Tractor-trailers often weigh over 30,000 pounds, so collisions involving these massive vehicles are often devastating. Accident victims are often left with life-changing injuries that may cost thousands of dollars to treat. If you’ve been hurt in a tractor-trailer accident, following the steps below can help ensure you’re compensated for your losses.

What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident

1. Collect Evidence 

The driver’s insurance company or employer may dispute your explanation for the accident, so collect as much evidence as possible from the scene. If you’re physically able, take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the position of each vehicle involved in the accident, and any road conditions that could have contributed to the crash.

You should also collect photographic evidence of your own injuries, both before and after receiving medical treatment.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Shock and adrenaline can help you through traumatic experiences, but they can also mask symptoms of even serious injuries. Many symptoms, especially whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries, often don’t develop until much later. Seeing a doctor immediately after the crash ensures you get the medical treatment you need and helps your attorney prove that your injuries were caused by the crash.

3. Avoid Speaking to the Insurance Adjuster

Shortly after a tractor-trailer accident, an insurance adjuster may contact you to get a statement or make an initial settlement offer. They may seem like they’re trying to help, but always remember that their primary obligation is to their employers.

Any statement you make can be taken out of context and used to shift liability, so don’t talk to the adjuster until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.

With over a century of combined legal experience serving the community in Roanoke, VA, Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Law are ready to fight for your rights. They understand how traumatic tractor-trailer accidents can be, and have the resources to provide the aggressive representation you deserve. For more legal insights, visit their website to learn more about how they can help. To schedule a consultation, call their office today at (540) 342-2000.