Did you know that over four thousand people died in 2020 from large truck accidents? Although large trucks are a popular mode of transportation for manufactured foods and services, you can still suffer after a truck accident.
Have you gotten into a truck accident, and do not know what steps to take? Here are some tips to stay safe if you ever get involved in a truck accident.
After a Truck Accident Check That All Parties are Safe
The first thing that you should do after a collision is to make sure that everyone involved is safe. If there is any type of truck accident injury, it is a good idea to call the paramedics immediately.
Ask the other drivers and passengers how they feel and have them do their own self-assessment to check for any surface-level injuries.
Dial Local Authorities
After surveying for immediate damage, you need to contact local authorities. Again, if there are injuries then you should call the paramedics, but chances are if you call the police and report a car accident, they will send an ambulance and a fire truck.
Police officers will likely ask you detailed questions about the accident. Be careful what you say, and avoid taking on any blame for the crash.
The authorities may also help to remove broken glass and debris on the road so that other cars do not suffer damage as a result of the truck accident. They can get your car out of the way as well.
Take Pictures and Videos
Try to capture plenty of photos and videos as soon as you can so you have a good deal of evidence. This way, you will have all of the documentation you need to show your truck accident lawyer if you need help building a case.
Even if the other person involved in the truck accident is nice, you need to protect yourself with photos and videos. Take detailed pictures of all the damage and videos explaining what happened and how you were involved.
If you have any injuries that are already obvious, you should take pictures of them as well. These will provide a helpful time stamp to show if you need to use them in any type of legal claim later down the road.
Get Witness Evidence
Witnesses are also a vital part of forming a legal case if you need to from a trucking accident. If you can, you should get statements from witnesses about what exactly happened.
You may have been focusing on the crash itself and the witnesses can provide valuable insight into the sequence of events. For example, they may have seen the truck start to swerve early or cause other issues which ensured the truck accident.
Get a Tow Truck
Once you gather all of the evidence that you can from the scene, then you need to get a tow truck. Usually, with large truck collisions, your car will be totaled or you cannot drive it after the accident.
Call your insurance company and ask them if they cover tow truck services. You will usually have to wait a little bit for the tow truck. The insurance company may also cover expenses such as a ride-share service or taxi that will get you back home.
Obtain a Rental Car
If your car is totaled, then you will need to get a rental car to have reliable transportation after a truck accident. You can use the rental car while you shop for a new vehicle.
The amount of time and coverage that you have on the rental car depends on the driver’s insurance policy. Check to see if they have rental reimbursement coverage as part of their policy plan.
Be prepared to pay for the full cost of the rental car out of pocket in case the other driver’s insurance disputes the claim or they do not have sufficient rental coverage.
Visit a Doctor After a Trucking Accident
Even if you think that you do not have any injuries from the truck accident, it is still vital that you go to the doctor to make sure everything is all right. The doctor will likely order a full-body scan and do a physical examination to see if you have any tender areas.
A truck accident injury such as a TBI, or traumatic brain injury, may not be visible at first. If you are showing signs of blunt head trauma, then a CT scan of your brain may be necessary to see the extent of the damage.
Keep your medical records for reference in case you need to take time off work to recover from your injuries. You can also use your medical records as evidence for a disability claim later on if your truck accident injury prevents you from living a normal life.
Consult an Attorney
When you have been in a truck accident, you should make sure that you consult with a truck accident lawyer who specializes in these types of incidents. They will know what to do and which steps you need to take to get back on the road.
In addition, you will also be able to have representation if you need to take your case to court. The truck accident attorney can gather your photos, videos, and statements from witnesses and help you put together a case.
If you have a truck accident injury, you will have a much better chance of winning money from the trucking company or the individual driver. These attorneys specialize in personal injury law.
Know What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you get into a collision with a truck, you definitely need to know what steps to take after a truck accident. With this guide, you can get back on your feet as soon as possible.
Would you like to know more about any situation where you might need legal assistance or a personal injury attorney? Take a look around our site or contact us today for answers to all of your questions.
