If a DHL truck runs into you, first check for injuries and call 911. Move to a safe spot if possible, document the scene with photos, and gather the driver’s and witnesses’ information. Get medical attention, even if you feel fine, and report the accident to your insurance company.
Consult with a Milwaukee DHL truck accident lawyer to learn about your next steps, which may include pursuing an accident insurance claim or lawsuit. Our legal team can talk with DHL’s insurers, investigate the crash, and help pursue fair compensation. Taking these steps will help protect your rights.
Headquartered in Milwaukee, our powerful team of over 130 legal professionals can start building your case today.
Steps You Can After a DHL Truck Hits Your Vehicle
If you’ve been hit by a DHL truck, the situation can be stressful, especially when figuring out what to do now. Taking the right steps afterward can help protect your safety, support your recovery, and strengthen any future claim you may need to make.
From securing evidence to seeking medical attention, each step plays a vital role. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do after a DHL truck accident to protect your rights and set the stage for fair compensation.
Check for Injuries and Call 911 for Help
Immediately after a crash with a DHL truck, you should assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, calling 911 is essential to ensure that emergency services are on their way.
Trained responders can check everyone at the scene and provide necessary medical aid. Additionally, having a police report is valuable, as it serves as an official account of the incident. Once law enforcement arrives, they’ll document the scene, interview you and the other driver, and possibly collect statements from witnesses.
This report can be used as strong evidence if you decide to file a claim later on. Calling 911 also ensures the scene is handled safely and legally, reducing confusion or disputes about what happened.
Move to a Safe Location if You Can
Once you’ve checked for injuries, try to move yourself and your vehicle to a safe place, such as the shoulder of the road, if it’s safe to do so. Remaining in the flow of traffic can increase the risk of additional accidents, especially on busy roads or highways.
Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the accident and make yourself more visible. Moving to a safe location allows emergency services better access to the scene and can reduce the chance of further accidents or injuries.
However, if your injuries prevent you from moving safely, stay put and wait for first responders. Leaving your vehicle in a dangerous position is only necessary if your well-being is at risk.
Document the Accident Scene
If you can, use a camera to take photos or record video footage of the accident scene from various angles. Documenting the scene creates a visual record of what happened and its aftermath.
You can capture images of all vehicles involved, any damage to your car, and identifying features of the DHL truck, like logos or license plates. Don’t forget to take pictures of the surrounding area, as road signs, traffic lights, and skid marks can provide context for how the accident occurred.
Additionally, if possible, take photos of any visible injuries on yourself or passengers. Visual evidence like this can back your case if you file a claim or lawsuit, as it provides details that might otherwise be forgotten or overlooked. Be as thorough as possible, as this documentation may help establish liability.
Gather Information from the Driver and Witnesses
You must get contact information and details from the DHL truck driver and any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Start by politely asking the truck driver for their:
- Full name
- Contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance details
- Truck’s license plate number
- Other relevant details
Note any identifying information for the truck, like the DHL logo or truck number, which could be helpful later. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information, as their perspective can help establish what happened.
Witnesses may be willing to give statements to the police on the spot, but if you or your lawyer needs to contact them later, it can be helpful to have their information. Collecting these details early on helps build a strong foundation for your case.
Seek Medical Help Right Away
You should get medical attention right away after an accident, even if you feel OK. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, might not show up right away but can get worse if left untreated. Go to an emergency room or see your doctor for a full examination.
Be sure to describe every symptom, even small ones, because this goes into your medical records. Follow any recommended treatments or physical therapy to help your recovery. Your medical records can also be used as evidence if you claim damages.
This not only protects your health but also shows that you took your injuries seriously from the start. Ignoring small pains now could hurt both your recovery and your case later.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
After receiving medical care:
- Tell your insurance company about the crash as soon as you can.
- When describing the incident, be factual and stick to the basics, providing details about the location, time, and nature of the accident.
- Do not guess or speculate about who was at fault; only share the facts.
Your insurance company may ask for a copy of the police report or photos of the scene, so having these on hand can be helpful. It may also guide you on the next steps, explain how your policy coverage applies, and assist with the claims process.
Reporting the DHL collision promptly can avoid delays and give your insurance provider the information it needs to process your claim.
For a free legal consultation, call 414-276-6666
Why Work With a Lawyer After a Truck Accident With DHL?
Our Milwaukee personal injury lawyers can make the process easier and help you get fair compensation after a truck accident with DHL. Commercial truck accidents often involve big companies and their insurance teams, which can be hard to deal with on your own.
We can manage the important steps and can stand up for your rights. Here’s how a lawyer can help with your case:
- Investigating the accident: We can gather important evidence, like photos, witness statements, and accident reports, to understand what happened.
- Listing all liable parties: There may be multiple parties responsible for your damages, such as DHL’s driver, DHL itself, the truck’s manufacturer, or other drivers. Identifying all liable parties helps ensure you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Assessing damages: We will figure out the total cost of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Handling case communications: We will talk to DHL’s insurance company and lawyers for you, which can prevent you from feeling pressured into accepting a low settlement.
- Meeting important deadlines: We will make sure all legal forms and claims are filed on time so you don’t miss any important deadlines.
- Representing you in court: If the case goes to court, our lawyers will present your case and argue for financial recovery on your behalf.
Suing for Losses After a DHL Truck Crash? You Have a Deadline
If you’re in a crash with a DHL truck and want to sue for damages, you must act quickly. In Wisconsin, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This time limit is covered under Wis. Stat. § 893.54 and applies to personal injury cases, including those involving truck accidents.
Missing this deadline usually means you can’t recover compensation, even if you have costs related to the accident. To be safe, it’s best to start the legal process now. Acting quickly allows you to gather evidence, keep records, and avoid delays that might weaken your case.
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Reach Out to Our Team Now if a DHL Truck Driver Ran Into You
If you are wondering what to do now that you’ve been in a crash with a DHL commercial vehicle, you can consult with a lawyer after a truck accident right away if you’re dealing with serious injuries, if there’s a question about who was at fault when the DHL truck ran into you, or if the insurer isn’t offering fair compensation.
Our team can explain your options and next steps. For more than 40 years, we have helped Wisconsin’s injured and worked to get them what they need to recover from a crash. We will pursue your deserved compensation. Call Gruber Law Offices today for a free consultation.
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