Navigating the aftermath of an accident with a commercial truck can be an overwhelming experience. However, the steps you take at the accident scene and days after the crash can affect your ability to recover compensation for your damages. Your actions are critical to protecting your potential truck accident claim. Our truck accident lawyers highlight what to do after an accident with a semi-truck below.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 9-1-1 to Report the Accident
Your first concern should be the safety and health of yourself and everyone involved in the accident. Before checking on passengers and other involved parties, check yourself for any visible injuries. Then, if you can, check on others.
Call 9-1-1 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if needed. Police will ensure that medical responders come to the accident scene. Additionally, police officers may come to the site, investigate the crash, and create a police report.
A police report is official legal documentation of the accident. It may include information about involved parties, witnesses, a summary of what happened, and other details of the crash.
Step 2: Gather and Exchange Important Information
You should exchange information with the semi-truck driver and any other involved parties. You should gather the following information:
- Truck driver’s name
- Contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Name and contact information of the driver’s employer
- Commercial truck’s license plate number
- Any other identifying information about the truck
Additionally, if there were any witnesses to the accident, request their names and contact information. Their statements may be essential for your claim.
Step 3: Document the Accident
Use your phone to take photographs and videos of the accident scene. By taking pictures, you are preserving evidence of the crash. This evidence may be critical to proving liability and protecting your potential truck accident claim.
Our semi-truck accident lawyers recommend taking photos of the following things:
- Any visible injuries
- Interior and exterior damage to your vehicle
- Commercial truck
- Nearby road signs or landmarks
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions
Step 4: Get Medical Attention
After you leave the accident scene, you should get a complete medical evaluation as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, a medical evaluation is critical for a couple of reasons. First, you want to ensure that you get medical treatment if you have internal injuries or injuries that are not showing immediate symptoms.
Second, you want medical documentation. Medical documentation is critical for proving that your injuries resulted from the semi-truck accident.
Step 5: Consult With a Commercial Truck Accident Attorney
Commercial truck accident cases can be complex. Semi-truck accidents typically result in catastrophic injuries or death, so damages are generally significant. Additionally, many parties are typically responsible for ensuring a truck is safe and may be liable for your damages.
A semi-truck accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and protect your claim from the beginning. Your attorney can help you preserve critical evidence, talk and negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your right to compensation.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Semi Truck Accident Lawyers
Have you or a loved one suffered damages in a commercial truck accident? You may be entitled to compensation for your damages, such as medical bills and lost wages. Contact our semi-truck accident lawyers to discuss your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation.
At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we fight for California, Nevada, and Texas accident victims to help them secure the compensation they need and deserve. Call us at (888) 779-1180 or contact us online to discuss your situation today.
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