What Should I Do After a Truck Accident
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Truck and trucking accidents in the United States have grown by 50% in the last decade. According to the U.S. DOT, there are more than 6,580 cargo vehicle collisions and approximately 500 fatalities annually.
Trucking is a big business today because trucks have become one of the most common means of transport used commercially. However, these enormous pieces of vehicles can also cause severe injuries and damage if not handled properly by their drivers.
The best way to avoid this is by taking a little extra time and researching before getting behind the wheel. This information ensures drivers know how to handle any road conditions they might encounter – especially in case of an accident.
After a truck accident, you may be wondering what to do. Here are nine steps that will help you make an informed decision about what to do now and in the future.
Keep Calm
The first step is not to panic. The calmer you are, the safer the response. It’s important not to jeopardize your safety or the safety of anybody around you; a clear head allows you to take the next steps more easily.
Call 911
When you call 911, the dispatcher will forward the call to the local police and emergency services. Make sure to tell the dispatcher how bad the accident is so they can figure out how many emergency response teams to send.
Even if the unfortunate incident seems minor, you should still call the police. A police report is the best way to get a record of the accident immediately, and the police will retain precise records of all the vehicles that are involved or might be involved in the accident.
Collect Evidence
Drivers should only collect evidence if they have no serious injuries and if it’s safe and secure to get out and move around. The evidence might include photographs, contact info for witnesses, and all accident casualties. Other details like weather and road conditions also have to be captured.
Contact A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
Getting a semi-truck crash attorney involved as quickly as possible could bring a major twist to your case. A lawyer can provide many benefits after a truck accident. An attorney helps with getting you the settlement you need to cover current and future medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and much more.
Verify The Truck Driver’s Employment Details
An attorney can help you to secure employment documentation about the driver. Trucking companies are legally responsible for the mistakes their employees make. If you can prove that the driver worked for a trucking company, you might be able to get compensation to cover your losses.
Talk To Witnesses
You’ll need to find anyone who may have seen the crash. Get their names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or some other way to get in touch with them. If there’s a disagreement about what caused the crash, witnesses can be a big help in proving your side of the story. Passengers or drivers in cars that weren’t involved in that collision, bystanders or pedestrians, business owners, or nearby residents could all be witnesses.
Mind Your Words
It’s essential to remain calm after a truck accident, no matter who or what is at fault. Apologizing or admitting fault or liability can only hurt your case – even if you know you were in the wrong. Let the evidence speak for itself, and only speak to your attorney and the police about the incident.
Get Help From A Doctor
It would be best to ask for a complete medical checkup at a hospital or doctor’s office after the EMT checks you out at the scene. You might be hurt but not know it right away. You could also have an injury like internal bleeding, which only a doctor can diagnose.
Avoid Social Media Engagements About The Scene
Don’t post or comment on anything on your social media pages that could show how you’re currently feeling or how you believe the crash happened. You may wish to tell your friends and family what happened and how you’re doing, but using social media can cause legal problems in the future.
End Note
In most truck accident cases, a settlement is struck before heading to court. However, there are times when taking the case to trial is the only option. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can advise whether filing a lawsuit is the best course of action. Please note that going to trial can be expensive, and your attorney will only recommend this option if they are confident you will prevail.
