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Cardinal Law Partners.

Please Call One of Our board-certified Worker's compensation Specialists For a Free Consultation (833) 444-4127

  • By: Cardinal Law Partners
Tractor trailer accident on roadway

In this article, you can discover…

  • What to do immediately following a commercial truck accident.
  • Symptoms to look out for following a truck accident.
  • How an attorney can connect you with specialists and advocate for you meaningfully.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Tractor Trailer Accident?

First and foremost, call 911 to report the accident. Your safety is the top priority, so check yourself for any injuries and see if you’re able to safely exit your vehicle. Pay attention to any pain or signs of injury, even if they seem minor.

If you’re able to leave the vehicle, try to gather names and contact information from everyone involved. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries you may have—your cell phone will come in handy for this.

Lastly, make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries don’t seem serious, it’s important to get checked out either at the scene or by a doctor afterward. This helps ensure that any hidden issues are caught early on.

Should I Seek Medical Attention After A Tractor Trailer Accident In North Carolina?

After a serious accident, it’s easy to overlook your own well-being in the midst of the chaos. Your attention is often on immediate concerns—damaged vehicles, traffic, or getting safely off the road.

Many tractor trailer accidents result in severe injuries. However, not all injuries are immediately noticeable. You may feel fine at first, only for soreness or more serious symptoms to appear days, or even a week, later. This is why it’s so important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice any signs of discomfort.

If you don’t feel any pain right away, there’s no need to rush to the doctor simply to say, “I’m fine.” Doing so could create a medical record that might suggest you weren’t injured. Instead, wait until you notice symptoms, so that your visit accurately reflects your condition.

Even if symptoms surface several days after the accident, trust your instincts and get checked out. For one, some injuries, like head trauma, may not be immediately visible and can take weeks to diagnose without proper medical care.

What’s more, seeking timely medical care ensures that you receive the treatment you need and establishes vital documentation. This record can be crucial if the insurance company later tries to argue that you delayed seeking care, casting doubt on your claim.

Delaying treatment can make it harder to link your injuries to the accident. For instance, waiting three weeks before seeking care may prompt the insurance company to question whether your injuries were caused by something else.

How Can I Pay For Medical Care After A Tractor Trailer Accident While My Personal Injury Claim Is Still Pending?

Your first choice should always be to use your health insurance to cover costs. Many people mistakenly believe that since they were in an accident, their car insurance carrier—like Allstate or Nationwide—should immediately cover their medical bills.

The reality is, insurance companies typically don’t pay your bills upfront. They may offer to pay a small amount, such as the first $10,000 in medical expenses, but this can backfire. If you have $50,000 in medical costs and accept that initial payment, you’ve essentially settled your case for far less than it’s worth. This can severely limit your ability to recover the full amount you need later on.

That’s why I tell every client: use your health insurance first. Whether it’s through private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, that’s the coverage you rely on to get the treatment you need. You’ve paid for this coverage, so take advantage of it. Then, when your treatment is complete, you can present your medical claims to the car insurance company as part of your overall settlement.

What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid After A Tractor Trailer Accident?

Do not talk to the insurance adjuster on your own. Allow your attorney to handle these calls and conversations for you. If you feel unwell or notice pain, seek out medical care. Don’t try to walk it off or push through the discomfort; get medical attention when you notice something is wrong so that your injuries can be diagnosed, documented, and treated.

Don’t delay seeking legal help, either. Reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Tractor-trailer accidents are incredibly specialized and complex, and there’s a ton of evidence to collect and collect quickly. This includes the truck’s black box that records vehicle speed and other data, dash cam footage, and other documentation.

The sooner you get help, the sooner you can be protected, represented, and get the care and legal help you need. Take action quickly, and protect yourself.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Tractor Trailer Accidents In North Carolina, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (833)444-4127 today.

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