October 19, 2022
What to Know If You Get into a Truck Accident
Recovery after vehicular accidents can be difficult, especially if you’ve never experienced one before and are unfamiliar with what next steps to take. This is especially true after a truck accident, as these often cause more damage, leaving victims with greater physical and emotional trauma.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, we’re here to help. The following steps are critical to keep you safe and your rights protected. Plus, learn how Michigan No-Fault insurance applies to truck accidents so you can stay informed at all times.
Critical Steps After a Truck Accident
Regardless of whether you’ve been in a car accident, truck accident—even a pedestrian accident—the first step is to call for help (if you’re able) and get medical assistance right away. If you receive help from EMS, make sure to document the names of the technicians (EMTs) who assisted you and, if possible, take pictures of your injuries at the time of the accident. If you are capable of taking pictures of the damage to your vehicle, make sure to do this as well. These will be important later when submitting for insurance benefits.
The next step is critical for victims of truck accidents: contact a lawyer ASAP to make sure that all evidence is preserved. Large trucking companies may have greater motivation to conceal or destroy some of the evidence if it means their insurance costs won’t go up. Make sure YOU are being protected and that ALL evidence is saved—an accident attorney will be able to help you determine and prioritize what’s most important.
From there, you can work with your lawyer to file an insurance claim and ensure your benefits are provided accurately and in a timely manner. Remember: NEVER admit fault or sign a release form if approached by an insurance representative or lawyer for the opposing driver in the accident. This could absolutely be used against you if you choose to file a lawsuit or claim certain benefits later down the line.
What Kind of Tort is a Truck Accident?
You may have heard the term “motor tort” thrown around when it comes to the law in motor vehicle accidents, but what is it referring to? This is any kind of wrongdoing involving a vehicle, whether that’s a car, a truck, or a motorcycle. Specifically, a motor tort is the negligent “operation” of a motor vehicle, which leads to an accident. There is no such thing as a “truck tort” as a truck accident would fall under the category of a “motor tort.”
Trucks and Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance
Michigan’s No-Fault insurance applies to accidents involving trucks of all kinds—garbage trucks, tow trucks, 18-wheelers and more. As long as you have Michigan No-Fault insurance, may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.
For more information about truck accidents or to discuss the specifics of your case, schedule a free consultation with a member of our talented team of truck accident lawyers. We’ll help guide you through your options and what next steps are right for you.