A truck accident can have devastating consequences for all involved. The pain and suffering can be unimaginable. We do not want you to suffer in silence. We want you to understand the first steps to take after a Marion truck accident so that you know how to handle whatever comes next.
If you were in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact our dedicated truck accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
Get to Safety
We cannot express how important this step is immediately following a truck accident in Marion. Getting away from oncoming traffic will reduce the risk of further injury and ensure your safety and that of others. Moving your car to the side of the road can also reduce the risk of other vehicles becoming involved.
Contact 911 to Report the Incident
When you contact Marion law enforcement regarding the trucking accident, you ensure that a police report documenting the scene will be handled appropriately. They can make notes about the scene, gather witness information, and establish who is potentially at fault in the incident.
During this process, you must not say anything that may place any fault in the accident on yourself. According to the state’s liability laws and the fact that it is based on a modified comparative negligence clause, you must establish that the truck driver holds at least 50% of the fault if you wish to seek compensation. Anything you say that may place some blame on yourself could limit your compensation options. Remember, there will be questions from your insurance company, the truck driver’s company, their insurance providers, and more. No matter who attempts to question you about the incident, you should avoid self-incrimination and seek legal advice if the questions continue.
If you can move around the scene safely, you should also do what you can to document the scene for your records. Photographs, videos, witness information, and information about the truck driver will all help establish a claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Not all injuries may be visible at the scene. This is why an important step is to always seek medical attention after a commercial truck accident in Marion. You should explain to the medical team what happened, and they will know the types of injuries to look for.
You should also keep records of your injuries or other expenses after the incident. This may include:
- Pain journals
- Medical bills
- Photos of injuries
- Time missed at work because of injuries
- Future recommendations for treatment from your physician
Always follow the doctor’s orders. This means keeping your appointments and going to rehab as advised.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Although South Carolina is an at-fault state, your insurance company must be informed about the accident. They will be the first to help you pay for medical expenses and lost wages after a vehicle accident. They will also seek compensation from the truck driver’s insurance on your behalf.
Seek Legal Advice Quickly After a Marion Truck Accident
Although most people in South Carolina have three years from the accident date to file claims against the at-fault driver, waiting could negatively affect your claim. This is because the longer you wait, the more evidence may be lost, and a legal team will need access to all crucial information regarding your accident.
Certain exceptions apply to the statute of limitations for accident claims. Minors, individuals with mental incapacity, and wrongful death cases may follow different filing timelines. In wrongful death claims, for example, the statute of limitations begins on the date of death—provided the death can be linked to the accident.
Take Steps to Secure Your Compensation After a Marion Truck Accident
At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, we know the importance of understanding the first steps to take after a Marion truck accident. We want to help you get through it without any more suffering than you have already dealt with, and we urge you to contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.
