Unfortunately, truck accidents are common in Palatine. Although trucking companies and drivers are required to adhere to safety regulations, some choose to ignore them to gain an advantage, resulting in serious injuries to undeserved parties.
If you have been injured by a driver or company’s negligence, you deserve justice for your losses. While these cases are often complex and involve multiple parties, our team is not intimidated by the size and resources of the trucking industry. We have spent decades holding them accountable for their negligent practices and can put that experience to use in your case. You should not be made to shoulder the burden of expenses you were not at fault for causing.
Our truck accident lawyers at Rhatigan Law Offices can provide you with a free case review by contacting us at (312) 578-8502.
Steps to Take After Getting Injured in a Palatine, IL Truck Accident
Knowing the steps to take after a truck accident can help protect your health and your legal rights. Each step plays a crucial role in your recovery and potential injury claim. Our truck accident attorneys will be standing by to help you with what steps to take next to get the compensation you are rightfully entitled. By following the steps below, you will be ensuring a great start to your case:
Call 911 for Help
The first action you should take after a truck accident is to call 911. This will alert both law enforcement and emergency medical services to the situation. It is important to stay at the scene until help arrives if it is safe and possible to do so. The police will create an official accident report, which can be pivotal in any subsequent legal proceedings.
Depending on who arrives first, the police or an ambulance, you might have the chance to speak with law enforcement at the accident scene. It is crucial to give them your account of events for their report. This report will serve as an official record of the accident and can be used as evidence in your claim. However, remember to stick to the facts and avoid speculating about the cause of the accident or who is at fault.
Get Medical Attention
It is imperative to seek medical attention after a truck accident, not only to rule out any hidden injuries but also to protect your legal rights. Injuries such as whiplash or internal injuries might not manifest immediately, and hence, it is crucial to get yourself evaluated by a medical professional. They can examine your condition and note any injuries that might have resulted from the accident.
This documentation will prove to be invaluable while seeking compensation for your injuries down the line. Without it, you will not have much to link your injuries with the accident the hospital was treating you for.
Document the Scene
If your physical condition permits, it is highly recommended that you capture the details of the accident scene. You can do this by taking pictures of the accident site, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle.
If there are any witnesses around, it would be wise to gather their contact information, as their accounts could provide valuable evidence to support your version of events.
Contact Our Lawyers
Once you have attended to your immediate medical needs, it is time to seek legal advice. Our team can guide you through the complexities of a truck accident claim, which can be numerous.
We can also help gather evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and represent your interests if your case goes to trial. Remember, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure the preservation of important evidence and meet any legal deadlines that could prevent you from recovering compensation if missed.
Ways Your Truck Accident Attorney Can Help Your Claim in Palatine, IL
Hiring an attorney after a truck accident in Palatine can significantly strengthen your claim and improve your chances of success. Truck accidents are no ordinary car accident claim. That is why having a team with the right knowledge is crucial when fighting powerful interests in the trucking industry.
Identify All Liable Parties
In a truck accident, multiple parties could be held liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even a third party. Identifying all liable parties is crucial in maximizing your potential compensation.
A seasoned attorney has the expertise to thoroughly investigate the accident and determine all parties at fault. We can scrutinize the driver’s qualifications, the trucking company’s safety record, and the conditions of the vehicle itself to establish liability.
Obtain Important Evidence
Evidence plays a pivotal role in any truck accident claim. It can substantiate your claims about the accident and demonstrate the extent of your injuries. Your attorney can help gather this evidence, which might include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and even expert testimonies.
We can also access data from the truck’s black box, surveillance footage, or other data that might not be readily available to you.
Accurately Assess Your Damages
Determining the full extent of your damages is another critical aspect of your truck accident claim. This includes not only your current medical expenses but also future medical costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.
An experienced legal team can accurately assess all these damages to ensure you seek appropriate compensation. They can work with medical professionals, vocational experts, and others to estimate future costs related to your injuries.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
We understand insurers’ tactics for lowering settlements and can counter them effectively. If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, we can take your case to court and present the complex evidence in understandable terms.
Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Palatine, IL
In Palatine, there are specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, within which you must file a lawsuit. In truck accident claims, this time limit typically begins to run from the accident date.
According to 735 I.L.C.S. 5/13-202, the statute of limitations for truck accidents is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that you will have two years from the date it occurred to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. If you fail to file your claim within this period, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
Our Palatine, IL Truck Accident Attorneys Know How to Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
For a free case assessment with our truck accident attorneys, call Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
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