If a DHL truck hits your car, it is easy to become confused and have questions about what comes next. You’re likely dealing with injuries, stressing about finances, and are unsure about what steps to take next.
First and foremost, prioritize your safety and health. Then, focus on protecting your legal rights.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles, like DHL trucks, are more complex than typical car crashes. These companies have large insurance providers and legal teams working to minimize payouts. That’s why consulting a Kansas City DHL truck accident lawyer can make all the difference.
The right legal guidance ensures you aren’t left paying for someone else’s negligence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take after an accident, explain your rights, and discuss how to hold DHL accountable. Remember, protecting your family and seeking justice starts with knowing what to do.
Ensure Safety and Get Medical Help
When your car is hit by a DHL truck, your safety and health are the most important priorities. Here’s how to respond immediately:
- Move to Safety: If the accident does not leave you incapacitated, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even minor symptoms could indicate serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or head trauma, which may not be immediately apparent.
- Call 911: Notify law enforcement and request an ambulance if needed. A police report will serve as an official record of the accident and is critical for any legal claims.
- Follow Up on Medical Care: Even if you don’t feel injured right away, see a doctor. Medical records not only protect your health but also serve as essential evidence if you pursue a claim later.
Document the Scene of the Accident
If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. This is a fundamental step in protecting your rights and building a strong case.
- Take Photos and Videos: Document the damage to all vehicles involved, the accident scene, any visible injuries, and road conditions.
- Exchange Information: Collect the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information. Be sure to note the truck’s license plate and any identifying DHL branding.
- Talk to Witnesses: If there are bystanders who saw the crash, ask for their contact information and a brief account of what they witnessed. Witness testimony can be crucial in proving liability.
- Request the Police Report: Ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy of the police report. This document will be key evidence for establishing fault.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After a DHL truck accident, you’ll need to report the incident to your insurance provider, but be careful when discussing the details. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault, as this could reduce the compensation you’re entitled to.
When the accident involves a DHL truck, you’ll also likely deal with their corporate insurers, who will attempt to minimize their liability. Commercial insurers are known to offer quick, lowball settlements that fail to cover the full extent of your damages.
A Kansas City truck accident lawyer can help you handle these conversations and negotiate for a fair settlement.
The Unique Challenges of Accidents Involving DHL Trucks
Accidents with commercial vehicles, such as DHL delivery trucks, present specific challenges that make them more complex than standard car accidents:
- Corporate Responsibility: DHL and its insurers may be liable for damages if the driver was negligent, poorly trained, or overworked.
- Federal Regulations: Commercial vehicles must follow strict laws set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations, such as exceeding hours-of-service limits, could indicate negligence.
- Severe Injuries and Damages: Due to the size and weight of delivery trucks, these crashes often result in more serious injuries and extensive property damage.
Understanding these complexities is crucial, which is why working with experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyers is essential for pursuing justice and obtaining full compensation.
What to Do if a DHL Truck Hits Your Car and You’re Facing Medical Bills
Many victims of DHL truck accidents are left with serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, and even traumatic brain injuries. If the DHL driver was at fault, you have the right to seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work or reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other damaged property.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact of the accident on your quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, such as reckless driving or violations of safety regulations, the court may award additional damages to punish DHL and deter future misconduct.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a DHL Truck Accident
Knowing what to do if a DHL truck hits your car is just the first step. Protecting your rights and securing fair compensation often requires professional legal support.
An experienced Kansas City truck accident attorney can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly, including obtaining surveillance footage, police reports, and witness statements
- Identify all liable parties, such as DHL, the driver, or any third-party contractors
- Negotiate aggressively with DHL’s corporate insurers to secure the compensation you deserve
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Contact a DHL Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact a DHL truck accident can have on your life. With over 45 years of combined experience and more than $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have the knowledge, resources, and determination to fight for you.
Whether you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma, we’re here to help. Your injury is our fight, and we won’t rest until you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Foster Wallace today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward accountability and recovery.
