Defending Yourself After a Trucking Accident – Advice from Dan Munley, Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

While I’ve seen them often, it always pains me to see trucking and car accidents. The one that took place today on I-94  in Michigan City, Indiana is one of the worst semi-trailer accidents this lawyer has seen. According to NBC Chicago’s report of the accident, three deaths have already been confirmed.  The crash involved over 15 semi-trailers (semi-trucks) and dozens of passenger vehicles, which were pinned underneath these large semi trucks.  Many of the injured were taken to University of Indiana Health-LaPorte Hospital for treatment of injuries.

Sadly, many of these victim’s families are probably at the hospital right now, focused on their loved one’s safety, meanwhile, the law firms representing the insurance companies are likely already beginning to do everything they can to minimize compensation or reimbursement for pain and suffering. That includes making evidence disappear quickly.  I know this because I’ve seen it done before in cases I’ve represented just like this.   I’m also former chair and current member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Trucking Litigation Group, and have represented clients in hundreds of trucking accidents before.

Advice for Car and Truck Accident Victims

Many victims from the accident today deserve compensation for their truck or car accident injuries.  If you’re one of them, or if you’ve had a similar car or truck accident, I have a few key pieces of advice:

1. Statistically, people represented by lawyers get three times more settlement money than people who do it themselves. So make sure you find an experienced lawyer no matter what, and don’t settle for one that’s close by.  Look for the best lawyer possible to handle your case, even if they are out of state.  Remember, every minute that goes by is precious because the big guys are getting rid of evidence that puts them at fault.
2. Don’t worry about money to pay your lawyer.  A personal injury consultation from Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys does not cost you a penny.  We don’t get paid unless you do. That frees many victims to find experienced lawyers like us, no matter what their financial situation.
3. Get a copy of the accident report from the Indiana state police as soon as one is ready. It can be useful to you when litigation begins.
4. If you haven’t, notify your insurance company of the accident right away and get what they call a property damage valuation so that you have in writing what cost the damages are estimated to be.
5. Even more important than the damage to your car, is the damage to you.  Write down all visits with doctors and other healthcare providers and keep a journal of any symptoms or pain you feel.  Also remember to get copies of any test results, medicine, treatments and other relevant medical information from your doctor.
6. Record every expense associated with the injury, as well as days of missed work or other activities or obligations that didn’t happen because of the truck or car accident.
7. Lastly, don’t accept a settlement offer from an insurance carrier unless you have consulted with a lawyer!

If you have been victim to a truck accident or car accident like the one on I-94 today call me to discuss your case at 1.855.866.5529. For more info about me and my experience with truck accidents, visit my profile page.