Collision Aftermath: Advice From a Fort Myers Truck Accident Lawyer

According to recent data, Florida was one of the states with the most deaths resulting from large truck crashes, with 368 people tragically losing their lives in a single year. In addition, countless other people are injured in truck accidents every year in the state, and these injuries can lead to temporary or lifelong complications. These complications can be of the financial, mental, and physical kind and affect employment, relationships, and enjoyment of life. 

Facing the aftermath of a collision can be overwhelming and challenging, it is often best to speak with a Fort Myers truck accident attorney to learn about your rights and what comes next. The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. is standing by to assist you after a truck accident.

Fort Myers Truck Accident Lawyer Advice for Collision Survivors

Every trucking accident case is different, but our advice works under all circumstances. See below for helpful tips you will receive regarding what to do in the aftermath of a collision:

Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The first moments after you have been in a trucking accident are critical. You should first check yourself for injuries and, if possible, any passengers or others around you. Afterward, you will want to get to a safe location away from traffic but still at the accident scene. You should not leave the accident scene, as this is a crime in Florida. 

Once you are in a safe location, call 911 to report the accident and request medical help; even if you believe you are not injured, it is best to call for medical attention. You might have an injury you are not aware of, and failing to report it could harm your chances of obtaining just compensation with a trucking company’s insurer, never mind the effects it could have on your health and well-being. 

The medical evaluation and follow-up doctor’s appointments will create a record of your injuries, which a Fort Myers truck accident attorney can use to strengthen your case and chances for fair compensation. 

Contact Law Enforcement

Usually, calling 911 will alert a local police unit to the accident, but if this is not the case, be sure to contact local law enforcement. It is necessary to do this after a truck accident to have it reported and the events recorded in a police report. 

This official accident report written by the police provides a record of the incident, which can be incredibly helpful when filing a claim or lawsuit. Without a report, the person who caused the accident can claim no accident occurred. Be sure to get a Crash Report Number from the office which is usually located on the Driver’s Exchange of Information or officer’s card in order to make it easier to locate the final report.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

Of course, not everyone is going to be able to gather evidence at the scene of a trucking accident, especially if they have suffered serious injuries. However, since time is of the essence, it is best to have a lawyer collect as much evidence as possible if you cannot do so yourself. 

The evidence that should be gathered at the accident scene includes photos of the accident scene, available CCTV footage, license plate numbers, and pictures of injuries and visible damages to vehicles. You will also want to get the contact information of any witnesses and exchange contact details with the truck driver, their employer and the insurance provider and policy number.

Be Wary of Insurance Companies

Unfortunately, truck insurance companies are not on your side, so you must be wary of them. You are likely to receive calls from the truck company’s insurer after the collision, and although you can take these calls, you need to be careful of what you say. 

Anything you say will be used against you to reduce how much compensation they offer under no circumstance should you sign anything directly from the trucking company or its insurance company until you have consulted with a Fort Myers truck accident attorney to speak with them on your behalf. 

An attorney like those at the Laws Office of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., knows what to say to insurers and will not allow any recorded statements or documents to be signed without your best interests in mind. They also will not let an insurer try and force a quick settlement on you, as this could prevent you from claiming what you deserve. 

Contact The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. Today For Help With Your Truck Accident Case

The unfortunate reality is that the aftermath of a trucking accident is significantly harder to navigate because multiple parties can be held liable and they are often more serious. That is why speaking with a Fort Myers truck accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A.  is best. 

You can book an obligation-free consultation online or phone us at (239) 500-5000. Our team has decades of experience helping truck accident victims get the compensation they justly deserve.