4 Steps to Take After You Are Involved in a Truck Accident in Illinois

 Posted on June 26, 2023 in Truck accidents

Commercial trucking is a vital part of the economy of the state of Illinois. However, with the large number of commercial trucks on the roads, truck accidents occur frequently, and the consequences of these accidents can be devastating for victims. The injuries that may occur in a truck accident can lead to a great deal of pain and suffering, as well as financial problems related to medical expenses, lost income, and other factors. Those who have been injured in truck crashes will need to understand what they can do to protect their financial interests as they seek compensation from those who were responsible.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Here are some crucial steps ways that you can protect your rights after you are involved in a truck accident:

1. Seek immediate medical care - Whether you need emergency medical attention for devastating injuries, or you do not believe you were seriously injured, it is important to get medical attention right after an accident. Even if you do not receive emergency treatment, you can visit a general practitioner or a physician to evaluate your injuries and determine the appropriate forms of treatment. This will provide documentation of your condition, which will play a role in determining the types of compensation that may be available.

2. File an insurance claim - It will usually be necessary to notify both your own insurance company and the insurance provider that provides coverage for the truck driver and/or trucking company about the accident as soon as possible. Notification delays may compromise your claim. However, before filing a claim, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney who will be able to communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. Your lawyer can make sure the information provided to an insurer will not negatively affect your claim. They can also help negotiate a settlement and ensure that the amount you receive will fully cover your injuries.

3. Get witness statements - Witnesses can provide different perspectives of the accident regarding how it occurred and what happened after it. Their statements can help you with your personal injury claim. Your attorney can contact witnesses and ask for statements, ensuring that the full story of the events surrounding the accident can be told.

4. Acquire video footage or other evidence - Your lawyer can help you determine what types of evidence may be available that may demonstrate what happened during the accident. A commercial truck may have had a dashcam that captured video footage of the accident and demonstrates whether the driver acted negligently. Other forms of evidence may also be obtained, such as footage from security cameras at nearby businesses, photos or videos from traffic cameras, photographs of the scene of the accident, and more.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Illinois

Under Illinois law, you will generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file your claim. The two-year statute of limitations may also apply following the date when you discovered an injury (or from the date that an injury should reasonably have been discovered). This time limit may play a role in cases where you did not think you were seriously injured at the time of an accident, but your injuries became known at a later date.

Contact a Glenview Truck Accident Attorney

If you have been injured by a negligent truck driver in Illinois, the Des Plaines truck accident lawyer at Quinn Law Group can help you understand your legal options. Contact us today at 847-232-7180 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you navigate the legal process of pursuing compensation for your injuries.

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401