Truck accidents, or vehicular accidents in general, are never pleasant. At times, they can be fatal. Accidents can be caused by various factors, some of which are beyond human control. However, some of these incidents can be avoided.
Even so, accidents are a regular occurrence worldwide. Even if a person is a great driver, they might still be involved in a truck accident. Therefore, it’s crucial to know what to do in the event of a collision. Here are the steps you ought to take:
Call Law Enforcement
Regardless of the accident’s severity, the first thing you should do is call the police. The nearest local law enforcement center should dispatch officers to go to the point of the accident to assess the situation and gather evidence, which they’ll use to compile a police report. Remember, even if the accident seems minor, it’d still be best to obtain a police report.
Gather Evidence
Assuming that you weren’t seriously injured in the collision, you should go ahead and try to gather as much evidence as you can. Once the police have arrived at the scene, they’ll most likely gather evidence. But, you need to have your own evidence in hand for future reference. Also, your lawyer and the insurance company may require proof of the accident.
So, obtain as much information as you can from the accident scene. Record the date, time, and place. Take pictures of the license plates, the manufacturers and models of the vehicles, and any branding that reveals the trucker’s company. Additionally, take images of the road conditions at the time of the accident, such as potholes and skid marks.
Contact A Truck Accident Lawyer
Should you or your company wish to open a legal case ensuing the accident, it’d be best to engage a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Look for an experienced attorney to make sure they can properly handle the case, even if it’s a complicated one.
Note that accidents between trucks that are so much larger than ordinary vehicles tend to result in more severe injuries and fatalities. But, experienced lawyers understand the ins and outs of such cases and should be able to provide adequate legal guidance.
Furthermore, in cases involving insurance claims, lawyers could represent you and negotiate with the insurance company and its lawyers on your behalf. A truck accident lawyer can work to ensure you receive the compensation required to pay for all of your medical procedures and the damages incurred. Moreover, should you need court representation, they can be your representative.
Get Witnesses’ Contact Details
Anyone who witnessed the accident is referred to as a witness. It can be an occupant of one of the affected cars, a spectator, or an occupant of a nearby, separate vehicle.
That said, it’s important to note that taking a witness’s testimony is usually optional. Police officers are typically responsible for performing this task. However, emergency issues may need the police’s attention before they begin questioning witnesses.
However, if you decide to file a lawsuit, the testimony of eyewitnesses might be fundamental. Therefore, it’d be wise to obtain their contact information. If you can, go to a witness and get their contact details. You only need a name, phone number, or email address to communicate. If you have a lawyer, you may give that information to them, or you can give it to the police if they’re looking into an accident.
Get Medical Treatment
Seeking medical assistance after an accident is crucial, whether or not you believe you’re seriously hurt. Due to the adrenaline, you might not initially detect an injury, but as time passes, you might notice injuries and discomfort that doctors must address immediately. Plus, there are some instances wherein you could be suffering from internal injuries that only a doctor can identify. That said, you might need to undergo further tests at the hospital or clinic.
Nevertheless, it’s best to see the doctor as soon as possible after any accident. A medical expert will determine the injuries’ root cause, and you’ll have evidence to show that they’re caused by the collision. These essential pieces of information are required should you want to file a personal injury claim.
Contact Insurance
If you want to file an insurance claim, you must be careful not to call your insurance company personally. Instead, get your lawyer to speak with them on your behalf.
Remember, insurance companies are out to make profits, much like other enterprises. That implies that they could try to undermine your claim in some way. If given a chance, insurance firms will steer you toward saying things that would hurt your case. Anything you say to them can be used against you to weaken or refute your arguments. Therefore, it’ be best to let your lawyer do all the talking since they have the relevant experience.
Conclusion
It’s crucial that you know what to do in the event of a truck accident and that you act promptly. Some accidents can be fatal, and being responsive could save a person’s life. So, whether you come out of a collision with minor or severe injuries, try following the above steps to the best of your ability. Also, should you want to file a personal injury claim, it’d be best to contact a reliable truck accident lawyer who’ll guide you throughout the entire claims process.
