If you are involved in a truck accident, the ways in which that situation can impact your life may be devastating. A truck accident can leave you temporarily or permanently impaired. Even if the collision seems relatively minor, there may be bodily effects that you don’t feel initially, but that will require extensive care. Also, it can be expensive to get your car repaired, and your insurance premium may rise because of the accident.
Given the stakes of this situation, it is a good idea to learn about your legal options and what you should do immediately following a collision with a truck. To benefit from our extensive experience managing truck accident cases, contact the reputable truck accident lawyers in Glendale, AZ at Perez Law Group, PLLC online or by calling 602-730-7100.
What Should I Do After A Truck Accident? Understandably, you may be frantic and discombobulated after the accident. However, keeping a calm head, if possible, and taking certain precautions will help you in the long run. Our firm has created a list of suggestions should you find yourself experiencing the immediate aftermath of a car accident with a truck driver.
If It Is Severe
If the aftermath of the truck accident is severe, immediately call the police, so you can file a police report, and immediately call an ambulance to escort you to the hospital. Do not drive to the hospital yourself. You will not likely be in the right state of mind to drive yourself to an emergency room. Also, it is vital that you do not delay going to the hospital, as you may suffer from internal bleeding or develop stroke-like symptoms.
If It Is Not Severe
If the aftermath of the truck accident is less severe and you’re not too injured to take further action, pull over. Get your car off the street and onto the side of the road. Once your vehicle is safely out of the way of traffic (reducing the likelihood of further collisions occurring), do the following to the best of your ability.
Exchange Information
According to Arizona law, you must exchange identifying information with the other party involved in the collision. You and the truck driver must exchange each other’s name, address, registration, and driver’s license number.
Call The Police
Call the police to file a report and take official statements from you, the truck driver, and any witnesses. The police report will detail whether the truck driver was drunk and may state who was most likely at fault. This report may play a key role in a personal injury lawsuit, if you decide to sue for damages.
Visit Medical Professionals
Although you may not feel badly injured, initially, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible. The adrenaline rush, confusion, and shock following the accident can numb your mind to the pain. However, being numb to the pain doesn’t mean that you don’t have a mild concussion, internal injuries, or other bodily trauma. Only a proper medical examination can confirm how well or unwell you are.
Speak With Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the accident, ideally after you have spoken with your attorney as insurance providers may hold what you say against you. Provide your account of the events leading up to the accident and what happened immediately following the accident. You will need to alert your insurance company of the accident regardless of whether you think you’ll want to pursue a lawsuit.
Consult A Truck Accident Attorney In Glendale, AZ
Speak with a truck accident attorney. Even if you aren’t certain about whether you want to file an insurance claim or take any legal action, you should know your options. Skilled truck accident attorneys will provide you with relevant information, discuss which damages you could request, and inform you of what you may be entitled to recover. It is important to be informed fully, so you can weigh the decision of whether to sue the truck driver or not in an empowered manner.
What Is Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Law?
Arizona adheres to a comparative negligence law. According to this law, you may seek compensation for a car accident, even if you are 99% at fault. Unless you are 100% at fault for the accident, the civil court will not bar your claim. However, the court will reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault. For example, if the court awards you $10,000 and you are 40% at fault, you will receive $6000 from those who are at fault, not the full value of the harm you’ve suffered.
What Damages Can I Recover In The Wake Of A Truck Accident?
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable damages. These damages often come with a receipt. Examples of standard economic damages in a truck accident personal injury lawsuit include:
- Ambulance ride
- Emergency room visit
- Post-collision care, such as a chiropractor visit
- Lost wages
The economic damages you can request compensation for will depend on the specifics of your accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are emotional damages that stem from the accident. You may seek non-economic damages when the accident has impacted your life negatively. The accident may have impacted your life negatively if you develop a fear of driving or post-traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD), for example. Pain and suffering is a common example of non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are damages the court will impose if the judge finds that the truck driver’s behavior or their employer’s conduct was so reprehensible that additional money should be owed to the plaintiff (you). Arizona does not impose a cap on how much you can request in punitive damages. However, the Supreme Court says that your request cannot go above a 9:1 ratio of punitive to compensatory damages. These damages are not awarded frequently, as they are meant to serve as a deterrent rather than as compensation for specific harm.
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in Glendale, AZ Are Available To Help
A truck driver colliding with your car is a scary, consequential experience. The aftermath of a crash may be, in some ways, even scarier. Without an attorney, you will probably have to face intimidating insurance agents and seek repayment for expensive medical bills on your own. Fortunately, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. Our truck crash attorneys can aggressively advocate on behalf of your rights. Call us now at 602-730-7100 or go online to schedule a consultation. We look forward to speaking with you.
