What to Do if I’m in an Accident With a Swift Truck?
Being involved in an accident with a Swift truck can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. These massive vehicles, often weighing 80 thousand pounds, can cause devastating injuries and significant property damage.
It is not unusual for injury victims and their families to need help and advice. The main focus after an accident is your immediate health needs. After that, it’s important to begin taking steps to secure your claim for compensation.
Let’s take a look at what to do after an accident with a Swift truck, and how a Lafayette Swift transportation truck accident lawyer can help.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Swift Truck Accident
Being involved in an accident with a Swift truck can be a traumatic experience, but taking the right steps immediately can help protect your rights after the truck accident and strengthen your case. Here are the crucial actions you should take:
Prioritize Safety
Your well-being and the safety of others should be the top priority. If anyone is injured, call 911 or seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Move to a Safe Area
If your vehicle is drivable and it’s safe to do so, move it to the side of the road or a nearby safe area. This will help prevent further accidents and allow emergency vehicles to access the scene.
Call the Police
Contact the local police or state troopers to report the accident and request an official report. This report will document the details of the incident from an objective third party, which can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
Gather Evidence
If you are physically able and If it’s safe to do so, start collecting evidence at the scene. Take photos and videos of the damage to all vehicles involved, the position of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Also, obtain the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur.
Exchange Information
Collect the following information from the Swift truck driver:
- Full name and contact details
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance information (company, policy number, etc.)
- Swift Transportation’s contact information
- Vehicle and trailer information (make, model, license plate, etc.)
Avoid Admitting Fault
It’s crucial to avoid making any statements that could be construed as admitting fault or responsibility for the accident. Even a seemingly innocent apology could be used against you later.
Seek Legal Representation
As soon as possible, contact an experienced Lafayette truck accident lawyer. Our attorneys will provide valuable guidance, protect your rights, and ensure that you take the necessary steps to build a strong case.
Be aware that what you choose to do following an accident with a Swift truck can impact the outcome of your claim.
By following these steps, you’ll be in a better position to pursue a successful claim and receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses resulting from the Swift truck accident.
The Challenges of Truck Accident Claims
Pursuing a claim after a collision with a Swift truck presents several complications. First and foremost, these cases often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company (Swift Transportation), and their respective insurance providers.
Each party will have legal representation working to protect their interests, making it challenging to handle the claims process alone. Additionally, truck accident cases require a thorough investigation to determine liability.
Various factors, such as driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or inadequate training, can contribute to these accidents. Gathering and preserving evidence is of critical importance, as trucking companies will attempt to minimize their liability. This is where having an experienced Lafayette personal injury lawyer can be invaluable.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
Handling a truck accident claim on your own can be risky, particularly when facing the resources and legal teams of large trucking companies like Swift Transportation. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced swift truck accident lawyer by your side.
Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience to deal with the complex legal issues and regulations specific to the trucking industry effectively.
We also have the resources and legal insight to conduct thorough investigations, gather and preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene.
When so much is at stake, it pays to protect your rights with an experienced attorney.
Damages You Can Recover
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a Swift truck, you may be entitled to recover various compensatory damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our goal is to ensure that you receive comprehensive compensation that accounts for all your losses, both economic and non-economic, resulting from the accident.
Contact a Lawyer for Guidance in a Free Consultation After an Accident With a Swift Truck
At Laborde Earles, we have been serving the people of Louisiana since 1995, building a reputation for exceptional legal representation and unwavering commitment to our clients.
We treat each case with the utmost care and attention, providing a supportive and compassionate environment where your needs are our top priority. You have access to a wealth of experience and resources, all working together to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a Swift truck, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Remember, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Laborde Earles is on your side, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, advocating for your rights and ensuring that justice is served.