
Knowing what you should do if you were hit by a commercial vehicle in Dayton can help protect your rights and set the foundation for a potential claim. After seeking medical attention, document your injuries and losses and report the accident to the authorities.
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve multiple parties, including drivers, employers, and insurers, which can make the process more challenging. Consulting a Dayton commercial vehicle accident lawyer can provide guidance on how to approach your case and deal with insurance companies.
They can help evaluate your situation, determine fault, and advise on possible compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Taking prompt action can help preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
Immediate Steps You Should Take After Being Hit by a Commercial Vehicle in Dayton
A Dayton truck accident lawyer would advise you to take the following steps immediately after a commercial vehicle accident to protect your health and legal rights.
Seek Medical Attention
Your priority should be your health. Even if you feel fine, some injuries have delayed symptoms. Forgoing a medical evaluation is dangerous since delayed treatment can worsen injuries.
A medical evaluation can identify and document any injuries, which can also serve as evidence for your claim. A Dayton personal injury lawyer can use your medical records to establish the extent of your injuries and seek fair compensation.
Report the Accident to the Authorities
Even if you did not originally call the police to the scene of the collision, you should file a report with the authorities. Contact the Dayton Police Department or file a report through Ohio’s crash reporting system.
This action creates an official record of the accident, as this can help establish key details and provide documentation for your case.
Document Your Injuries and Losses
Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical treatments, property damage, and any other losses. Photos, medical bills, and a written account of the accident can all strengthen your claim. These records will help your attorney get compensation for your injuries and losses.
Taking these steps immediately after the accident can help protect your rights and lay the groundwork for a potential claim.
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You Should Consult a Lawyer After Being Hit by a Commercial Vehicle in Dayton
After a commercial vehicle accident in Dayton, consulting a Dayton truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights and obtain fair compensation for your losses. They can help by:
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies may try to offer you a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. A lawyer can handle all negotiations, preventing an insurer from pressuring you into accepting less than you deserve.
- Determining fair compensation: A lawyer can help you calculate the true value of your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. They work to account for both your current and ongoing damages.
- Gathering evidence: A lawyer can collect important evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and even data from the commercial vehicle, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Meeting deadlines: In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving commercial vehicle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident, as outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10. A lawyer can file your lawsuit on time so you don’t lose your chance to recover compensation.
Consulting a Dayton truck accident lawyer can ease the stress of dealing with the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
Understanding Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident requires legal experience, as multiple parties may be responsible. Potentially liable parties include:
- The driver: If the driver’s negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, caused the accident.
- The employer: If the company failed to maintain the vehicle, improperly trained the driver, or encouraged unsafe practices.
- Third parties: This may include maintenance providers, manufacturers of faulty vehicle parts, or government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions.
Common causes of these accidents include driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, mechanical failures, or improperly loaded cargo.
A lawyer can investigate the accident, identify who is at fault, and gather evidence to build a strong case. They can also negotiate with insurers and other parties to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
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We Can Explain What You Should Do After Being Hit by a Commercial Vehicle in Dayton
Being involved in a commercial vehicle accident can leave you facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Determining liability and dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone.
With over 100 years of combined experience and more than $700 million recovered for clients, Cooper Elliott is here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been hit by a commercial vehicle in Dayton, don’t wait to take action. Contact Cooper Elliott today for a free consultation, and let us help you get your life back on track.
Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form