Shock, anger, fear, and pain can overwhelm anyone who has been in a truck crash. Few people know what to do after a serious accident, but the hours and days afterward can be crucial to your claim for compensation.
The first steps to take after a Chicago truck accident involve staying safe, ensuring everyone else is safe, and calling for the help you may need. Seeking legal guidance from an experienced truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights and begin the process of securing the compensation you deserve.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
In some cases, a collision with a commercial truck can leave you unable to escape a wrecked car. Even if a victim feels well enough to move after a truck wreck in Chicago, the first step they should take is to seek medical help, as this may mean the difference between life and death. Shock can dampen the body’s pain response to injuries that may become fatal if they go undetected.
If they can safely move and use their phone, a victim should take photos and videos of the scene, especially the condition of the vehicles and the road. A clear view of the crash site and nearby buildings can help locate surveillance cameras or witnesses. It is also critical to gather contact information from any eyewitnesses, as this may be difficult to obtain later and their observations can play an important role in the future investigation.
Illinois law requires a driver to seek help for anyone injured and then provide their name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration to the other people involved. Under Chicago Municipal Code § 9‑56‑010, the city also requires you to make a police report. However, you should generally avoid making any statements without first speaking with an attorney.
Why Is It Important to Consult an Attorney?
After a truck crash, even giving an apology may put your case in danger. Insurance investigators will often look for any reason to reduce or deny a claim, including an inadvertent admission out of politeness.
Under Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/2-1116, an injured person only has the right to recover damages if they were less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. They can still receive compensation if they were partly at fault, but their recovery may be reduced by up to half. Insurers often use this rule to deny claims or offer small payouts that do not fully cover a victim’s losses.
Consulting a Chicago attorney is an important first step to take after a truck crash, as it can help you protect your right to compensation and better understand your options. A skilled lawyer can conduct their own investigation and gather evidence that challenges the insurance company’s account of the accident. With our firm’s guidance, a victim can often avoid claim denials and low settlement offers.
Call a Chicago Attorney About the The First Steps to Take After a Truck Crash
The first steps to take after a Chicago truck accident involve keeping yourself safe and consulting an attorney who can protect your rights. At Kaveny Sarmas Injury Lawyers, we will begin by listening to your story and explaining your options for compensation.
While we are a small firm, we have big-firm experience. Schedule a consultation today and learn how we can help.
