7 Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Knowing what to do after a truck accident is vital, whether you are to blame or not. Even if it is your fault, there are steps  to minimize the challenges and to help your truck accident attorney in dealing with your claim, if that’s the case.

Moreover, to make sure that you will receive compensation for the damages and medical expenses, the following seven steps are not only a recommendation but a must.

Therefore, let’s see what you have to do after being involved in a truck accident.

1. Seek Medical Attention

If you are injured, as a result of the truck accident, it is important to call an ambulance first, or tell someone else to call one for you. 

You may not find any injuries in the moments following the accident. If you notice them later – either hours or days – you still need to seek medical attention, as certain wounds can be quite serious. Having a doctor report will also make it easier for the insurance company to accept your claim and pay the medical expenses.

2. Remain at the Scene of the Accident

Leaving the scene of the accident is illegal. By doing so, you risk your driving privileges being removed, your license suspended or having demerit points added to your record.

Stay at the scene so the authorities – and medical personnel – who first come to the scene can get information as to who is injured and needs medical attention. 

3. Move Yourself or Your Vehicle to a Safe Place

If you are not seriously injured and you think that the current location may be dangerous or that the vehicle is in a position that may cause another accident, then move to a safer location.

Naturally, you should move to the side of the road and remain close to the scene of the accident. If you are injured, then you should not move at all and wait for medical personnel. 

4. Call the Authorities

Any accident that results in injury or death must be reported to the police as soon as possible so they can arrive and make a report of what happened. The report will also state who is to blame, while also documenting all vehicle damage and injuries. 

The police report will also be useful when looking for supporting evidence for your claim, as you can simply request a copy of it.

5. Collect Information about the Accident

If possible, collect all the information you can about the accident. This includes names and contact information of those involved, license plate numbers, serial numbers, information about the trucking company that employs the truck driver/s, as well as the driver’s or truck company’s insurance carrier.

6. Take Pictures

Taking photos right after the accident can be helpful, mainly because you can provide the officers with the look of the scene before any drivers moved their cars. Make sure to photograph license plates, vehicle damage, break marks on the road, and anything else that can be used later.

7. Follow All Medical Advice

As mentioned above, some injuries surface hours or even days later, hence it is important to get yourself checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

After being examined, you will be given medical advice – follow through will all medical treatment that is recommended. If you do not, the insurance company of the other driver will claim that you were not harmed or even injured at all, since you didn’t follow the medical advice. This can result in reduced compensation or even a denied claim.

The Bottom Line

Besides all of the above, you should also consider looking for a proficient truck accident attorney, as they can help you deal with your claim – and be successful – much easier. 

However, such an attorney might not be able to help if you didn’t follow the steps mentioned above, which is why we strongly recommend to  do everything that’s required so your claim is not denied.