According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 100,000 truck accidents in 2020 resulted in injuries. Almost 5,000 of those accidents resulted in fatalities.
If you or someone you know has been in a truck accident, there are important steps you need to take. We’ll guide you through every step of the way to help you navigate this difficult process. Keep reading to know what you’ll have to do after a truck accident.
Call 911 First
Getting into an accident can be a scary thing, regardless of whether or not any injuries occurred. It’s important to stay calm to ensure everyone remains safe.
You’ll need to be clear-headed enough to assess any injuries to yourself and others. You’ll want to call 911 as soon as the accident occurs to ensure safety protocols are followed as well.
You’ll need the police at the scene to file the correct accident report. An ambulance should also be called to the scene.
Get Treated by First Responders
Any severe truck accident injuries should be a priority. Once those who have been seriously injured are taken to the hospital, everyone else involved in the accident should be examined.
You might think you don’t have any injuries, but there might be something you didn’t notice in the shock after the accident. You should get examined at the scene and go to the hospital after.
Further examination can determine if you have any internal injuries. Some injuries appear days or weeks after an accident, so it’s important to go to the doctor as soon as you notice any new pain.
Documenting injuries related to the crash will help you down the line if you decide to seek compensation for damages.
Take Account of All Truck Accident Evidence
Once any injuries have been addressed, you should take the time to collect as much evidence as possible. If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident and any damage you see.
Take photos of the intersection where the accident occurred and any debris left by either vehicle. If the weather was a factor in the accident, you’ll need to take note of that.
Take photos of yourself too. Take photos of everything from small scratches, to bruises, and larger injuries.
You’ll need the contact information of the other driver involved in the accident. This should include their full name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number.
You should also write down their insurance information, the contact information of their employer, and their truck’s license plate number.
Talk to Any of the Truck Accident Witnesses
While waiting at the scene, you should take note of any witnesses that have stopped to look or to help. These witnesses to the accident can become a vital part of your case.
You’ll need to take their statements as soon as possible. Jot down their names and contact information too.
Make sure you let police officers know who the witnesses are so their information and statements can be added to the incident report. Police officers might want to interview witnesses at the scene as well, but it’s never a bad thing to have your own report from those who saw the accident happen.
Contact Your Trucking Company
The process can be more complicated if you’re involved in an accident while on the job. As soon as you’re out of harm’s way, you should call your trucking company. It’s best to call them while you’re on the scene so everything that happened is fresh in your mind.
Filing a truck accident insurance claim is different than filing a claim for an accident in your personal vehicle. Your employer will walk you through their claims process and let you know what information they’ll need from you.
Make sure you follow their instructions to ensure that any medical treatment or leave is covered by your insurance.
What Not to Do
Knowing what you shouldn’t do or say at the scene of a truck accident is as important as knowing what to do. Avoid any hostility because getting angry won’t help your case move along.
Never admit any fault at the scene or during the claims process. Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, your attorney will help you find other factors in the accident that can reduce your liability.
You can give an accurate statement recalling how the accident occurred without blaming anyone. Gather important evidence and documents, and those should tell the story of what happened in the accident.
You should also avoid posting any photos or videos online. This is evidence in your case and could be misconstrued if shared with the world. Photos and videos of the accident should only be shared with insurance companies and lawyers.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
One of the most important steps in this process is contacting a truck accident lawyer. Filing an insurance claim on your own might not provide you with everything you need to cover your expenses after an accident, especially if you’ve struggled with injuries in the aftermath.
An attorney can help build a case and fight in court on your behalf. They can also negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you receive the right compensation for injuries and damages suffered.
Truck accident attorneys can help you in cases where accidents were caused by inexperienced drivers, lack of truck maintenance, fatigued drivers, or poor weather.
Louthian Law Firm – Truck Accidents says that you can collect compensation for medical bills, future medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering after an accident, so contact an attorney today.
Follow These Steps After a Truck Accident
You’ll need to follow the steps in this guide after being in a truck accident. It’s vital to get examined by a doctor and get medical treatment if needed.
You should also contact a truck accident lawyer to help you navigate the complicated process of getting the compensation you need.
Make sure to check out some of the other legal blogs on our website. Here you’ll find expert advice for all your questions on a variety of legal topics.
After being involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial to take the right steps. Consult a Vegas truck accident lawyer at Anthem Injury Law for expert guidance on navigating the legal aspects of your case.
