Most of us don’t want to even consider the possibility that we will one day be in a truck or traffic accident and so we never bother preparing. Unfortunately, this can be a costly mistake. Statistically, drivers are likely to be in at least one major car accident during their driving lives. The more you drive, the more likely you are to be in a crash.
Even if you are an excellent driver and take all due precautions to avoid causing a collision, other drivers may not be as conscientious and may eventually crash into you, meaning that you end up in a Hollywood T-bone accident, sideswipe accident, or other serious collision involving a commercial truck.
In the minutes, hours, and days following a commercial truck accident involving a big rig or tractor-trailer, you may be in severe pain and you may be distracted by the many insurance, medical, and legal issues surrounding your case. This is not usually the time to make sure that everything is going smoothly. Preparing now for the possibility that you will one day be in a roadway accident can ensure that if the worst does happen you are prepared and protected.
There are a few things you can do now to protect yourself against the eventuality of a car collision or truck crash:
Get the best insurance you can.
Car insurance is problematic. On the one hand, it is a legal necessity and can help protect you in a car accident. On the other hand, insurance companies are known for not paying out the full amount needed to pay for all medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses that victims set typically suffering a severe car accident.
Nevertheless, you want to get the best coverage possible. Compare policies and get as much coverage as you can, including underinsured and underinsured driver coverage. Every year or every few years, review your policy and compare different companies to make sure that you are still getting the best deal on the best coverage that meets your current needs.
Reduce your risk of a serious collision.
You will want to do everything possible to avoid being in a severe car collision in the first place. You can do this by:
- Driving defensively
- Getting additional driver training or advice from a professional instructor if you have had fender benders or near misses
- Putting away distractions and only driving when alert and sober
- Always wearing your seat belt
- Taking good care of your car so that it handles correctly
Have an accident plan.
What would you do if you are in a car accident? Ideally, you want to have a plan in place. There should be a note in your wallet or somewhere on your person that can tell emergency responders how to get in touch with your emergency contacts. You want to have any pertinent medical information available on your person. If you have a severe medical condition, for example, you want to might want to wear a medical ID bracelet or badge to alert emergency responders of your condition.
Know what to do.
If you are ever in a roadway accident in Hollywood or Florida, make sure that you understand what steps you can take. You should remain calm and contact authorities if the accident was serious or may have involved someone who was driving dangerously or recklessly. Get medical attention, even if you’re not sure if you need it, to determine whether you have been injured. File a claim immediately in order to protect yourself. Gather evidence at the scene of the accident, including photos of the accident and your car. Be ready to contact a lawyer, your insurance company, and others who can help you.
Do you need a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community to help you after a truck accident? The attorneys at Flaxman Law Group more than six decades of combined experience and would be pleased to discuss your situation with you to help you understand whether you have a legal claim. Your initial consultation with us comes with no commitment and no cost, so you risk nothing.