Being hit by a UPS truck can be a disorienting and overwhelming experience. Following a crash, the actions you take, or fail to take, can significantly impact both your health and your ability to recover financial compensation.
One of the most effective things you can do after being hit by a UPS truck is to hire a qualified UPS truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Legal professionals experienced in handling commercial vehicle accidents, particularly those involving large delivery companies like UPS, can be instrumental in protecting your rights and securing fair compensation after a crash.
Having the right Charlotte UPS truck accident lawyer can make all the difference.
Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Your top priority after an accident should always be your physical well-being. Immediately after being hit by a UPS truck, if you’re physically able to do so, try to move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. This helps prevent secondary accidents and reduces the risk of further injuries.
Next, you need to assess your condition. Even if you feel uninjured, remember that the adrenaline rush of a crash can mask pain or serious internal injuries. If others were in your vehicle, check on their condition next. Once you’ve ensured everyone in your car is stable, check on the UPS driver and any other parties involved, if you are able.
You should also call 911 immediately. Paramedics should examine everyone at the scene, even those who claim to feel fine. Getting evaluated by a medical professional not only protects your health but also creates vital documentation for your potential claim. You should follow up an initial examination by going to a hospital for a more thorough medical evaluation.
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Preserve Evidence at the Scene
If you are not seriously injured and it is safe to do so, begin gathering as much evidence from the scene as possible. Photographic documentation is particularly powerful.
Take pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, injuries, and anything else that might be relevant. Even minor details could prove important later.
In addition to taking photos, jot down your observations. Include the time, weather conditions, traffic flow, and any statements made by the UPS driver or other involved individuals.
These details can fade quickly from memory, and thorough notes taken immediately after a crash often carry more weight than recollections made days later.
Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the UPS driver. Write down the driver’s name, license number, vehicle registration, and employer details. Since UPS drivers operate commercial vehicles, you should also try to collect information about the truck’s identification number and whether the driver was actively working at the time of the crash.
Identify and Speak to Witnesses
If any bystanders witnessed the crash, ask for their names and contact details. Witness testimony can be invaluable in establishing what occurred, especially in cases where the parties involved offer conflicting accounts. An unbiased third–party perspective can greatly strengthen your claim.
While it is important to speak with witnesses at the scene of an accident, you should not engage in unnecessary conversation with the driver or attempt to assign blame at the scene. Anything you say could potentially be used against you. Instead, keep interactions respectful, brief, and factual.
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Report the Crash
Even if no one appears injured, you should always call emergency services. A police officer should come to the scene to file an official accident report.
This document will contain critical information about the collision and will serve as a foundational piece of evidence if you file a legal claim or insurance report.
Be honest when giving your statement to the officer, but avoid speculation or admitting fault. Simply describe the facts as you experienced them.
After speaking with law enforcement, notify your own insurance company that an accident has occurred. You don’t need to go into extensive detail at this point. Instead, simply report that you were involved in a crash. Refrain from providing recorded statements or discussing injuries until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
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Avoid Discussing the Incident Publicly
One of the most common mistakes accident victims make after a crash is speaking about the incident, either online or with others, before the case is resolved. Until your case is concluded, it is best to stay off social media and avoid posting pictures or updates about your condition or recovery.
Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys often scour online platforms looking for anything that could be used to downplay injuries or shift blame.
You should also avoid speaking directly with representatives from UPS or their insurance company. These professionals may attempt to gather statements or offer quick settlements that are far below what your case may be worth. Politely refer any inquiries to your attorney.
Hire an Attorney With Experience in UPS Truck Accidents
Hiring an experienced UPS truck accident attorney is the final step you need to take after being hit by a UPS truck to put yourself in a position to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
At DeMayo Law Offices, we have a long history of taking on big companies like UPS and securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
Since founding our firm in 1992, we have recovered over $1 billion in damages. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience, our team has seen it all and is ready to represent you in your truck accident lawsuit.
Contact us today by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team.
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