What to Do After a Truck Accident in Arkansas: Essential Steps to Protect Your Rights

Truck accidents are far more devastating than typical car collisions due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Arkansas, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Beyond the immediate physical and emotional trauma, there's a complex legal landscape to navigate.

At The Brad Hendricks Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges these cases present. Trucking companies and their insurers often mobilize quickly to protect their interests, making it crucial for victims to act decisively. Here are the essential steps you should take to protect your rights and lay the groundwork for a successful claim.

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health is paramount.

• Secure the Scene: If possible and safe, move to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic.

• Call 911: Report the accident immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, call for emergency medical services and law enforcement. Many serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not have immediate symptoms.

• Get Checked Out: See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. A medical evaluation creates an official record of your injuries, which is vital for your claim. Delays in seeking medical care can make it harder to link your injuries directly to the accident.

2. Document Everything at the Scene

Evidence gathered at the scene is critical. If you are able, take these steps:

• Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone to capture comprehensive visual evidence. Photograph:

  • Damage to all vehicles involved (yours, the truck, any other vehicles).

  • The position of the vehicles.

  • Any visible injuries you or your passengers sustained.

  • The overall accident scene, including road conditions, weather, traffic signs, skid marks, and debris.

  • The truck's license plate, DOT number, and any company logos.

• Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, including the truck driver's employer details. Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Witness statements can be invaluable.

• Do NOT Admit Fault: Never apologize or admit fault, even if you're just being polite. Anything you say can be used against you by insurance companies trying to minimize their payout. Stick to the facts.

3. Cooperate with Law Enforcement and Get the Police Report

When police arrive, cooperate fully and provide an accurate account of what happened.

• Be Factual: Provide only the facts you are certain of. Avoid guessing or speculating.

• Obtain the Report Number: Ask the investigating officer for the accident report number and the department's contact information. This report will be a key document in your case.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Cautious)

You should notify your own insurance company of the accident. However, be cautious about what you say.

• Keep it Brief: Provide only basic information about the accident. Do not give a recorded statement or sign any documents without first consulting an attorney.

• Expect Contact from Trucking Company Insurers: Be prepared for quick contact from the trucking company's insurance adjusters. They are not on your side; their goal is to settle your claim for the least amount possible. Do not discuss the details of the accident or your injuries with them.

5. Contact an Experienced Arkansas Truck Accident Attorney IMMEDIATELY

This is arguably the most crucial step. Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than typical car accidents due to federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer), and the aggressive tactics of trucking company legal teams.

• Preservation of Evidence: A seasoned truck accident attorney will act quickly to preserve critical evidence that could otherwise be lost or destroyed, such as the truck's "black box" data, driver logs, maintenance records, and dashcam footage.

• Understanding Regulations: Your attorney understands the intricate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) and Arkansas state laws governing the trucking industry. Violations of these regulations can be key to proving negligence.

• Dealing with Insurers: Your lawyer will handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from common tactics used to devalue your claim.

• Thorough Investigation: We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other specialists to build a strong case proving liability and the full extent of your damages.

• Maximizing Compensation: An experienced legal team will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care.

Don't Face Them Alone – We're Here to Help

The Brad Hendricks Law Firm has a dedicated Trucking Litigation Team with extensive experience handling severe injury and wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles across Arkansas. We understand that after a truck accident, your focus should be on recovery. Let us handle the complexities of the legal battle.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Arkansas, don't delay. Evidence disappears, witnesses move, and memories fade. Contact The Brad Hendricks Law Firm today for a free consultation. We are here to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

CONTACT US TODAY!