The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that as of June 2024, there have been 76,682 large truck and bus crashes in the US. Truck accidents can cause immense financial losses to trucking companies and their insurers but more than that, truck accidents often claim the lives of drivers and passengers and result in catastrophic injuries.
A Riverview truck accident attorney says truck accidents cause greater property damage and injuries than car accidents. But what are you going to do if your truck is involved in an accident?
While it’s common to feel afraid, understanding the necessary actions to take in the aftermath can significantly safeguard you, your passengers, and your vehicle.
Learn the essential steps to take after a truck accident.
Ensure Everyone’s Safety
After a truck accident, get away from traffic to protect everyone. Your first priority is to secure yourself, passengers, and other accident victims. In case someone sustains injuries, promptly contact emergency services. Turn on hazard lights or flares to warn other drivers of the accident.
Relax and examine the issue. Check drivers, passengers, and pedestrians’ safety. Move the badly injured only if they are in danger. Keep a safe distance from accident vehicles to avoid gasoline spills or other hazards.
According to catastrophic injury lawyer Kevin Cheney, it’s also vital to immediately secure legal representation from an attorney who can help you fully exercise your rights, since experiencing these types of accidents is likely to change your life in many ways.
Document the Accident Scene
Photograph the accident area from several angles to trace the cars and damage. Pictures assist prove insurance claims and legal proceedings. Photograph the accident, cars, skid marks, road signs, traffic signals, and anything else essential. Remember time, weather, and other essential info.
After photographing the incident, collect names and contact information from all parties, including witnesses. Note the license plate numbers, insurance, and driver’s license.
You should also record the accident’s location, vehicle direction, and other observations. The claims procedure and legal actions can benefit from precise and complete accident site documentation.
Contact the Necessary Parties
Promptly reach out to the involved drivers and any witnesses for their statements. Gathering their accounts while the details are fresh in their minds can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Ensure you exchange contact information with all parties involved, including names, phone numbers, and insurance details. If law enforcement is present, provide them with your statement and cooperate fully with their investigation.
You also need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They’ll guide you on the next steps and assist with the claims process.
If there were any injuries sustained in the accident, notify emergency services immediately. Seeking medical attention promptly is vital for your health and well-being.
Follow up and Seek Assistance
After sharing information with everyone, follow up and ask if the other parties have concerns. Call your insurance carrier so they can advise you on next steps and insurance coverage.
If you sustained any injuries, even minor ones, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, so it’s crucial to get checked by a healthcare professional. Remember to keep all medical records related to the accident; they’ll be important for insurance claims and potential legal matters.
As mentioned, it is important to speak with a lawyer who specializes in truck crashes. He or she can help you protect your rights, get through complicated court processes, and make sure you get fair payment for your injuries. Legal help is especially important if the accident caused serious injuries or disagreements with other people.
Conclusion
Stay calm right after a truck accident. Make sure everyone is safe, write down what happened, and inform the authorities and your insurance provider. Those injured need to seek medical attention right away, even if they feel okay after the accident.
Follow these strategies to recover faster and better after the accident.