Semi-trucks are found on nearly all of our roadways, anytime day or night. This means their risk of having an accident at some point is quite high.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, what you do in the moment that follows is important – be prepared.
Assess the Situation
The first thing you want to do after a truck accident is to assess the situation. You want to check for injuries. Are you injured? How about your passengers? If anyone is seriously injured, you will want to call for medical services immediately by dialing 911. Be sure to tell them that there are injuries involved.
If possible, move your automobile off the road and into a safe location away from traffic. This is not always possible and, depending on the situation, may not be the best thing to do unless it is a minor accident. Use your judgment.
Report the Accident
If there are no injuries, now is a good time to report the accident to the police. Call 911 and advise them of the situation, giving any details you have about the location and people involved.
Once the police arrive on the scene, they will get statements from everyone involved, begin to re-create what happened, and write up a report.
Make sure you obtain a copy of this report for your records.
Gather Information
If possible, gather information about the accident, including the details of those involved, while you wait for the police to arrive.
Exchange information with the other parties, such as name, contact information, and the name of their insurance carrier. Be sure to write down or take a picture of the vehicles involved, including their license plate numbers.
You can document the accident with images by taking photos of the damage to the truck and autos involved, as well as the surrounding area, the current weather conditions, skid marks, debris, and the like. All of this may be used should you take legal action down the road.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think you feel fine after the accident, still seek medical attention. It is not uncommon for your adrenaline to be pumping through your body making you feel as though you are fine after an event such as a truck accident. However, you could have injuries that just have not surfaced yet.
A thorough exam in the emergency room or urgent care can assess any damage. Just in case you do decide to move forward with a claim, having proof that you did seek medical treatment following the accident is always beneficial.
Keep records of your doctor visits, diagnoses, treatments, etc.
Contact an Attorney
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and so on. Talking with a trucking accident attorney is a great first step. They will help you understand what your rights are in your particular situation — and will help you when filing a claim.
You will want to give your attorney copies of all the documentation you have gathered. This will help put the pieces together, creating a picture of what happened that day and what took place following it so that they may be equipped to fight for you.
Do not talk to the insurance company for the trucking company or anyone else involved before speaking to your attorney.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Injured in a truck accident or motor vehicle accident? The lawyers at Hawkins, Bingham, & Miller will meet with you and discuss the details of your case. They are highly experienced attorneys specializing in personal injury cases just like yours.
Get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.