What to Do When You Get in An Accident with A Commercial Vehicle in Ohio?
So, you’ve just gotten into an accident. Even minor fender benders can result in injury, financial burden, and more problems. When you get in an accident with a commercial vehicle, things get more complicated. First of all, commercial vehicles like trucks tend to be larger and more sturdy than most private passenger vehicles, so you are likely to have received the vast majority of the damage.
When you’re dealing with a company with more resources to do what it can to protect its assets, it’s important to have someone on your side. Contact a commercial vehicle accident attorney in Columbus Ohio to ensure you get the full compensation you’re entitled to, with guidance every step of the way. Being in an accident on its own is stressful enough, it is a comfort to have legal assistance when you need it most.
Things you’ll need to do
Report the accident, but be sure to only give a basic outline of events. Using language like “the two vehicles collided” is preferable to “I crashed into him” because that already colors events one way or the other. And don’t admit fault even if you believe yourself to have caused the accident. Your head may not be clear, and you don’t want to be bound to a description of events given without prior thought about what actually happened. Likewise, don’t apologize, because this is another way of casually admitting fault that you would best avoid.
You’ll also need to file a police report, and make sure to get a copy, so you can ensure your portrayal of events was properly conveyed before it becomes official record. If you’ve been injured, you’ll also want to seek medical assistance immediately. Wait too long, and it will be very difficult to prove that the accident was the cause of your injuries. It’s a lot to keep track of, and during these stressful times, it will be hard to remember what all you should do.
Speak to an attorney first
Of course, before you speak to an insurance agent, or make any written or verbal statement, it’s important to get in contact with an attorney. They can help you determine what to do next, and make sure you don’t inadvertently say or do anything that could cause you undue liability, or render you ineligible for your deserved compensation. Seconds count, so get in touch as quickly as possible before the commercial company can get out and begin its own investigation. If you have an attorney, then insurance investigators will need to talk through them, protecting you from saying the wrong thing, and giving answer potentially incriminating answers misleading questions. While your lawyer will be operating with your best interests in mind, insurance investigators may just be looking for ways to avoid responsibility, and speaking to them without a lawyer is a good way to help them get what they want.
Be prepared for a lengthy process
It could be months to years before reaching a commercial vehicle accident settlement. Ohio courts may become involved if a legal battle rages on. It can be a time-consuming, stressful process especially if you choose to face it alone.
That’s why it is especially helpful to have the backing of a legal team. If you’re faced with an accident with a commercial vehicle in Columbus, OH, contact the experienced serious injury attorneys at Tompkins, Selph, & Associates Ltd. Our team has more than 25 years of experience assisting victims of commercial vehicle accidents.
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