A semi-truck collision is a very dangerous incident. Anyone in the smaller vehicle is at risk of devastating injuries. Children are especially vulnerable during crashes due to their growing bodies.
Parents dealing with the aftermath of a commercial truck crash involving their children often feel panicked. What steps do parents typically need to take to protect themselves and their children after a crash caused by a semi-truck?
1. Gather evidence immediately
As long as it is safe to do so, parents involved in serious collisions may want to step out of their vehicles to take pictures and record video footage of the scene of the crash. They can then move their vehicle to a safer location, if it is not fully disabled, to reduce the likelihood of another collision occurring while they wait for first responders.
2. Seek medical attention
Children’s injuries have the potential to cause devastating consequences. A cut to the face could cause a disfiguring scar is the child continues to grow. A fracture could damage the growth plate of the affected bone. Medical evaluation as soon as possible is likely necessary to ensure the best outcome for an injured child.
3. Document all losses
Keeping copies of medical bills and receipts for crutches or other medical devices can help validate the total expenses generated by a semi-truck crash. Parents may also need to track the days they take off of work and any other economic losses directly associated with the collision. Those costs can all factor into the final settlement amount.
4. Retain legal support
Commercial trucks are subject to much higher insurance requirements than passenger vehicles. While the policy might cover crash expenses, negotiations are likely to be more aggressive due to the higher policy limits. Parents may need help managing interactions with the insurance company.
5. Review offers carefully
All too often, parents supporting injured children become so stressed that they make improper decisions. Insurance companies are aware of how tired and anxious parents with injured children may be. They may offer low settlements as a means of eliminating company liability. Even when a settlement offers seems reasonable, it may be necessary to go over it at length with an attorney to make sure that it addresses all current expenses and likely future expenses as well.
Knowing how to handle the aftermath of a semi-truck collision can help parents give their children the support they need. Parents who have appropriate legal guidance and support during insurance negotiations are less likely to sustain long-term financial setbacks after a preventable semi-truck crash.