How Soon After a Truck Accident Should I Call an Attorney?

Commercial trucks weigh up to 20 times more than passenger vehicles, and they can be challenging to maneuver in traffic. All it takes is one judgement error to cause a devastating accident, which is why every state has strict licensing requirements for commercial drivers. In Minnesota, for example, the following criteria must be met to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL):

• Be at least 18 years old with a valid Minnesota driver’s license;
• Obtain a commercial learner permit (CLP) for at least 14 days;
• Pass a road test;
• Pass all applicable knowledge tests; and
• Pass a medical exam.

Unfortunately, none of these requirements is enough to keep every drunk, drowsy, or distracted driver from getting behind the wheel of a big rig. In 2015 alone, Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety received reports of 4,226 truck crashes throughout the state. Of these collisions, 57 were fatal and resulted in 62 deaths. Additionally, more than 1,300 people who were involved sustained injuries.

Those who are fortunate enough to survive truck accidents may have grounds for a personal injury claim. In order to recover compensation for your injuries, though, you must gather evidence of liability and damages, track all applicable expenses, and negotiate with the opposing party for a fair settlement.

If you were hurt in a wreck involving a tractor-trailer but do not want to navigate the complicated legal proceedings alone, you can hire a truck accident attorney to handle the claim on your behalf. If you intend to seek counsel, you may be wondering how soon after the crash you should call a personal injury lawyer and what you should do in the meantime.

How Soon After a Truck Accident Should I Call an Attorney? 

It is wise to call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible following a collision with a big rig. While your first priority should be your health, your second should be starting the claims process.

In cases involving truck crashes, it is fairly common for critical evidence to be time-sensitive. For example, motor carriers are only obligated to retain their “black box” data and drivers’ logs for six months, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Likewise, if any dash cams or nearby surveillance cameras caught the incident on tape, the owners of the footage have no obligation to save the recordings.

How Can I Protect Myself Until I Speak with a Lawyer? 

Do not provide any recorded statements until you talk to an attorney. Ideally, you should avoid talking to the insurance adjuster altogether. Once you hire a lawyer, he or she can handle all the logistics and negotiations on your behalf.

You should also avoid admitting or accepting fault. Even if you think you played a role in the wreck, there may be numerous factors at play that ultimately affect liability.

Call 800-770-7008 to Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer in St. Cloud 

If you were hurt in a collision with a commercial driver, turn to Bradshaw & Bryant for quality legal counsel during every stage of the claims process. We combine the knowledge and resources of a large law firm with the personal touch of a small practice. Call 320-259-5414 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a St. Cloud truck accident attorney.