There Are Attorneys at the Scene of My Truck Accident — What Do I Do?
Trucking companies have to deal with accidents caused by their employees often, so they tend to have a system in place that sometimes involves dispatching attorneys to the scene of the accident before the vehicles are moved and while the police are taking statements. This can be extremely intimidating! Here’s how to handle the situation and how you can protect your rights as a truck accident victim.
Make Your Statement Only to the Police
You do not have any obligation to speak with the trucking company's attorneys on the scene, although they may attempt to intimidate you into believing you must speak with them or provide a statement. Provide your statement and information to the police only, and request that the trucking company’s attorneys talk with your accident attorney directly.
Take Photographs as Soon as Possible
If you are able to, gather photographic evidence of the accident. Do not trust law enforcement or the other side’s attorneys to get an accurate picture of what actually happened. Remember that the attorneys at the scene are working directly against you. They are being paid by the trucking company to find any and all evidence that would either implicate you as the person at fault, relieve the driver of the truck from fault, or both. Photographs are strong evidence that may be used in your favor in your case.
Stick to Yes or No Answers
Avoid making conjectures when giving your statement to the police. Don’t attempt to voice what you think may have happened, and absolutely do not admit that you may have been at fault in any way. Let the police ask the questions and stick to yes or no answers when possible. Leave it to the insurance company to go over the evidence and determine who may be at fault.
Contact Your Accident Lawyer Immediately
As soon as you can after the accident, it’s important that you contact your own accident lawyer. Often, attorneys for the other side will attempt to destroy or hide evidence, and in many cases, it is not illegal for them to do so. Your attorney can help prevent valuable evidence from being lost if they are brought on the case quickly.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a truck accident, don’t wait to get the help you need to face the intimidating attorneys of the trucking company. Contact Sarkisian Law Offices today for a consultation at 219-942-7171.
