Mail trucks are a frequent site on U.S. highways. Drivers are always under pressure to get their freight delivered on time. That means there is always the chance you could be in the way of a truck that may not be driven by someone who is fully concentrating, or is driving too fast to react safely.
If you are hit by a mail truck and believe that the truck driver was at fault you should consider filing a personal injury claim against the company. The claim, if successful, could pay medical bills, replace lost wages, damage to your own vehicle and compensate for the pain and suffering experienced.
Personal injury claims do require evidence of negligence by the at-fault party and documentation showing the nature and severity of the injury and all costs which have resulted from the accident.
A doctor can help with documenting your injuries, while a personal injury attorney can assist legally.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
The main obstacle that must be addressed when contemplating filing a personal injury claim is whether there is sufficient proof that you were injured because of someone else’s negligence. All other components of the claim are relatively straightforward.
To prove negligence after a crash with a mail truck, you might have witnesses who saw the accident happen. The police will inspect the scene, especially if there were injuries involved and will write a report outlining their version of what happened.
A garage will provide a detailed damage report to the car and you can assist if not taken to hospital straight away by taking photos at the scene of the crash.
Other documentation required will include any invoices showing how much you have had to pay for medical treatment, a statement or report from your doctor, a bill for repair of your own vehicle and a justification for any amount you claim for “pain and suffering.”
How Your Doctor Can Help With Your Claim
It is important to see your doctor as soon as possible after an accident in which you were injured. Your doctor will direct you to a hospital or to see a specialist if your injuries are serious.
Even if your injuries are relatively minor you should still see your doctor. Your doctor’s report will be an important part of what you submit with your claim.
If your injuries are particularly serious, or likely to take a long time to heal, your doctor will provide the evidence you need to justify a higher compensation payment.
Lost earnings are an important part of your claim and your doctor can confirm that when you should not be at work and when you are fit enough to return to work.
Your doctor may also be able to confirm that you have been suffering from pain from the injury and to what extent. You will probably be including a request for “pain and suffering” with your claim.
An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Can Ensure an Easier Claim Process
It is not worth trying to negotiate with the insurer all by yourself. An experienced personal injury attorney will have dealt with claims like yours before and will be able to tell whether you have a good chance of obtaining compensation.
If this is the case, the attorney will be able to negotiate more skillfully with the insurer than you are likely to be able to do.
- Preserving Accident Evidence for a Personal Injury Lawsuit
- What Should I Do If I Get Hit By A UPS* Truck?
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against UPS, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
