The risk of serious injury or death in a truck accident is frightening. Facing a powerful trucking company can also be scary, and you should not do it without our lawyers’ help.
After a truck accident, call 911, take pictures, and go to the hospital. Avoid apologizing to the police or the truck driver, and contact us immediately. We can obtain and use medical records, eyewitness statements, video footage, and other evidence to support your case and help you recover the compensatory damages you deserve.
For a free case review from our truck accident lawyers, call the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 598-0014.
Who Should You Call Right After a Truck Accident in Springfield, IL?
If you are physically able after a truck accident, use your cell phone to call 911. Do not call anyone else before you call the police, not even a friend or family member, because you are upset.
A truck driver’s job might be in jeopardy after an accident, and they might ask you to refrain from calling the police for that reason. Ignore such requests, and dial 911 immediately.
What Should You Photograph After a Truck Accident?
Again, if you are physically able, you should photograph anything that might be relevant to your future claim. This includes broken glass, car parts, and tire marks left on the road. You can also photograph the final landing position of your car and the truck, as well as any apparent property damage to either vehicle, no matter how minimal the damage might be to a large commercial truck.
Where Should You Go After a Truck Accident in Springfield, IL?
Right after a truck accident, go to the hospital. If you are very seriously injured, cannot drive, or your car is totaled, paramedics can take you to the hospital in an ambulance and treat you on the way.
What if You Appear Uninjured After a Truck Accident?
It is rare for victims to leave truck accidents with no injuries whatsoever. Some victims appear uninjured but have sustained internal injuries that need attention. Let paramedics assess you at the scene and take you to the hospital for further assessment if necessary.
What if You Apologize for Your Part in a Truck Accident?
Apologizing for your part in a truck accident could compromise your compensation claim. New Jersey is a modified comparative fault state. Though a plaintiff can sue for damages if they are not more at fault than the defendant, they will receive less in damages in proportion to their liability.
When Should You Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Springfield, IL?
Do not wait weeks or months to hire a truck accident lawyer after a crash, as that time can be crucial for preserving evidence and building your case.
How Do You Get Medical Records for a Truck Accident Case?
Victims can rely on our truck accident lawyers to obtain, with their consent, copies of all hospital and medical records related to their injuries and the collision.
How Do You Get Eyewitnesses to Testify in a Truck Accident Case?
We may also locate eyewitnesses who can testify about the accident and a negligent driver’s actions. The police report may mention eyewitnesses’ names, so we will also obtain this document from law enforcement.
How Can You Use Video Footage to Prove a Truck Accident Case?
If we have video footage showing the moments leading up to the collision, the accident, and the moments after the crash, we can use it to prove the defendant’s negligent driving caused the collision. Video footage might even capture proof of your visible injuries after a crash.
When Is a Trucking Company Liable for a Truck Accident in Springfield, IL?
Trucking companies are liable for truck accidents that occur when their drivers are on the clock and working. Trucking companies are also liable if they fail to inspect and maintain trucks, leading to accidents.
When Is a Truck Manufacturer Liable for a Truck Accident?
A truck manufacturer might be liable for an accident caused by an internal problem within the vehicle during design or production. For example, if the brakes in a commercial truck suddenly failed because of a design flaw, the manufacturer would be liable.
When Is Another Passenger Car Driver Liable for a Truck Accident?
If another driver acts negligently and a truck driver is forced to respond, the passenger car driver who initiated the incident may be fully liable. However, if the truck driver was also negligent for following too closely or speeding, they might share fault.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for Medical Damages from a Truck Accident?
Illinois allows personal injury victims to recover full compensation for medical damages, including those they have not yet incurred but will as part of their required medical treatment.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for Lost Wages from a Truck Accident?
You can also get substantial compensation for lost wages, as there is no cap on these damages in Illinois.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for Pain and Suffering from a Truck Accident?
Illinois also does not cap compensation for pain and suffering, allowing victims to recover considerable non-economic damages after serious truck accidents.
Can Truck Accident Plaintiffs Ever Get Punitive Damages in Springfield, IL?
Punitive damages are only ever available for injuries caused by an evil motive or with a reckless and conscious indifference to others’ rights and safety. When initially evaluating your case, we can see whether punitive damages could be part of your recovery based on the liable party’s actions.
When Is the Latest You Can File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?
The latest you can bring a compensation claim for a truck accident in Illinois is 2 years from the date the accident originally took place.
Call Our Springfield, IL Truck Accident Attorneys Now
For a free case discussion with our truck accident lawyers, call the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 598-0014.
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