Commercial truck accidents are often devastating, resulting in property damage, serious injuries, and even death. They also happen a lot more frequently than most people realize. In fact, several thousand commercial trucks are involved in deadly collisions every year.
How do I file a truck accident claim in Virginia?
If you were involved in a Virginia truck accident, you are probably curious about the process of filing a truck accident claim, and wondering how you can make sure you get the financial compensation you need. Contact the Virginia truck accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp and schedule a free consultation. We will examine the circumstances of your accident and outline the best legal strategy for recovering maximum compensation.
Get Medical Attention
The first thing to do after any type of personal injury accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you do not think you were injured, you still need to see a doctor to make sure you did not receive any internal or delayed-onset injuries.
You should also keep all of your doctor’s notes, medical records, prescriptions, invoices, and bills. In a commercial truck accident case, they tend to be quite high so they will be crucial when determining the value of your claim.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
After you receive medical care, you need to notify your insurance company of the accident. Give them as much information as you can, such as the location, date, and time of the crash as well as the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
Your insurance adjustor will explain the claims process to you and tell you what needs to be done in order for you to collect compensation for your damages.
Gather Evidence
While you are at the scene, it is important to gather evidence that will support your claim. Take pictures or video of the damage to every vehicle, t any visible injuries, and any aggravating road, weather, or traffic conditions such as a pothole or missing stop sign. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact details as well.
If you are able, it is also a good idea to get a copy of the police crash report and write down the other driver’s insurance information and license plate number.
Hire a Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer
If the accident resulted in considerable injury or property damage, you should consider working with an experienced attorney; one who can help you understand the claims process, negotiate with the insurer, and make sure you obtain the financial compensation you are entitled to.
If necessary, they can also help you file a lawsuit.
File a Claim
Once you have compiled all of the necessary evidence and information, you can file your claim. This process can be confusing, especially if you have never been in an accident before. Your attorney will be able to help.
Depending on who was liable for the crash, your claim will be filed with either your insurance company or the truck driver’s insurance company.
Negotiate a Settlement
Once your claim is filed, an insurance adjustor will evaluate your damages and calculate how much compensation you are entitled to. If their settlement offer is low, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement amount. A reputable lawyer will have experience handling settlement negotiations and can ensure you are treated fairly.
Do You Have Questions About Filing a Truck Accident Claim?
If you were injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, contact the Virginia Beach personal injury law offices of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. We have been handling successful truck accident claims since 1985. To speak with one of our skilled Virginia commercial truck accident lawyers, call (833) 997-1774 and schedule a free consultation.