If you are injured in an accident with a large commercial truck, you may feel disoriented and unsure of what to do. You can protect your legal rights by taking immediate action.
The following is a list of steps to take in the aftermath of a truck accident:
Ensure Personal Safety
Quickly assess your injuries and those of any passengers in your vehicle before calling for emergency assistance. If you can, exit the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel in a safe area. Ensuring your safety is paramount to avoid further injuries at the accident scene.
Call for Emergency Assistance
Even if the truck driver accident procedures require them to call the police, you should also call 911 to ensure emergency first responders come to the accident scene.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are able, take photographs of the following:
- The location of the accident
- Nearby street signs and traffic signals
- Damage to the vehicles
- Any other roadway conditions that may have contributed to the accident
Gather Information
The trucking company accident policy may require the driver to speak to the other driver involved and any witnesses. However, do not rely on the information the truck driver may obtain. Be sure to obtain the contact information of any witnesses and record what they observed. You should also get the truck driver’s name, the name of their company, and contact information. Exchange insurance information with them.
Seek Medical Attention
Emergency medical providers will evaluate your injuries at the accident scene. You could be transported to the hospital by ambulance if you need emergency treatment. Even if you do not think you were injured, you should still be seen by the EMTs at the scene.
Because some truck accident injuries do not exhibit themselves for a couple of days after the accident, you should also follow up with your primary care physician or at an urgent care facility.
Preserve Evidence
Do not have your vehicle repaired until after speaking with an attorney to ensure all evidence of how the collision occurred and the point of impact between the vehicles is well documented.
Report the Accident
After the police arrive at the accident scene, they will create a police report as required by law. You should also contact your insurance company to report the accident. Most auto liability policies require notice of accidents or claims even if you were not at fault for the accident.
Consult with an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
We understand you may not know what to do after a truck accident caused by someone else. When you contact a personal injury attorney right after an accident, you will have an advocate on your side from the start of your case. Your attorney can investigate the accident, assess the liability of the parties involved, and communicate with insurance adjusters for you while you recover from your injuries.
At Burch Law Firm, you can expect personalized, one-on-one legal services no matter how serious and complex your case may be. Retaining a truck accident lawyer at Burch Law Firm will ensure you have competent and effective legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
