Truck accidents can result in serious injuries and significant damage due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. When involved in a truck accident, it is essential to take immediate steps that protect your health and ability to seek compensation for your injuries or losses.
Reacting quickly after an incident ensures you have everything documented properly and increases your chances for recovery. Below are some of the most important steps you can take and why they’re so critical to your potential case.
Assess Your Condition and Check Others Involved
After a truck accident, your first priority should be to assess your own condition as well as checking on others who were involved in the incident. If anyone appears injured or unresponsive, immediately call 911 for medical help. Making sure everyone’s safety is accounted for can prevent further complications.
Move to a Safe Area (if Possible)
If your vehicle is still drivable, it’s wise to move it out of the flow of traffic. Get yourself and any passengers to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so. This minimizes risks for both you and other drivers while reducing potential secondary accidents at the scene.
Turn On Hazard Lights
As part of this process, make sure you activate your hazard lights as soon as possible. These lights will increase visibility and alert approaching drivers that they need to proceed with caution around your vehicle.
Call Law Enforcement
It’s essential that law enforcement arrives on scene following an accident involving trucks since police reports play an important role in documenting incidents accurately; this information may become crucial when determining liability later during claims processes.
When speaking with officers concerning what happened, stick to accurate details without admitting fault or speculating on the cause of the accident. Simply provide facts about your account of events and let law enforcement do their job.
Obtain the Police Report
Once police complete their initial investigation, request a copy of the report for your records. This document contains crucial information that can support your case later during negotiations with insurance companies or legal representatives.
Collect Information at the Scene
Making sure you collect from involved parties is an important step after an accident involving trucks. This includes:
Exchange Details: Make sure you obtain important details from the truck driver including their name, phone number, insurance information, and the company’s name. This will be crucial if you need to file any claims against them. Also get their insurance, registration, and driver’s license details.
Document License Plates: Write down the truck’s license plate number as well as its Department of Transportation (DOT) number. This information helps accurately identify the vehicle involved in the accident and is essential for any future claims or investigations.
Take Photos and Videos: Capture images and videos of everything at the scene, focusing on vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant details. Visual documentation can play a role in supporting your case when you seek compensation.
Obtain Witness Information: If there are witnesses to the accident who can provide an objective account of what transpired, collect their names and contact details. These statements may be crucial later on by corroborating your version of events.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s really important to see a doctor anyway. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, either because of delayed onset or adrenaline from the accident. However, they can turn into serious health issues down the line if you don’t get checked out.
Keep Medical Records
Make sure to document every visit with doctors as well as any diagnoses and treatment plans provided. Retaining these records will be important for demonstrating the full extent of your injuries when seeking compensation down the line.
Follow Up With Your Doctor
Stay committed to following all prescribed treatments from healthcare providers for proper recovery. Sticking to medical advice helps ensure that healing occurs and it strengthens your case by showing insurers that you’re doing everything necessary to recover fully.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance provider promptly about the accident. Reporting it quickly helps get the claims process started. Be honest but stick to the facts; describe what happened without admitting fault, as this would negatively impact your claim.
Avoid Discussing the Accident Without Legal Guidance
Be cautious when communicating with representatives from the trucking company’s insurer. They may try to settle quickly for less than what you’re entitled to and could use your statements against you later. To protect yourself, do not discuss the details of the accident or your injuries without legal guidance.
Do Not Sign Anything
Refrain from signing any releases or agreements presented by insurance adjusters or other parties involved before consulting with a lawyer. Signing documents might limit your ability to claim additional compensation later, especially if it includes language that waives rights you don’t fully understand at that point.
Document All Accident-Related Costs
Keep thorough records of all costs associated with your injury, as these will support any claims for compensation. For example, collect receipts and maintain documentation for expenses directly related to the accident such as medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages due to missed work days while recovering.
Consider Future Expenses
In addition to immediate costs, keep track of ongoing expenses related to your recovery. This might include physical therapy sessions, medications, or any long-term care or home modification needs resulting from your injuries.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
After taking the necessary steps following a truck accident, it’s essential to discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A Louisville truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options while fighting for the compensation you deserve. They will work on gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and making sure you get everything you’re entitled to.
By following these steps after a truck accident, you protect your health and also preserve evidence necessary for pursuing fair compensation down the line. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.