With roadways around the country crowded with large trucks, it’s only a matter of time until you or someone you know ends up in an accident with a semi-truck. These types of crashes are almost always the cause of serious injuries. When you talk about such large vehicles, it’s not surprising that many victims have substantial medical bills after a crash.
The moments immediately following an accident with a truck are crucial to building a solid case that will help you get the compensation you deserve. While the scene of your accident may be chaotic, it’s vital to your future to remain as calm as possible and start thinking about what is in your best interest.
The moments, days, and weeks after you are involved in a truck accident are crucial to your health and future wellbeing. Finding a trusted accident attorney like the experts at Charbonnet Law Firm is just one of the essential steps that you will need to take. Let’s look at a few of the steps you need to take following a truck accident.
Call the Police
The first call you need to make after you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck is to the police. If you know it, you can call the local number or just dial 911. In every state, it is the law that an accident needs to be reported.
When the police arrive, it will be up to you to give them a thorough statement of everything that happened leading up to your accident. Don’t forget to include details about the weather, road conditions, and specific circumstances of your crash. The officer on the scene will help guide you through your statement by asking questions and recording them on the accident report.
Your accident report is a piece of crucial evidence that will be valuable to your legal case. You must ask for a copy of the report or download it online. If you don’t get a copy of your accident report, you may have difficulty getting your claim paid by the insurance companies.
Seek Medical Attention
When you are in a car accident, you will go through physical, mental, and emotional trauma. You may not feel badly hurt in the moments following the crash due to the amount of pain-dulling adrenaline coursing through your body. It is crucial that you seek medical assistance on the scene or directly after your release. If the on-scene EMTs offer medical aid, it’s to your advantage to let them have a look at you. There are specific injuries like whiplash or concussion whose symptoms may not appear for a few days.
If you are injured, it’s critical that you seek continued medical care. You can go to the ER, the local Emergency Clinic, or your primary physician. Follow all of your medical orders, and keep records of all your treatments.
Collect Evidence
Once you leave the scene of your accident and the vehicles are cleared off the road, it will be too late to collect any valuable evidence that could help you build your case. Start by talking to witnesses that may have seen what happened and get their contact information while asking if they will be willing to make a formal statement. Continue your gathering of evidence by recording your account of the events. The details of your accident will fade quickly in your mind when you are traumatized, so it’s best to jot down everything you remember right away.
One of the most effective ways to gather evidence at the scene of your accident is to take photos and videos. Almost everyone has a smartphone or mobile device capable of taking pictures. Use your camera to capture these important details at the scene:
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Damage to all vehicles
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Road conditions
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Nearby signs and traffic signals
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Overview of the scene
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Vehicle placement
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Debris on the road
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Your physical injuries
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The interior of your car
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All vehicle license plates
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Exchange contact and insurance information
The more evidence you can collect at the scene of your accident, the easier it will be to build your case.
Hire an Attorney
Most regular citizens don’t have a deep understanding of the legal system and can benefit from getting advice from a legal expert. If you are involved in a truck accident, find a trusted lawyer that can guide you through the legal process and act on your behalf.
If you are involved in a truck accident, follow these critical steps to help you build a strong case and get the compensation that you deserve.
