A dump truck accident can be catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. If you've been involved in a dump truck accident, our skilled Milwaukee truck collision lawyer at Hupy and Abraham can explain your rights and help ensure you take appropriate actions to protect yourself.
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7 Steps to Take After a Dump Truck Crash
It can be confusing to know what to do after being injured in a collision involving a dump truck, regardless of which state you live in.
The following steps are essential for protecting your rights and possible compensation:
- Ensure safety first. Immediately after a dump truck accident, keep your safety your top priority. If you can, move to a safe location away from the accident scene to avoid further harm. If you're unable to move or are seriously injured, stay in your vehicle and wait for medical assistance.
- Call 911. No matter how severe the accident, it's essential to call 911. This ensures law enforcement and medical professionals are dispatched to the scene. The police report will document the details of the accident, which can be crucial later when dealing with insurance companies and pursuing legal action.
- Collect evidence. If you’re physically able to do so, gather evidence from the scene, such as photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, eyewitness contact information, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine immediately following the crash, seeking medical attention is vital. Certain injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms until later. Documenting your injuries and receiving timely medical treatment is essential for your health and your potential legal case.
- Exchange information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the dump truck driver and other parties involved. Be sure to obtain their name, license plate number, insurance details, and contact information for their employer, if applicable.
- Avoid discussing fault. Never admit fault or discuss the accident in detail with anyone at the scene, including the other driver and witnesses. Such statements can be used against you later during insurance negotiations or legal proceedings. Stick to providing facts and avoid making any speculative statements.
- Contact an attorney. Calling a Milwaukee truck collision lawyer immediately following a crash is crucial. Your lawyer helps guide you through the legal process and prevents you from making costly mistakes.
How Our Milwaukee Truck Collision Lawyer Can Help You Recover Financially
After a dump truck accident, hiring a skilled Milwaukee truck collision lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some ways in which a truck accident lawyer at Hupy and Abraham can assist you:
- Provide legal expertise. Dump truck accidents often involve complex liability issues. A seasoned attorney assesses the circumstances of the accident, gathers evidence, and determines liability. They identify potentially responsible parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of faulty equipment.
- Negotiate with insurance companies. Dealing with insurance companies is challenging, as they often try to minimize payouts. An attorney can handle all communications with insurers and negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Investigate the accident. Your legal team thoroughly investigates the accident, including examining police reports, gathering witness statements, and consulting accident reconstruction experts if necessary. This investigation helps determine the cause, establish liability, and strengthen your case.
- Maximize damages. An experienced attorney evaluates the economic and non-economic damages you qualify for and strives to maximize the compensation you deserve. For example, Hupy and Abraham negotiated a settlement with the insurance adjuster without going to trial for a client who was rear-ended by a dump truck.
Potential Damages You Can Recover From a Truck Accident
When pursuing a dump truck accident claim, there are various types of damages you may be eligible to receive, such as:
- Medical expenses. This includes medical costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost income and future earning potential.
- Property damage. Damages to your vehicle and personal property can be compensated.
- Pain and suffering. Your settlement may cover the physical and emotional distress associated with the accident, including pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If a loved one has lost their life in a dump truck accident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Contact Our Truck Accident Attorney in MIlwaukee
If you were injured in a dump truck accident in Madison, contact our skilled Wisconsin truck accident lawyers at Hupy and Abraham. We offer a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to review your case. To schedule a confidential appointment, please fill out our convenient contact form or call us at 800-800-5678.