It’s always made you nervous to drive behind cement trucks, and understandably so. These metal behemoths can weigh as much as 70,000 pounds when fully loaded and are prone to tipping over.
Then, one day, your worst nightmare comes to life when a cement truck hits your car. You’re probably injured, and your car is crushed like a pancake. What can you do to seek compensation?
Below, a Texas truck accident attorney explains your next steps after a cement truck accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Medical attention is a must after a cement truck crash. You probably don’t need prodding to see a doctor if you’re badly injured, but you should do so even if you think you’re unhurt.
The reason for this is simple but crucial: The insurance company will want to see proof of your injuries. Without that proof, don’t be surprised when a denial letter shows up.
Collect Evidence at the Accident Scene
If you’re not hurt enough to need an ambulance, stay at the accident scene and take pictures of your car, the cement truck, the driver, and anything else that catches your eye. For example, tire skid marks could prove that the trucker was driving too fast to stop in time before hitting you.
Other things you may want pictures of include:
- Poor weather conditions
- Damaged roads
- Hidden or damaged signage
- Debris in the road
Look for witnesses who may have seen the accident as well. Ask for their names and phone numbers so your Texas truck accident attorney can speak with them later.
Stay Tight-Lipped When the Insurance Company Calls
Soon after the accident, the insurance company will call and ask for a recorded statement. Whatever you do, don’t comply. The adjuster doesn’t need a recorded statement to process your claim, and giving one can only hurt you.
Tell the adjuster you won’t give a statement without your Texas big rig accident lawyer present. Give them nothing but the bare minimum information, such as your name and date of birth. Also, never apologize for the accident or suggest that you’re to blame. If you do, the insurance company might deny your claim or offer you a lower settlement.
Hire a Texas Truck Crash Lawyer to Help Determine Liability
Cement truck accident cases are tricky because multiple parties may be involved. Often, you can hold the trucker’s employer responsible for the accident. However, this isn’t always the case, as some trucking companies classify drivers as independent contractors to avoid lawsuits.
If the driver is legitimately an independent contractor, you may have to hold them personally liable. If the trucking company purposely misclassified the driver as a contractor, you can go after the company for compensation.
In addition to determining liability, a commercial vehicle accident attorney in Texas can:
- Calculate the value of your claim
- Collect evidence
- File claims and paperwork with the insurance company
- Handle settlement negotiations
- Represent you in court if the case goes to trial
It’s wise to hire a Texas semi-truck collision attorney as soon as possible after a crash. In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to make a claim, and you’ll lose out on compensation if you fail to do so.
Dependable Legal Representation for Truck Accidents in Texas
If you’ve had an accident, you don’t need to face the intimidating cement truck company alone. Our attorneys have years of experience standing up to negligent truckers and their employers.
For a consultation with a Texas truck accident attorney after a cement truck accident call McLaurin Law PLLC at (713) 322 5523.
