Colliding with any kind of truck is no joke. Truck accidents are invariably the worst for serious injuries and fatalities on U.S. highways. Many truck accidents are caused by driver error, mainly because the drivers are under constant pressure to get their loads delivered as fast as possible.
If you are hit or you collide with a truck, like a mail truck, then you are probably going to be injured and your own vehicle damaged. If you think that the driver was at fault, you should consider filing a personal injury claim as soon as you are able to do so.
Your own doctor will be able to help you with a claim in an indirect way because a doctor’s report on your injuries is needed to convince insurers that your injuries were genuine and that your claim is justified. You will find that a personal injury attorney can help with legal advice and negotiating skills.
Preparing a Claim Against After a Crash
If you have been hit by a mail truck and you believe that the collision could have been avoided if the driver had been more careful, you have the right to file a claim for compensation. The most difficult part of claims of this type is obtaining evidence that the driver of the truck was at fault.
Evidence you need to convince an insurer may include eye witness statements, a police report, photos you have taken yourself at the scene of the crash and a damage report from the garage you take your car to.
Other documentation you will need to ensure a settlement will include a report from your doctor describing your injuries and treatment recommendations, bills and invoices for everything that you have had to pay for because of the injury, confirmation from your job if there is any loss of earnings and a justification for any “non economic” damages such as compensation for “pain and suffering.”
How a Doctor Can Help With Your Claim
Your doctor is the most important person providing information about your injury.
The nature of the injury, the seriousness of it, how it was caused, what treatment is required, whether you need to have rest or recuperation away from work, whether there will be any long term implications – these are all important details that can be confirmed or supplied by your doctor.
Most personal injury claims will be settled eventually without going to trial, but a good attorney will advise taking the case to court if the insurer is becoming unnecessarily too difficult to deal with.
Doctors are frequently asked to give testimony at a trial to confirm details about the injury claimed for. They may help suggest specialists who could also provide confirmation of future medical needs if the injury is likely to take a long time to heal or is permanent.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Personal injury claims are not always straightforward. Insurers are never happy about paying out compensation and may dispute facts that you have made. You will find that an experienced personal injury attorney will make all the difference when it comes to making a claim.
Most attorneys providing this service will do so on a contingency fee basis and will only charge a fee if the case is successfully settled in your favor.
Additional Resources
- Preserving Accident Evidence for a Personal Injury Lawsuit
- If a USPS* driver hit me, do I sue him or the company?
*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 the USPS, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.