Top Mistakes to Avoid After an Indiana Semi-Truck Accident
The trucking industry is expanding more rapidly than ever. The role of trucking is also important for the US economy as it helps drive so much profit. Not to mention that it opens up so many employment opportunities for people.
The state of Indiana has been going through a period of urbanization and its intersections and highways are growing busier by the day. And with more semi-trucks and other large vehicles roaming its roads, the issue of safety also rises to the surface.
As more semi-trucks frequent Indiana’s roads, the risk of accidents also grows bigger. Being involved in a semi-truck accident can be a life-altering experience. These types of accidents are often more severe than standard car crashes due to the impact of semi-trucks.
Whether you are a driver, pedestrian, or a business owner whose operations rely on trucking, knowing how to handle the aftermath of such an accident is crucial. The decisions you make in the moments, days, and weeks following an accident can significantly impact your recovery, both physically and financially.
Many often let a fair settlement slip through their fingers because they make the mistake of doing everything alone and not consulting anyone throughout the process.
In this blog post, we will explore what semi-trucks are, the risks they pose in accidents, and the top mistakes to avoid if you find yourself involved in one. We’ll also reflect on the resources offered in Indiana that can help you tackle this issue.
What are semi-trucks?
Before we dive deep into the issue of truck accidents in Indiana, it’s first important to define what semi-trucks are.
They’re also known as 18-wheeler or tractor-trailers. Basically, they’re large commercial vehicles designed for transporting cargo.
These trucks consist of two main components: the tractor and the trailer, which carries the load. They are built for long-distance transportation of goods and are essential to supply chains across the US. That makes them essential for the US economy.
Given their size, semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which is significantly heavier than standard passenger vehicles, which typically weigh around 3,000-4,000 pounds. Now you can probably understand why truck accidents result in such damage.
Needless to say, their size and weight is what makes them so dangerous to other vehicles and pedestrians as well.
Common mistakes to avoid
After an accident with a semi-truck, your immediate actions can significantly impact the outcome of your compensation and insurance settlement. To make sure you get a fair settlement, make sure to avoid the following mistakes:
Failing to call the police
The first mistake people make is not contacting the police after an accident. Whether or not injuries are apparent, it’s important to have a police report documenting the crash. That’s the basis for all the red tape that comes afterward. You need to have a detailed police report.
The report will contain crucial information such as the time, location, and description of the accident. This can be used as evidence if a claim or lawsuit is filed later. The police will also gather statements from witnesses, take photographs, and assess the scene. All of which are essential for building a strong case.
The more work the police manage to do, the less work for you. If the police manage to gather and document all the evidence, that means you’ll have everything set for your negotiations later.
Not hiring legal support
Perhaps the biggest mistake people make after a semi-truck accident is not seeking legal counsel. Many believe that they’re able to do everything completely independently. Thus, they fail to take advantage of the numerous specialized legal resources that Indiana has to offer.
As semi-truck accidents often involve more than one person, it makes the issue more complex. Without legal representation, you could be taken advantage of or receive far less compensation than you deserve. And you definitely don’t want that.
So, one of the first things you need to do if you find yourself in a semi-truck accident is to find a semi truck accident attorney that’ll guide you through the process and relieve you of the burden of having to go through everything alone.
Not seeking immediate medical attention
It’s common for people to feel okay after an accident and believe they don’t need medical attention, especially if injuries aren’t immediately visible. However, just because you’re not able to see any visible signs doesn’t mean that the injuries aren’t there. Truck accidents can cause internal bleeding and you may not notice the sign immediately.
Additionally, failing to seek medical attention promptly can spark questions about the severity of your injuries. And, trust us, insurance companies will take advantage of that.
Insurance companies may argue that if you didn’t seek treatment right away, your injuries weren’t serious. Always get checked out by a healthcare professional, even if you feel fine initially.
And, if the doctor prescribes a certain type of treatment or schedules additional check-ups, be sure not to miss any as this can again be used against you by insurance company representatives.
The bottom line
As you can see, it’s very easy to get tricked out of a fair settlement. That’s why, if you end up in a semi-truck accident in Indiana, make sure to take advantage of the state’s legal resources. Furthermore, reach out to healthcare professionals who can provide immediate support.
Semi-truck accidents are traumatic and overwhelming. However, the steps you take in the aftermath can make all the difference. There’s no need to go through it alone and it’s completely fine to seek support.
Avoiding common mistakes such as failing to call the police, admitting fault, or not seeking legal representation can protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
The state of Indiana has all the resources you need. You’ll be able to find suitable legal support to get you through the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out to all the support available.
