It is estimated that there are about 500,000 trucking accidents every single year in the United States. These accidents can be dangerous and even fatal, especially for those in other vehicles.
If you have been in a truck accident, it is essential that you know what steps to take to get compensated for each of your damages. Do you want to learn more about what to do if you are involved in an auto accident with a truck?
Keep reading this guide for the top steps you should take when you are in a commercial truck accident.
Call the Police
After any type of accident, it is essential that you contact your local law enforcement. This is especially important when you are involved in an accident with a large truck, as this can be more dangerous to other drivers on the road and may even block traffic.
According to California law, if you leave the scene of an accident that involves injuries or death and do not contact law enforcement, this is illegal and may be considered a hit-and-run. Make sure you always report an accident that you are involved in.
When the police arrive at the scene, they will create an official report and gather details of the accident. This report will be essential if you choose to file a personal injury claim after your accident.
Get Immediate Medical Treatment
It is also important that you get immediate medical attention after you are in an accident with a truck driver. Truck accidents can often result in fatalities or serious injuries. If you were not seriously injured in your truck accident, you should count yourself lucky.
Still, you may have gotten injured in your truck accident without even realizing it. These injuries can get worse over time.
It is best to get evaluated by a doctor after your accident to make sure there are no underlying issues. Plus, they will give you an official medical report which will prove that your injury was caused by the truck accident.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
After getting into an accident with a truck driver, you need to exchange information with each other at the scene of the accident. This way, you will have access to each other’s insurance information and will be able to contact each other if necessary.
If the other driver involved in the accident works for a trucking company, you should also gather information about their employer.
Make sure you get their name, phone number, address, driver’s license information, and insurance information at the scene of the accident. This way, your lawyer can reach out to the driver or their company for more information when you file your personal injury claim.
Don’t Discuss the Truck Accident
While it is important to get the information of the other driver, you should refrain from discussing the accident during this time.
Personal injury cases can be quite complicated. While it may be tempting to discuss the accident to determine who was at fault, it is important that you do not do this.
Similarly, you should not sign anything after your accident. Often, trucking companies will reach out to you soon after the crash to try to settle the case with their insurance provider.
While you may want to take the money and be done with it, it is best to speak to a lawyer before accepting any offers. This is especially important after a personal injury, as you may not know the extent of your medical issues.
To get the most out of your compensation, you should never sign anything unless you first talk to a personal injury attorney.
Document the Scene
Documenting the scene is necessary when you are involved in an accident. If you don’t have any serious or immediately threatening injuries, you can document the scene of the collision immediately after the accident.
Make sure you take photos of the damage that was done to your vehicles, conditions that may have led to the accident, and any visible injuries that you have.
You should also take notes to help you remember exactly what happened during the accident. Having these details written down will help you if you pursue a personal injury claim.
As was mentioned before, the police or local law enforcement will also create an official report of the accident. You can request this information from them to have another witness to your account of the accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Finally, you should work with a personal injury attorney after your truck accident. This will provide you with expert legal advice for your case and will increase the likelihood of you receiving fair compensation from your case.
When you hire a lawyer, they will take care of every step of the process for you and will help you get fairly compensated after a truck accident.
They will handle all of the legal paperwork necessary after a truck accident, can help prove that the truck driver was at fault, and more. A personal injury attorney will also be familiar with the laws and regulations in the trucking industry and can help you win your case.
Need a Truck Accident Injury Attorney in Ontario, CA?
When you are in a truck accident, it can completely change your life. Whether you deal with life-changing injuries or have other damages from your accident, following each of these steps will allow you to get the help you need after an accident.
If you are looking for a truck accident injury attorney in Ontario, CA, Armstrong Accident Attorneys can help. We will help you fight for the compensation you deserve after a personal injury from a serious accident.
Contact us today to request a free consultation for your case.
