In Maryland, commercial truck accidents lead to serious injuries and hundreds of dollars in auto repairs. Common causes of accidents are exhausted driving, DUI, and unbalanced loads. Federal regulations are in place to prevent exhausted driving-related accidents. Reviewing what to do after trucking accidents in Upper Marlboro helps victims avoid common mistakes that reduce their award in a lawsuit.
Contacting Law Enforcement
After any traffic accident, victims are advised to contact law enforcement immediately. Law enforcement is necessary to generate an accident report. The officers conduct a full investigation of the accident and identify an at-fault driver. In trucking accidents, a more thorough investigation is conducted if the commercial driver is at fault.
Getting Medical Help and Documenting Injuries
All victims are advised to seek a medical assessment after the accident. Even if they have minor injuries, it is vital for them to determine if there are any underlying conditions. A doctor’s visit helps the victim generate medical records. The records are used as evidence in an accident claim and outline all medical treatments the victim needs in the future.
Obtaining Details About the Accident
The attorney will work to obtain further details about the accident if they aren’t given by the victims immediately. Findings of a more thorough inspection aren’t readily available to the accident victim. However, the attorney can file a motion to get the information through discovery. The information helps the attorney establish what party caused the accident and is liable for the victim’s injuries.
Calculating Potential Damages
The attorney helps the claimant calculate their potential damages. All medical expenses, lost wages, and auto repair costs are added to the claim. The victim needs all invoices from their doctor, income statements from their employer, and at least three estimates for auto repairs.
In Maryland, commercial truck accidents often include more than one victim. When the events happen, the law enforcement officers must complete an investigation and report the findings. Insurance claims pay for the victim’s losses in most cases. However, when the insurer refuses, the victims are left to file a legal claim to collect. Victims who are involved in trucking accidents in Upper Marlboro are encouraged to contact the Jaklitsch Law Group and set up an appointment now.
