Accidents involving commercial trucks and 18-wheelers are on the rise in many states, including New Mexico. Given that these vehicles are huge in size, the sheer impact can cause fatalities and serious injuries. Victims often have to deal with traumatic injuries, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries, which not merely impact their work, but also their ability to lead a normal life. If you ever get injured in such an unfortunate accident, consider contacting one of Albuquerque semi accident lawyers at the earliest. For your help, below is a list of steps that you need to follow.
Protect your rights and interests
If the other party was at fault for the accident, you can seek compensation for your injuries, losses, and suffering. However, to protect your interests, you must take a few important steps immediately after the truck accident. Unless you are knocked out because of the accident, follow the steps below –
- Inform law enforcement. Do not wait for this, no matter who is at fault. Don’t let other drivers, or the trucker, talk you out of calling the police.
- As you wait for the police, consider taking details of other drivers and passengers. For drivers, you need details, such as insurance information, contact number, and vehicle details. Also, do ask for the trucking company they work for.
- Call 911. If you have suffered serious injuries, or other passengers need help, you should call 911 immediately. Don’t wait to help someone.
- Take evidence. Take photos of the accident site, your injuries, damaged vehicles, and everything else. Video footage and photographic evidence will matter for proving your claim.
- Check with a doctor. If you didn’t get medical attention on the spot, contact an injury doctor. Sometimes, injuries and conditions may not be immediately apparent after the accident.
- Inform your insurance company. It doesn’t matter who or what caused the truck accident, make sure to inform the insurance company. Also, get a copy of the police report.
- Meet an attorney. There are some amazing attorneys in Albuquerque, who specialize in handling truck accident cases. Consider talking to a lawyer as soon as possible, so that they can work on investigation and proving fault and liability.
The statute of limitations in New Mexico allows a period of just three years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. The count starts from the day of the truck accident, so you don’t really have a lot of time. Besides that, important evidence may disappear in no time.
