call 911 to report the accident and request assistance.

2. Report to the Police

By Alabama law, it is required to report an accident to the police if it results in injury, death, or property damage. When the officers arrive at the accident scene, provide a report. Make sure you offer a precise account of the accident events, but beware not to admit any fault, even if you think you are partially responsible.

3. Obtain Critical Information 

Gather as much information as you can from the driver of the 18-wheeler. This includes collecting the driver’s contact information, driver's license number, vehicle’s license plate, and insurance details. Remember to note the make, model, and color of the truck.

4. Document the Accident Scene

If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene. Capture all aspects of the scene, including your car's condition, the 18-wheeler’s condition, any visible injuries, traffic signs, and contributing factors like road conditions or weather. These pictures can provide valuable evidence if you decide to seek compensation.

5. Speak to Witnesses 

If there were witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information and statements. They could provide an unbiased account of what happened, which could support your claim in the future.

6. Keep Track of Your Medical Treatments and Costs 

Ensure you keep detailed records of all the medical treatments received subsequent to the accident, including ambulance costs, hospitalization, medications, treatments, therapies, and ongoing medical care. Also, maintain a journal to record how the injuries are affecting your everyday life and emotional state.

7. Inform Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as you can and notify them about the accident. Just like your conversation with the police, avoid admitting any fault or guilt during this conversation.

8. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

An accident involving an 18 Wheeler can entail intricate legal complications due to the various entities involved such as the truck driver, trucking company, and their respective insurance companies. As such, it’s in your best interest to consult a highly skilled personal injury lawyer like Stephen Thompson who focuses on automobile-18 wheeler accidents in Alabama. He will help ensure that you navigate the process correctly and don't inadvertently jeopardize any potential compensation claims.

Conclusion

Navigating the legal maze after a car accident involving an 18 Wheeler can be both overwhelming and complex. Stephen Thompson is an experienced Alabama personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accident injuries involving 18 Wheelers. With his help, you can rest assured that you will have a fighter in your corner with the expertise and determination during your legal battle, working tirelessly to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Alabama, turn to Stephen Thompson, your reliable and proficient personal injury lawyer who can effectively guide you successfully through your claim process and fight to ensure you get the justice you rightfully deserve. Remember, your search for a top-notch 18 wheeler accident attorney in Alabama ends with a call to Stephen Thompson. He will guide you through every step, ensuring you get the best advice during this challenging time.

Free Initial Strategy Session

All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.

During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

• First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
• Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
• If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
• If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
• Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.

Don't delay getting the recovery you deserve! Contact us today for your free Strategy Session!