If you get into an accident with a semi-truck and get seriously injured, what you do in the aftermath of a crash can make a big difference. You should prioritize your health, but you also need to think about building a case. A Washington, D.C. truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you with this.
What Can I Do After a Semi-Truck Accident?
It can be tough to keep a cool head after an accident, but if you are able to you should take some steps to build your case and collect evidence. Once you get all of the involved vehicles pulled over somewhere safe, you should:
- Exchange insurance information
- Call the police so that they can write up a report
- Avoid making any statements that would admit fault
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information
- Take pictures of the accident scene and damaged vehicles
- See a doctor as soon as possible
Should I Sue the Driver of the Semi-Truck?
You can and should sue the driver of a semi-truck if you believe that they were negligent. They had a duty to safely share the road with other drivers and they did not do that.
Truck accident cases can get complicated though. The driver may not be the only issue here. What if they were tired because they ignored federal rules about taking a rest, but they only did so at the behest of their employer? Then the trucking company itself could be negligent too. If there are multiple irresponsible parties involved, your lawyer will help you hold all of them accountable and claim maximum compensation.
What Happens If Someone Tries to Blame Me For an Accident?
This can be a problem. Due to contributory negligence rules in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. being found to be even slightly responsible for the accident can imperil your case. You cannot recover damages even if you are only one percent responsible for a crash!
This is why it’s a good idea to have a lawyer. We can defend you from accusations of wrongdoing and build a compelling case against the defendants.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?
Each state and D.C. have their own statute of limitations, so you do not have unlimited time to sue for damages. If you are suing in Virginia, you have two years from the date of the semi-truck accident to take legal action. Washington, D.C. and Maryland give accident victims slightly longer, three years. Sue after this statute of limitations expires and your case is likely to be thrown out no matter how convincing it is.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
Building a personal injury case on your own can be tough, so let our seasoned attorneys help you. Contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can be of assistance in this difficult time.