When you’re injured in a truck accident caused by a negligent driver, it may seem obvious that their insurance company should provide you with a settlement. But, you need to remember that the insurance adjuster will work to pay as little as possible, rather than guarantee you are fairly compensated. In order to ensure you are fully prepared for your case, you should start collecting the below five key pieces of information right away.
If you have questions about your case, consider calling a Houston truck accident lawyer for advice. At The Krist Law Firm, P.C., we can help you negotiate with the insurance company and help you receive a fair settlement. Contact us today at (281) 283-8500 to schedule a free consultation.
1. The Truck Driver’s Information
There are several pieces of information you will need from the truck driver, including:
- The driver’s name
- Company information
- License plate number
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) info
- Any other identifying numbers on their truck
- Insurance company information (the company that insures the truck, not their personal insurance company)
2. A Record of the Accident
You should call the police after the accident so they can come out and file a report. The report will include:
- A summary of how the car accident happened
- Any possible negligent actions committed by the drivers
- A description of the weather and road conditions
- The location of the accident
- Whether emergency vehicles were dispatched to the scene
The above list is merely a summary. Other factors will be captured in the police report, so be sure to obtain a copy for your case.
3. Medical Records
Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should seek the opinion of a medical professional. A doctor can examine you and determine if there are any injuries you’re not even aware of and cannot feel yet. You’ll find out if you need X-rays or need to go see a specialist for your injuries. You may be prescribed medication or even have to schedule a surgery for a particularly bad injury. All of these records are imperative to your ability to receive proper compensation for your accident.
4. Records of Property Damage
You may walk away unscathed, but your car might not be so lucky. If your automobile sustained damage from the accident, you shouldn’t have to be responsible for repairs. Instead, you should get some estimates for repairs and include them along with:
- The make, model, and year of your car
- Any financial records pertaining to your car loan (if you have one)
- The length of time you owned the car
It’s a good idea to include a picture of the car before the accident if you have it. That way, you can show the severity of the damage caused by the accident.
5. Your Personal Information
It’s necessary to present your own personal information, especially if you need to collect damages for the days you missed work or for medical problems. You should include these items:
- Your name and address
- Earnings from your job
- Days of work that you missed while recovering from the accident
- Your car insurance information
- Your criminal record, if applicable
Talk to a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
While collecting all the above information is vital to your case, perhaps your very first move should be to contact a truck accident lawyer. Our lawyers at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. can help you determine exactly what documentation you’ll need, and they can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. To speak to one of our lawyers at no cost, contact us today at (281) 283-8500.