Originating in Akron, Ohio, Roadway Services is a transportation company that owns several different trucking companies. Roadway Services owns Spartan Express, Coles Express, Central Freight Lines, Viking Freight, Roadway Global Air, and Roadway Express. Roadway Services also owns Roadway Logistics and Roberts Express. In 1995, Roadway Services announced that it would change its name to Caliber System. In 2003, Yellow Freight, now YRC Worldwide, acquired Roadway Express. In 1998, FedEx acquired Caliber Systems, renaming it FedEx Ground. Roberts Express became Custom Critical.
What to Do After Being Injured in a Truck AccidentIf you have been involved in a serious truck accident in North Carolina, you may be wondering what steps you should take next. Because truck accident cases are typically complex and involve many parties and factors, it is often in your best interest to seek help from an experienced truck accident lawyer. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, one of our skilled personal injury lawyers can take over your case and handle every aspect of it so you can focus on your recovery. Taking the following steps after your truck accident can help you protect your right to compensation.
1. Report the Truck AccidentThe first thing you should do after a truck accident is pull over, if you can. In North Carolina, anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident needs to stay at the scene of the accident. Make sure you are safe and pull off to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights and put cones around your vehicle, if possible, to prevent another accident. We recommend calling 911 immediately if someone was injured or died in the accident.
Even if your injuries seem mild, you should still call 911. Request a police officer to come to the scene. Request a copy of the accident report from the police officer to keep in your records and present evidence. Do not discuss the cause of the accident with anyone, except when answering the questions the police officer asks you.
2. Seek Medical TreatmentIt is important that you seek medical treatment after a truck accident. You need to undergo a thorough medical evaluation. Even if you do not feel like you are seriously injured, your adrenaline could be preventing you from noticing an injury or feeling pain. If you do not go to the hospital immediately, at least check in with your doctor as soon as possible. Make sure you follow through with all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations, take your medication, and schedule follow-up appointments.
3. Exchange InformationExchange information with the other party or parties involved in the accident. Once someone leaves the accident scene, it can be difficult to track them down. Write down the name of the trucking company and the license number of the truck. Gather the truck drivers’ insurance information as well. If you see any witnesses, make sure you record their contact information so your lawyer can reach out to them later.
4. Take PhotosIf you are able to take photos with your camera safely, do so. You can use these photos as evidence later to prove who was at fault for the truck accident. Take photos of your injuries and the amount of damage to your vehicle. If you see any other factors that could have caused the accident, such as road damage, take photos of the damage. Photographic evidence is among the best types of evidence in automobile lawsuits.
5. Discuss Your Case With a Lawyer Before Providing a StatementInsurance companies are for-profit companies that try to avoid paying out compensation as much as possible. An insurance adjuster will contact you after the truck accident. Be careful what you say because anything you say can be used against you. Decline to provide a statement until you discuss your case with your lawyer.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Charlotte Truck Accident LawyerTruck accidents can cause devastating injuries and even death. Even if it is clear that the truck driver caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, proving liability can be challenging in a truck accident case.
Cases involving large vehicles are not simply big automobile accidents. Instead, truck accident cases are highly complex and involve a web of local, state, and federal regulations. You need a lawyer with significant experience in the area of truck accident cases. One of the Charlotte truck accident lawyers from Arnold & Smith, PLLC, can help you achieve the justice you deserve in your case. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.