6 Absolutely Vital Documents You Need for Making a Strong Truck Accident Claim

If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, you know how devastating they can be. 

An accident with an 18-wheeler can be even more destructive.

The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can cause massive damage to a passenger vehicle and its passengers. This damage can lead to expensive medical bills and property losses, so it’s important to secure certain documents regarding the accident so that you and your loved ones can seek compensation.

The process of filing an insurance claim can be complex and filing a civil suit can be even more confusing. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you need an attorney with experience in truck accident law. You need the Houston truck accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns. We would be proud to represent you and help you seek justice.

This might be the single most important document you will need to validate your claim. As soon as it is safe to do so, be sure to call the police to the scene of the accident. Even if the accident seems minor, it is much safer and legally responsible to go ahead and make sure law enforcement is aware. A police report is an accurate record of the incident and provides information that might only be available immediately after the collision.

Even if you feel fine after your accident, it is in your best interest to go ahead and seek medical evaluation. You or other passengers in your vehicle could have injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. 

If you are injured, having medical proof connecting your injuries to the crash is very important. If you wait an unusual amount of time before being evaluated, it may be harder to prove your accident caused your injuries.

After your accident, take notes on everything you can remember happening just before, during, and after the collision. If you aren’t able to take these notes, ask someone to help you. Note everything you can about the situation and the conditions that led to the accident. It’s also a good idea to photograph all of the relevant information.

You will want to obtain the name of the truck driver as well as their home address, email, phone number, and driver’s license number. Also, ask for their driver’s insurance company and policy number. You will need the name of the truck driver’s employer and their contact information. Write down the truck license plate number and any other identifying information. 

An experienced Houston truck accident attorney can help you obtain this information if you are unable to do so yourself.

This is another form of documentation you will want to gather after the accident, if possible. Anyone who saw the accident could have information that can help you develop your case. The police will potentially take witness statements, which your lawyer can help you access later. However, be aware that if it’s a busy scene, the police may not make witness statements their top priority.

Once it seems like everything is under control, bystanders will most likely leave, and they can be incredibly hard to locate afterward. If possible, ask for the contact information from any potential witnesses.

Even if your car seems to have only sustained minor damage, you will still need to have it appraised. The car could be damaged in ways you’re not aware of and this information may be needed for your insurance claim and any civil action you bring. 

It’s important to note that a car appraisal doesn’t involve repairs. You should wait until you have cleared the information with your insurance company before allowing a mechanic to do any repairs.

There are many difficult decisions that need to be made after an accident and it can be hard to know the best way to proceed. Thankfully, you don’t have to face the insurance companies and legal system alone. The Houston truck accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns will fight for you.

6 Absolutely Vital Documents You Need for Making a Strong Truck Accident Claim

Lapeze & Johns