Have you been in a truck accident in Los Angeles? Knowing what to do after a truck accident can make all the difference. You might be dealing with shock, confusion, and maybe even injuries—all while on a busy LA freeway or road with traffic piling up around you. Accidents involving large trucks present unique challenges, and quickly acting is important.
That’s where we come in. At Peerali Law, we recognize the chaos that follows a truck accident. To help you in this situation, we’ve made this list of seven steps. Follow these steps to protect yourself, gather the needed information, and understand your rights after a truck accident in Los Angeles.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Safe
First things first—make sure you are okay and check on any passengers. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road, away from traffic. Remember, LA roads can be dangerous, especially after a truck accident.
Even if you don’t feel any pain right now, getting medical treatment after a truck accident is a good idea. Some injuries don’t show up immediately, and a medical professional can identify problems you might not notice. This also creates a record of your condition, which is essential if you file a personal injury claim.
Step 2: Who to Call After a Truck Accident in LA
After a truck accident in California, it’s in your best interest to call the police. It’s required by law to report the accident within 24 hours if anyone is injured or if vehicle damage is more than $1,000. Whether you contact the LAPD or the California Highway Patrol, they’ll arrive at the scene to document what happened. Be sure to obtain a copy of the accident report, as it can be helpful later on when speaking with insurance companies or if you choose to take legal steps.
Step 3: Gather Information at the Scene
After an accident, gathering information is critical. If it’s safe, document the scene with your phone. Take pictures of the damage, the location of the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries.
Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any other involved drivers, but keep the conversation brief. Don’t discuss who caused the accident or apologize—let the police and insurance company handle that.
Also, write down details about the truck, like its license plate number and any company logos. Alternatively, you can take pictures of such things. The more information you have, the better.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as you can. Be honest and direct when you explain what happened, but don’t agree to give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with your lawyer.
Step 5: Keep Track of Your Expenses
After the accident, keeping track of all your related expenses is essential. This includes costs associated with medical treatment, vehicle repair costs, and lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. Be sure to keep track of the following:
- Every medical bill you receive, including those for ambulance services, emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor appointments, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and prescription medications;
- Documentation of any income lost due to missed work, including pay stubs, a letter from your employer confirming your absence, and records of any lost bonuses or commissions;
- All receipts and invoices related to repairing or replacing your vehicle, including estimates, towing bills, and rental car expenses; and
- Any other costs you incur as a direct result of the accident, such as mileage to and from medical appointments, home assistance if you cannot perform daily tasks, and over-the-counter medications.
Maintaining a detailed record of these expenses can be beneficial if you decide to pursue compensation for your losses.
Step 6: Don’t Miss Any Deadlines
Be aware of the deadlines for pursuing legal action. Typically, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. However, in some instances, this period is significantly shorter. If the accident involved a government-owned truck, such as one owned by the city or county of Los Angeles, you generally only have six months to file a personal injury claim.
The six-month deadline also applies to claims specifically against the city or county of Los Angeles, such as those resulting from road defects that contributed to the truck accident. Because of these varying time limits under the statute of limitation, it’s a good idea to talk to a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer soon after your accident. They can help you determine who was at fault and which deadlines might apply to your situation.
Step 7: Talk to a Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer
Consider contacting a lawyer soon after the crash. They can help you understand your options and how to deal with the trucking and insurance companies. These parties often try to avoid responsibility, and insurance companies can be especially tough to deal with. They may try to:
- Blame you for the accident, even if you weren’t at fault;
- Downplay your injuries to reduce the amount they have to pay; or
- Push you to accept a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses.
A Los Angeles truck accident lawyer can advocate for you and ensure you’re treated fairly. They can handle all the communications and negotiations, allowing you to focus on recovering.
Get the Support You Need for a Truck Accident in Los Angeles with Peerali Law
At Peerali Law, we understand that figuring out what to do after a truck accident can be confusing and stressful. When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a law firm; you’re becoming part of our family. Our founders, Kristopher Peerali and Serena Vartazarian, built Peerali Law on the foundation of strong client relationships. With our experienced team, you can trust that you’re in good hands.
If you’ve been in a truck accident, let’s talk. We offer a free consultation to discuss your options and help you make the choices that are right for you. When you’re ready, contact Peerali Law— we’re here to support you.
Kristopher earned his J.D. at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law where he was a member of the Review of Law and Social Justice honors law journal and was awarded several scholastic honors.
Loading...