What to Do When You Are Injured in a Trucking Accident in Allegheny County
Being involved in a trucking accident can be a traumatic and life-altering event. These accidents often result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Allegheny County, it is critical to know the steps to protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial future. At Frank Walker Law, we have years of experience guiding clients through these challenging situations. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the aftermath of a trucking accident.
1. Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Your safety and health are the most important considerations immediately after an accident. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not present symptoms right away. A medical evaluation also creates a record of your injuries, which can be critical for your case later.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
Pennsylvania law requires that law enforcement be notified of any accident resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage. The police will document the accident scene and file an official report. Be sure to obtain a copy of this report, as it will be an important piece of evidence.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able to do so, collect as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. This includes:
- Taking photographs of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Obtaining contact information from the truck driver, including their name, employer, insurance details, and license plate number.
- Gathering contact information from witnesses who saw the accident occur.
Truck accidents often involve complex liability issues, and this evidence can be crucial in determining fault.
4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
After the accident, you may be contacted by insurance adjusters representing the trucking company or other parties involved. Be cautious about what you say. Their goal is to minimize the payout for your claim, and anything you say could be used against you. It is best to consult with an experienced attorney before providing any statements.
5. Preserve Evidence Related to the Accident
Trucking companies are required to maintain records such as driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data. However, these records can be lost or destroyed over time. Your attorney can send a preservation letter to ensure that all relevant evidence is secured for your case.
6. Consult an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney
Trucking accident cases are far more complex than typical car accident claims. Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even manufacturers of defective truck parts. At Frank Walker Law, we have extensive experience handling these types of cases and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. This may include damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
7. Keep Detailed Records
Document everything related to your accident and injuries. This includes:
- Medical records and bills
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
- A journal detailing how your injuries have impacted your daily life
- Communication with insurance companies and other parties involved
8. Focus on Your Recovery
Finally, remember to prioritize your physical and emotional recovery. Dealing with the aftermath of a trucking accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Let your attorney handle the legal aspects while you focus on healing.
Why Choose Frank Walker Law?
At Frank Walker Law, we understand the devastating impact a trucking accident can have on your life. We are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive representation to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. As a trusted injury attorney in Allegheny County, Frank Walker has a proven track record of success in handling complex personal injury cases.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, don’t wait. Contact Frank Walker Law today for a free consultation. Let us fight for you so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Frank Walker Law or call us at (412) 532-6805.
About Frank Walker Law
Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Personal Injury Attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Best Attorneys in America, Best Law firms of America, America’s Greatest Attorneys, and a Top AVVO Rated attorney, with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.
Additionally, you can find Attorney Walker on YouTube, TikTok, the Pittsburgh Attorney Podcast and the West Virginia Attorney Podcast, where he gives legal tips (not advice!) and discusses the pressing legal issues of the day.
If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or are seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805 (Pittsburgh), 304-413-0179 (Morgantown), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.