When you see a commercial truck on the road a lot can go through your mind. You marvel at its size and think about how to not be stuck behind the truck.

Something you’re probably not considering is if the truck’s load is properly secured, which is something you expect but unfortunately, not all truckloads are adequately secured. Over 200,000 accidents caused by unsecured loads are reported annually and the resulting damages can be significant.

If an unsecured truckload is the cause of your accident, do you know what steps to take? What you do following the accident can impact your ability to file an injury claim.

What To Do After An Unsecured Truck Load Accident

Unsecured loads can be a hidden threat. No one realizes that the load isn’t properly secured until it starts shifting.

The sudden movement can cause the truck driver to lose control, resulting in an accident. If the load is on a flatbed trailer, it may even fall off. Regardless of how the unsecured load causes your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.

However, to simplify the claim process and help it move along more smoothly, there are a few steps you should take immediately after the accident.

Contact the Authorities

Pretty much every state requires drivers to report any accident where injuries or fatalities are present. The extent of the property damage can also determine if the law requires you to contact the authorities. In Texas, all accidents with vehicle damage over $1,000 must be immediately reported.

Not only are you following the law by reporting the accident but you’re also creating a record. Your accident report is an official record of the accident and it’s something you need to submit with your accident claim.

You can usually pick up a copy of your accident report within about ten business days. You can get a copy online or by visiting a local police precinct.

Collect Evidence

Your injuries may be too severe for you to worry about collecting evidence. If so, don’t worry, evidence will still be collected. However, if possible try to take some pictures of your vehicle’s damage and any visible injuries you may have sustained.

You can also exchange insurance information with the truck driver but don’t discuss the accident. The truck driver will be interviewed by the insurance adjuster and you don’t want anything you say to impact your injury claim.

If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information but once again don’t talk about the accident.

Seek Medical Assistance

Seeking medical assistance after an accident should be common sense. Even if you don’t believe you sustained any injuries, you should still make an appointment with a healthcare provider. Some injuries don’t immediately display obvious signs and symptoms. An example is soft tissue injuries like contusions.

Getting medical attention is not only being proactive about your health, but it’s also helping support your personal injury claim. You will need to provide medical documentation to support your injury claim.

Contact the Insurance Company

Texas is an at-fault state, and this means that the negligent driver is the person responsible for covering any damages.

However, Texas also follows modified comparative negligence rules, which means more than one party can be responsible for the same accident. Your compensation amount is reduced by your percentage of the blame. As long as you’re not assigned more than 50% of the blame, you can file an accident claim.

During this initial conversation with the insurance company, let them know an accident occurred and you’re planning on filing a claim. This can help get the ball rolling and let the insurance adjuster get ready to review your claim.

Calculate Your Damages

Your damages after a truck accident can be substantial, and this can apply whether or not an unsecured load is a contributing factor. Your claim will probably include economic damages like medical expenses and property repair costs. You may even be able to claim lost income if your injuries are preventing you from returning to work.

Non-economic damages are also common in truck accident claims. Non-economic damages are a little harder to calculate since they’re intangible. Non-economic damages can include pain, suffering, loss of life enjoyment, and mental anguish.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney

Another step you shouldn’t skip is contacting an accident attorney. From helping you with liability to calculating your damages, your attorney can handle your accident claim while you focus on your recovery.

An experienced attorney not only understands the complexities of personal injury law but also ensures that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. By having a legal expert on your side, you can avoid the stress of dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures, allowing you to concentrate on healing and getting your life back on track.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com