Commercial trucks pose an inherent public safety hazard. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that more than 300 people are killed (and thousands more injured) in tractor-trailer collisions in the state each year. Large trucks must be operated with the highest level of public safety in mind. Sadly, too many big trucking companies fail to do so.
Our community sees more than its fair share of large trucking traffic. With major routes such as California State Route 99 and California State Route 12 running directly through Lodi, trucks are an ever-present sight. You need to know what to do if you are hurt in a crash. Here, our Lodi truck accident lawyers highlight three steps to take after a tractor-trailer collision in San Joaquin County,
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Any Injuries
All injuries sustained in a commercial truck accident should be evaluated and treated by a licensed physician. Severe injuries require immediate care—often including an ambulance trip to a nearby emergency room, either Adventist Health Lodi Memorial or another local facility. Non-emergency injuries still need to be checked out and treated without delay. Getting medical care after a truck accident is crucial to protect your health. Further, it is a mandatory step in the personal injury claims process.
2. Report and Document the Truck Accident
Any tractor-trailer accident that results in injuries or substantial property damage in California must be reported to law enforcement. It is in your best interests to make sure that your crash is reported to the police. With a serious trucking crash, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, or the Lodi Police Department should come to the scene. You should also attempt to proactively document the crash if you are physically able to do so. Record everything you can about the truck and its driver, take photos, and get witness information.
3. Avoid Giving a Statement to the Insurer—Consult With a Lodi Truck Accident Lawyer
A statement should not be given to the truck company’s commercial insurer immediately after a collision. They may try to make contact with you shortly after an accident, often while you are still trying to recover from your injuries. You do not have to give a statement. The best way to protect yourself and your rights is to consult with an experienced Lodi truck accident attorney right away after a major tractor-trailer wreck. A lawyer will help you prove liability and recover compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Lodi, CA Truck Accident Lawyer
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Lodi truck accident lawyer have the professional skills and legal expertise that you can rely on. If you or your loved one was hurt in a tractor-trailer crash, please contact our law firm today for a free consultation. We handle truck accident injury claims in Lodi and throughout all of San Joaquin County, including in Manteca, Lodi, Lathrop, and Tracy.