Five Tips If You Are Hurt in a Virginia Big Rig Accident

If you are hurt in a Virginia big rig accident, it may be hard to know where to turn. Tractor trailers are a common sight on Interstates 64, 646, 95 or 81. Many big rigs service the Port of Virginia in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Accidents involving big rigs are typically more serious than wrecks involving two cars because of the weight of these vehicles. The insurance company for a trucking operation will mount a very powerful defense.

If you have been involved in a Virginia big rig accident, you should take all of the same steps as if you are involved in a car crash. It may be even more important to gather evidence at the scene because the trucking company’s lawyers will fight your personal injury lawsuit hard.

In this video, Nikki Stodden, attorney John Cooper’s paralegal, and his legal assistant Stephanie Adams highlight give tips for people who are hurt in a Virginia big rig accident.

1 Call 911 Immediately

If you are hurt, you should call the emergency services. You may need medical treatment. Also, it’s important to get the police to investigate the accident so as an impartial report relating to what happened can be drawn up.

2 Get Medical Treatment if Necessary

Some drivers or passengers who are injured decline medical treatment when they are hurting. This can be a serious mistake. You may be downplaying an injury that needs to be treated. Refusing medical help or saying you feel OK at the time of the wreck may be used against you by the other side in a subsequent lawsuit.

Often, symptoms set in later, meaning it’s vitally important to pay attention to any pain and get it treated. See you own doctor if possible because he or she will have access to your medical information.

3 Gather Evidence at the scene

If you are able to, take pictures of the accident scene. Get some statements from witnesses and take pictures and videos. Most people have a smartphone these days with technology that makes it easier to gather evidence. The police don’t always get it right. Often your evidence can help your case.

4 Don’t Talk to the Truck Company’s Insurance Company

The insurance company’s truck company will try to catch you off guard and to admit fault for the accident. It is inadvisable to talk to the big rig company’s insurance company

5 Hire an Experienced Virginia Big Rig Trucking Lawyer

If you hire a lawyer, the attorney will take the case out of your hands and deal with the insurance companies. Trucking cases often end up with higher payouts so the trucking companies may fight these cases hard.

Read more about trucking wrecks here or Please call our trucking accident injury lawyers at (757) 333-3333