5 Steps To Take Immediately Following a Trucking Accident
After a trucking accident, many people are left stunned by the incident. Trying to calm yourself down and take the right steps can be difficult. You might be injured or even left in complete shock from the traumatic event.
However, what you do next can often make a difference in protecting your rights and setting the foundation for a legal claim.
At Trucking Injury Law Group, we have seen many truck accident victims struggle to determine what they need to do after a collision with a big rig. For that reason, we have compiled the top 5 steps to take immediately following a trucking accident.
Step 1: Call the Police or File a Report
If you have been in an accident, you need to call the police immediately. Even if the collision seems minor, a law enforcement officer will be there to collect information and create a police report. This document will become the foundation of your legal claim.
Generally, it will state who was involved, what happened, and which party was at fault. The report will also contain other vital information, such as the trucking company name, vehicle owner, and insurance company details. When police question you, remain calm, never try to assign fault, and give the complete details of the accident.
Step 2: Get Medical Help
When the police arrive on the scene, emergency personnel will also come to assist. Often, trucking accident can leave victims with serious injuries. According to the National Safety Council, there were 117,300 large trucks involved in crashes resulting in an injury in 2021. While you may receive treatment at the accident, you may want to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. During this time, make sure to abide by all the recommended treatments. If you refuse treatment or fail to go to a doctor, it could impact your ability to show a connection between your injuries and the trucking accident.
Also, keep in mind that some injuries might not be present right away. For example, internal bleeding may not be apparent after a collision. However, with a thorough evaluation from your doctor, they can discover and treat these injuries. No matter whether you feel injured or not, always get medical attention for you and your passengers after an accident.
Step 3: Document the Evidence at the Scene
While the police will make their own report about what happened at the crash site, you also want to collect your own evidence for the claim. If you can, take pictures or videos of the scene. Don’t forget about collecting the contact information from the driver, witnesses, or anyone else involved in the accident. You should get their names, phone numbers, and addresses.
Weather and road conditions are also important factors in any accident. Sometimes, a government entity or other third party might have been liable for the accident. All this information can be invaluable as you proceed through the legal process. Remember that safety should always be your top priority, so use caution when documenting the scene and interacting with others involved in the accident.
Step 4: Be Cautious When Discussing the Incident
After an accident, you might be contacted by an insurance adjuster. Often, they will ask you questions about the incident. During these times, you will want to avoid making any statement that could be used against you later. Stick to the facts and never admit fault or take responsibility for the accident.
Trucking companies have insurance companies that will want to avoid paying out for an accident. Their adjusters are savvy and may try to question you in a way that makes you seem guilty. When it comes time to discuss the accident, you always want to err on the side of caution. If you want to ensure your rights remain protected throughout the entire process, then don’t forget to complete Step 5.
Step 5: Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
When you have been involved in a trucking accident, you need to seek legal advice right away. As noted in Step 4, insurance companies will try their best to assign fault to you, even if the truck driver was responsible for the accident. These incidents have many moving processes. You have to make sure you file before the statute of limitations runs out, have the appropriate amount of evidence, and deal with insurance companies.
With a skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer, they can assist with all those steps. These legal professionals determine the responsible parties, analyze evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. Additionally, a lawyer can represent you in court if your case goes to trial. Many times, a truck accident lawyer could increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for any damages or injuries suffered in the accident.
When you follow these steps above, you can help build a legal case against the negligent party in a trucking accident.
At the Trucking Injury Law Group, we can answer any questions regarding your incident. If you need a skilled and qualified legal team for your claim, we offer a free consultation.
