There were 523,796 truck accidents in 2021, with 101k causing injuries and a further 4,444 leading to a fatality. Getting into an accident with a truck driver is bad enough, but when that truck driver also happens to be uninsured, it can make the aftermath even more complicated. Here are the key steps to take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Assess Your Injuries and Call the Emergency Services
The first priority after any accident is to check on the wellbeing of everyone involved. If you or anyone else has sustained injuries, call 911 immediately. Receiving prompt medical attention is critical, both for your health and to create an official record of your injuries.
Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Certain injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Getting a professional medical evaluation documents the full extent of your injuries, which will be important for any insurance or legal claims.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
While you’re waiting for emergency responders, start taking photos and videos of the damaged vehicles, the accident location, any skid marks or debris, and people with visible injuries. Get the contact information of the other people involved, as well as the names and numbers of any witnesses.
It’s also a good idea to write down your recollection of exactly what happened leading up to and during the accident, while everything that happened is still fresh in your mind. This written account can be invaluable later on.
File a Police Report
Once the police arrive, cooperate fully and provide them with all the information and evidence you’ve collected. Make sure to get a copy of the police report, as this will be a key document for any insurance or legal claims.
The police report will officially document that the accident occurred and will include details like the other driver’s information, their insurance status, and their account of what happened. This report can be crucial evidence if the uninsured driver later tries to deny or misrepresent the incident.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Dealing with an uninsured truck driver can make the claims process much more complex. That’s why it’s highly advisable to work with an experienced personal injury law firm like us. We can handle negotiations with your insurance company, investigate the accident, and pursue other avenues of compensation, such as a lawsuit against the uninsured driver.
We will also ensure that the full extent of your injuries and damages is documented and accounted for. This is critical, as you may need to rely on a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve.
If you have been caught up in a truck accident, you’re probably feeling stressed and upset. But by taking the right steps and working with our experienced lawyers, you can protect your rights and get the support you need to recover both physically and financially.
Visit our offices at the following locations:
- Astoria – 32-72 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103
- Brooklyn – 7113 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Syosset – 175 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, NY 11791
Call now for a free consultation on (347) 472-5080.