What Should I Do If I’m Injured in a Coal Truck Accident?

A coal truck was involved in a wreck recently. According to WOWK 13 News, the coal truck accident took place on Highway 52 in Wayne County near Fort Gay, West Virginia. Reportedly, the collision only involved the coal truck and a car. Four people in the car were injured in the wreck, including two who had to be taken to the hospital in a helicopter. The driver of the coal truck was not injured in the crash. The mayor of Fort Gay, Joetta Hatfield, posted on Facebook that the four people in the car were all students at Tolsia High School.

Following the wreck, three of the students were released from the hospital after receiving treatment. One student had to remain in the hospital for further observation. As of this report, law enforcement was still investigating what caused the crash.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Coal Truck Accident

West Virginia is coal country, so the chances of being in a traffic accident involving a coal truck are a bit higher here than in many other states. So, it’s a good idea for anyone who lives here to know what you are supposed to do if you’re in a wreck involving a coal truck. Here are tips for what to do if you are involved in a coal truck accident:

  • Call 911 – If you’re able to, contact the police and report the accident. The police can secure the accident scene and direct traffic. Plus, you can report any injuries and make sure anyone who is hurt receives medical care. Also, you will need to file an accident report with the police for insurance purposes, and in case you need to file an accident claim against the trucking company.
  • Seek medical attention – If you or anyone else involved in the crash are injured, those who are injured should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In some cases, what you believe is only a minor injury, could turn out to be something more serious. Also, you will want to have your injuries documented for insurance and potential legal claim purposes. In addition, even if you don’t feel like you’re injured, have yourself checked anyway. Some injuries do not manifest right away, and it can be difficult to prove that you were injured later if you refused medical treatment after the accident.
  • Document the scene – Take pictures of the accident scene, all the vehicles involved (especially damages), and any injuries you and any of your passengers suffered. Also, get the names and contact information of the other drivers, passengers, and any witnesses. If possible, exchange insurance information with the coal truck driver and any other drivers involved in the wreck.
  • Report the accident to your insurance provider – Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Many car insurance companies have apps that you can download on to your phone, and these apps generally have a feature that allows you to report accidents and injuries.
  • Don’t speak to the trucking company’s insurer or attorneys – Do not talk to other drivers’ insurance companies or attorneys until after you have spoken with a truck accident lawyer and discussed your situation with them.
  • Talk with an experienced truck accident lawyer – Truck accident attorneys are used to dealing with truck accidents, trucking companies, opposing lawyers, and insurance providers. They can examine your situation, determine if you have a claim, and guide you through the process of securing the help you need to cover hospital bills, loss of income, and rehabilitation expenses.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

Being involved in a traffic accident of any kind can be a stressful and challenging experience. Suddenly, you go from carrying on with your day and your regular schedule to having your safety threatened, suffering injuries, and having your vehicle damaged (possibly beyond repair). And those are just the consequences that can result from a car wreck. Truck accidents can take things to a new and more devastating level.

At Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner, PLLC, we have seen the devastation that truck crashes can leave in their wake. Lives lost, lifelong injuries, and families left to struggle because of unaffordable medical expenses. Since 1931, we have been serving clients throughout West Virginia. Our clients are always our top priority. We protect them. We fight for them. And we do everything within our power to hold trucking companies and their insurers accountable for our clients’ injuries, loss, pain, and suffering, including recovering the compensation our clients need to begin the recovery process and move on with their lives.

For more information about our firm, check out our reviews and case results. To get in touch with us about your situation, call us at (304) 713-2014 or reach out to us online. We offer free confidential, no-obligation consultations.

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