Being involved in an accident with a delivery truck in Memphis can be overwhelming. Company vehicle accidents throughout Tennessee involve more complicated legal and insurance issues than typical car accidents. When a commercial vehicle is involved, determining liability and securing fair compensation becomes challenging due to the involvement of corporate insurance policies and legal teams.
Here, our Shelby County personal injury lawyers at the Gold Law Firm provide a step-by-step guide on what to do if you’re in an accident with a company vehicle to help protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation.
Prioritize Your Safety and Health
Your safety is the most important consideration. After an accident with a delivery truck, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately to request emergency medical help if anyone is seriously hurt. Even if you feel okay, seeking medical attention right after the accident is wise, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Call the Police and File an Accident Report
In Memphis, it’s essential to have an official record of the accident. Contact the police and request an accident report. The police report will document the details of the accident, including statements from both parties, witness information, and possibly the officer’s preliminary assessment of fault. This report is crucial evidence our personal injury attorney can use to strengthen your claim.
Document the Accident Scene
Gather as much information as possible at the scene.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Take Photos and Videos: Capture clear images of the accident scene, your vehicle’s damage, the delivery truck, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence can be valuable for proving the impact’s severity and establishing the accident’s circumstances.
- Collect Information: Obtain the truck driver’s contact information, insurance details, and company name. Be sure also to get the license plate number and, if possible, the truck’s Department of Transportation (DOT) number, as this helps identify the vehicle in official records.
- Look for Witnesses: If any bystanders witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information. Their statements could support your version of events and strengthen your case.
Avoid Discussing Fault or Liability
When speaking with the truck driver, police, or witnesses, avoid discussing who may be at fault. The delivery company’s insurance could use anything you say at the scene to minimize your claim. Share the necessary information with the police and your insurance provider, and let our attorney handle any discussions about liability.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Provide them with an accurate account of what happened and any supporting documents you collected at the scene. However, refrain from making any statements that could be misinterpreted, such as admitting fault. Our personal injury attorney can assist with further communication with the insurance companies involved.
Understand the Role of the Delivery Company’s Insurance
Accidents with company trucks often involve significant corporate insurance policies. These policies are typically more complex and are designed to protect the company rather than the driver or victims. The company’s insurance provider may attempt to reduce liability by arguing that the driver was off-duty or another factor caused the accident. Our experienced personal injury attorney in Memphis can help you navigate this process and advocate on your behalf.
Consult Our Memphis Personal Injury Attorneys at the Gold Law Firm
In commercial vehicle accidents, multiple parties, including the truck driver, the delivery company, or even a third-party maintenance provider, could be liable. Partnering with our Memphis personal injury attorneys, with extensive experience in delivery truck accidents, can help you build a strong case.
We will:
- Investigate the Company’s Liability: Our attorneys can determine whether the delivery driver was on duty and acting within the scope of their employment. If the company is liable, it can be held responsible for your damages.
- Negotiate with Corporate Insurers: Aggressive adjusters and attorneys often represent corporate insurers. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Memphis can help level the playing field during negotiations.
- Pursue Fair Compensation: Our lawyers will work to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We can calculate the total cost of your injuries and fight for an amount that reflects the full impact on your life.
Contact Our Skilled Personal Injury Attorney at Gold Law Firm
If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a company vehicle accident caused by negligence, call David Gold. With over 165 five-star reviews, hundreds of client testimonials, and tens of millions in damages collected for clients throughout Tennessee, We can start on your case with no up-front fee or out-of-pocket expense. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee.
Call or text (901) 244-5003 or contact us online for your free consultation today.