Commercial Truck Accidents Archives - Powell & Majestro P.L.L.C.

Experiencing a trucking accident can profoundly affect your physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. However, many victims forget about their emotional and mental needs because of the severity of their physical injuries. It’s important to support your mental health through this difficult time.

Having the right legal support can make this time period less stressful. Call Powell & Majestro at 304-346-2889 to set up a consultation.

Strategies for Emotional Recovery

Acknowledging your feelings is a key step in recovering emotionally after a trucking accident. Rather than ignoring your emotions, allow yourself to experience and express them. Reach out to trusted friends and family members and share what you’re going through. Talking about your experience can provide relief and help you process your thoughts.

Another effective strategy is to establish a routine. Structure can provide a sense of normalcy and stability, helping you regain control over your life. Activities like journaling, exercise, or engaging in hobbies can also be beneficial. They offer healthy outlets for your emotions and can distract your mind from stress.

Additionally, consider mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises. These techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve your mental well-being. Mindfulness allows you to stay present in the moment, making it easier to manage overwhelming feelings.

Pursuing Professional Assistance

Seeking professional assistance can be a crucial step in dealing with the emotional impact of a trucking accident. Therapists and counselors are skilled in helping individuals work through trauma. They can guide you in developing coping strategies and provide a safe space for you to express your emotions.

If you find yourself struggling with daily activities or experiencing intense emotions that are hard to manage, professional support might be necessary. A mental health professional can help you understand your feelings and offer techniques to ease your emotional pain. While looking into therapists, look into those with specialized experience helping victims of vehicle accidents.

Legal Aspects to Consider

After a trucking accident, navigating the legal landscape can be daunting. You may wonder if you need legal help, especially when dealing with medical bills, insurance claims, and potential compensation. A lawyer who specializes in accident cases can be a valuable ally. They can help you understand your rights and the steps you need to take to protect them.

One of the primary reasons to seek legal assistance is to ensure you receive fair compensation. Trucking accidents can result in significant expenses, from medical treatments to lost wages. A lawyer can guide you through the process of filing claims and negotiating with insurance companies. They are experienced in proving the full extent of your losses, including future medical needs and emotional distress.

Another critical aspect is dealing with the trucking company and their insurance provider. These parties often have legal teams working to minimize their liability. Without legal representation, you might find it challenging to advocate for your interests. An experienced lawyer can handle communications and negotiations on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Creating a Support System

Having people to lean on is essential in overcoming the trauma of a trucking accident. Friends and family can offer comfort and understanding, helping you feel less isolated during this difficult time. Open up to them about your feelings and let them know how they can support you. Besides personal connections, consider joining a support group focused on recovery from vehicle accidents.

These groups can provide a sense of community and allow you to share your experiences with others who are facing similar struggles. Hearing from others who have been through similar situations can be incredibly reassuring and provide new perspectives on coping.

Consider seeking out local community resources or online forums where you can connect with individuals who understand what you’re going through. These platforms can be invaluable in providing advice, encouragement, and emotional support.

By actively engaging with your support system, you can find strength and motivation to continue your journey toward healing. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone; there are many people willing to help you through this challenging time.

Choose Powell & Majestro for Your Truck Accident Case

If you’re ready to fight for compensation after a trucking accident, the team at Powell & Majestro is here to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. Set up a consultation at our Charleston office by calling us at 304-346-2889 or reaching out online

Commercial truck accidents involve large vehicles such as semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or delivery trucks. These accidents are often severe, given the size and weight of these vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, about 110,000 large commercial trucks are involved in injury crashes across the US each year.

Being involved in a big rig accident can be a life-altering experience. It’s frightening, confusing, and can leave you wondering what to do next. When someone is in this state, it is easy to make errors that could be costly later on, especially if you end up pursuing legal action for a trucking accident injury.

Things You Should Avoid if You’ve Been in a Commercial Truck Accident

If you’ve been in an accident with a commercial truck, there are some important steps to avoid that could jeopardize your rights and compensation. These include:

1. Not Reporting the Accident Immediately

If you’ve been in an accident, calling the police should be one of the first things you do. An official police report serves as a critical piece of documentation, showing what happened at the scene.

Why it’s a mistake: Not reporting the accident can weaken your claim. Without a police report, you may face difficulties proving what happened, which can lead to lower compensation or even a rejected claim.

2. Not Gathering Evidence at the Scene

The scene of the accident holds valuable information. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.

Why it’s a mistake: Once you leave, evidence starts disappearing. Without photos or witness details, it becomes much harder to establish the circumstances of the accident. A lack of evidence can hurt your case, especially if liability is disputed.

3. Not Seeking Medical Assistance

Even if you feel okay right after the accident, it’s still essential to see a doctor. Some injuries, like internal damage, may not show symptoms right away.

Why it’s a mistake: Delaying medical care can impact your health and your claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t severe or didn’t happen in the accident. Medical records are key evidence that directly link your injuries to the incident.

4. Admitting Fault Prematurely

In the aftermath of an accident, you may feel tempted to apologize or admit fault, even if you’re not sure what happened. Avoid saying anything that suggests you’re responsible.

Why it’s a mistake: Admitting fault can damage your case, even if you’re not actually liable. Statements you make can be used against you, potentially reducing or eliminating the compensation you’re entitled to receive.

5. Speaking with the Insurance Company and Trucking Company Without Legal Advice

After an accident, the insurance or trucking company might reach out to get your statement or offer a quick settlement. But their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your best interests.

Why it’s a mistake: Without legal guidance, you risk saying something that could harm your claim or agreeing to terms that are far below what you deserve. A lawyer will handle these conversations to protect your rights.

6. Accepting Quick Settlement Offers

Settlements can seem tempting, especially if you’re facing medical bills or time off work. But quick settlements usually come with a catch—they’re often much lower than the full amount you could recover.

Why it’s a mistake: Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more. Quick settlements may not consider long-term medical needs, loss of income, diminished quality of life, or pain and suffering. An attorney can help you evaluate what your case is truly worth.

7. Not Hiring an Attorney

Commercial truck accidents are complex, involving different parties, regulations, and detailed investigations. Trying to handle it alone can be both daunting and risky.

Why it’s a mistake: Without a lawyer, you’re up against experienced insurance and legal teams who work for the trucking companies. At Powell & Majestro P.L.L.C., we know how to navigate these cases, identify liable parties, and fight for maximum compensation. Our experience allows us to anticipate challenges and build a strong case for you.

Protect Yourself with the Right Legal Help

After a commercial truck accident, your actions can make or break your case. Avoid these common mistakes, and consider reaching out to an experienced attorney. At Powell & Majestro P.L.L.C., we are here to stand by you every step of the way with the experience and dedication you deserve. Don’t wait to get the help you need— contact us today for a free consultation.

How to Overcome Trauma After a Trucking Accident