Steps to Follow: Filing a Claim After an 18 Wheeler Accident in Alabama

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident with an 18 wheeler in Alabama, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles often result in serious injuries, adding layers of complexity to the immediate trauma. To help you navigate through the process, Stephen Thompson, a reputable personal injury lawyer focusing on 18 wheeler accidents in Alabama, outlines the key steps to file a claim and seek redress.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention - Health First, ALWAYS!

Your immediate concern after an 18 wheeler accident should always be your health. Even if the injuries appear minor, some might not manifest symptoms immediately, potentially leading to life-threatening situations down the line. Additionally, obtaining medical attention immediately helps document your injuries, establishing a critical link in proving causation in your claim later.

2. Report the Accident - Inform Law Enforcement 

Reporting to the police is crucial. An official accident report includes detailed facts about the accident, includes driver testimonies, and often provides an initial determination of fault. This report is particularly valuable when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.

3. Document Everything - Gather Evidence

If your health allows, gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Take photographs of your injuries, both vehicles involved in the accident, the road condition, weather, traffic signals, and any other factors that might have contributed to the accident. Collect names, phone numbers, and addresses of all witnesses. Remember, this evidence can be integral to establishing fault and the severity of your injuries.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company – But Don’t Discuss Fault

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, it’s crucial not to discuss fault, specific details about the accident, or injuries until you have an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you later during claim negotiations or in a court of law.

5. Engage a Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents involving 18 wheelers can be legally complex due to the catastrophic injuries involved and the multiple parties that could potentially be at fault. A seasoned car accident lawyer like Stephen Thompson can guide you through the claims process, keep insurance companies in check, and ensure your rights are protected. 

6. Investigate the Accident - Determine Liability 

Your lawyer will run a comprehensive investigation of the accident, determining all potentially liable parties—including the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck’s manufacturer, or even the company responsible for maintaining the truck. 

7. Calculate all Damages - Seek Full Compensation

Car injuries from an 18 wheeler accident often lead to extensive medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and even long-term disability. Your lawyer will help compile a comprehensive list of all your damages, ensuring you claim all eligible compensation.

8. Negotiating with Insurance Companies - Get the Best Settlement

Insurance companies often attempt to offer lower settlements or deny claims. Your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you obtain a fair settlement commensurate with your damages and losses. 

9. Filing a Lawsuit - When Settlements Fail 

When negotiations fail, your lawyer can help file a lawsuit against all liable parties. They will effectively represent you, presenting compelling evidence and powerful arguments to increase your chances of winning. 

Conclusion

Navigating through these steps after a traumatic accident can be daunting. That’s why you need strong, skilled representation. Having worked with countless car accident victims in Alabama, Stephen Thompson is dedicated to ensuring that injured victims get the justice they deserve. If you're looking for a skilled and experienced Alabama personal injury lawyer well-versed in car and 18 wheeler accidents, Stephen Thompson is the professional to trust.

Free Initial Strategy Session

All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.

During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

• First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
• Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
• If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
• If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
• Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.

Don't delay getting the recovery you deserve! Contact us today for your free Strategy Session!