Most drivers have some degree of experience with bumper taps and minor collisions. In some cases, the most reasonable course of action is to just walk away if the damage is truly negligible. However, moving on without filing an insurance claim is not a likely option when the other vehicle is a large truck.
Trucks have the potential to cause catastrophic damage to people and property, which makes it all the more difficult to decide if you should hire a lawyer after a minor truck accident. The team at Cellino Law proudly helps Manhattan drivers navigate complex motor vehicle accident claims and we can help you determine if hiring our personal injury lawyers is the right choice for your case.
What Constitutes a Minor Truck Accident?
Minor accidents are those that do not affect a vehicle’s ability to operate or cause severe injuries to the people involved. These include fender benders, damaged headlights or taillights and small superficial dents. So long as the damage does not affect the vehicle’s practical or legal ability to be on the road, many drivers opt not to repair certain damages resulting from minor accidents.
Truck accidents are rarely minor, though. Large trucks are capable of inflicting major damage even in a slight collision. Even if your accident seems minor at first, it is important to work closely with trained professionals to evaluate your injuries and damages before you decide whether or not the situation is truly minor.
What Damages Can a Truck Accident Cause to My Vehicle?
If your damages amount to anything more than a dent, it may be worth your while to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. This is especially true if the damage to your vehicle affects its ability to operate or your comfort in driving it.
Common damages resulting from truck accidents, including minor truck accidents, include:
- Damaged paint
- Crushed fenders
- Smashed windows and windshields
- Crumpled framework
- Dented body panels
If you do decide to take legal action, then hiring a lawyer is a prudent decision that can help you maximize the amount you receive in a settlement, even if you think your claim is relatively minor.
What Injuries Are Possible After a Truck Accident?
The weight of a large truck will exert tremendous force on other vehicles and their inhabitants in the event of a crash. Though your car might take the hit with little damage to show for it, the same might not necessarily be true for you. Keep in mind also that some injuries and their symptoms are not immediately apparent in the moments and hours after a collision. It is of the utmost importance to seek medical attention to verify your well-being after any accident, regardless of its severity.
Some of the most common injuries after truck accidents that people experience are:
- Neck, back and spine injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and contusions
- Internal bleeding
- Concussions and other head or brain injuries
Regardless of how minor the damages are to your vehicle, you should not hesitate to file a claim if your accident results in bodily injuries. Medical bills can rack up fast and may have a lasting impact on your financial situation. Securing compensation from the other driver’s insurance company may be the quickest route back to financial normalcy.
Should I Contact the Insurance Company After a Minor Truck Accident?
While you might not always have a legal obligation to report a minor car accident to your insurance company, it is always a good idea to call your provider after any accident of any severity. It might not be apparent until some time afterward that you need to file a claim for damages resulting from the accident. If you neglect to report the accident in a timely manner, though, it can affect your ability to collect the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer can provide guidance on what to say when you discuss your minor truck accident with insurance representatives.
If you decide to file a claim, you will also contact the other party’s insurance company. Your legal team can help you file the initial claim correctly and accurately, but you must also be careful when communicating with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Even if you believe your accident was minor, it is important to never refer to it as such when talking to the insurance company. They may try to use this phrasing to justify offering a lowball settlement for your damages. The personal injury lawyers at Cellino Law have experience with navigating complex insurance negotiations, so consider leaving the discussions in the hands of your legal representative even in the case of a minor truck accident.
Who Is At Fault in a Minor Truck Accident?
Truck accidents have the potential to be more complex than a typical car crash because there are multiple parties that might share in the liability for your damages. Not only might the truck driver be at fault, but mismanagement or negligence on the part of the trucking company and its partners can lead to those parties owing you compensation as well. Recovering the full extent of your damages in a truck accident may require you to prove that multiple parties are at fault for the collision.
Taking these actions after an accident can help you establish fault and strengthen your claim:
- Contact the police immediately so you can acquire a police report for the accident at a later date
- Photograph the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle and any injuries to your person
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Seek medical attention and maintain thorough medical records
Make sure to take necessary action immediately even if you think it is just a minor truck accident. Always keep in mind that even the slightest bumper tap can cause serious complications, especially when the other vehicle is a large and powerful truck. Taking appropriate steps will help ensure that you have a strong claim in the event that you need to pursue compensation for your damages.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me After a Truck Accident?
Calling a personal injury lawyer is a high priority after any accident. Your legal consultant can help you understand if pursuing a claim is a worthwhile course of action following a minor truck accident. Furthermore, trusting your case to an attorney can give you the time and peace of mind necessary for a restful recovery if your accident left you with any severe injuries.
The team at Cellino Law can support you in the aftermath of a truck accident by:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Evaluating the damages to determine if the accident was truly minor
- Collecting evidence to establish which parties are liable for your damages
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Taking your case to court if the circumstances warrant it
Involving an attorney early on in the process also ensures that you meet any deadlines pertaining to your accident claim. While the statute of limitations for car accidents in New York is three years from the date the damage occurred, it can be easy to miss the deadline if you initially believe the accident to be minor and not worth addressing.
Contact Cellino Law Today
Calling a lawyer after any accident, including a minor truck accident, is always a good idea. The right attorney will evaluate your case impartially and help you decide if hiring them to pursue additional legal action is the right decision. Contact our team at Cellino Law today for a free case consultation.